Construction has begun on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan, with completion and the start of operations targeted for March 2028.
The terminal will be developed and operated by Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., representing MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group respectively. The venture signed a Cruise Hub Formation Agreement with the Naha Port Authority in August.
The purpose-built facility will increase passenger capacity at the port and is intended to support the growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa. Naha serves as a gateway for cruise itineraries across East Asia.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruises Division, said the project formed part of the group’s plans to expand its regional presence and offer more year-round Asian itineraries for MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests.
“For Royal Caribbean Group, Japan is one of the most important cruise markets in Asia – not only as a destination, but as a long-term partner in our global business,” said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.
The project follows Naha Port’s designation as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2019.
