Construction begins on new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Japan
Construction has begun on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan, through a partnership involving Naha Port Authority, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
The project reached its groundbreaking stage on 2 October 2026, following an agreement signed in August between the port authority and Cruise Port Naha G.K., the joint venture responsible for developing and operating the facility.
The new terminal is scheduled for completion and the start of operations in March 2028, with plans to expand passenger-handling facilities and strengthen Naha’s role within regional cruise networks.
Joint venture to develop and operate terminal
Cruise Port Naha G.K. is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., representing the respective interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
Under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement concluded with Naha Port Authority in August 2026, the joint venture will oversee the terminal’s development and subsequent operation.
The facility is intended to provide dedicated infrastructure for cruise passengers while improving operational efficiency and increasing the port’s ability to accommodate large cruise vessels.
According to the project partners, the terminal will support the development of cruise itineraries connecting Okinawa with other destinations across East Asia.
Naha’s geographical position and year-round accessibility are among the factors identified by the companies as supporting its potential as a regional cruise hub.
Cruise operators expand infrastructure involvement in Japan
The investment forms part of the participating cruise groups’ plans to develop their presence in the Asian market.
Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, highlighted Japan’s importance to the company’s regional activities and its approach to investing in port infrastructure.
“We do not simply bring guests here, we also invest here and with Naha Okinawa, we are investing in infrastructure that will benefit the local community for years to come,” said Liberty.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruises Division, said the project supports the group’s plans to expand cruise opportunities in Asia, including itineraries involving MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
Vago also identified Okinawa’s location as an important factor in connecting cruise destinations across the region.
The development 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.
The groundbreaking ceremony included representatives from the participating companies, Naha Port Authority and Japanese public authorities, including Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and officials from Japan’s Cabinet Office.
With construction now underway, the project partners are targeting March 2028 for the terminal’s completion and operational launch.
