Construction has begun on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port, Okinawa, a collaboration between Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Group. The terminal will increase passenger capacity and improve facilities to accommodate advanced cruise ships, supporting long-term tourism development and strengthening regional connectivity.
The Cruise Hub Formation Agreement was concluded in August 2026, with completion and operation of the new terminal targeted for March 2028. Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., represents MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group interests and will develop and operate the
terminal as agreed with Naha Port Authority.
A traditional Japanese groundbreaking ceremony was held with Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and representatives from Japan’s Cabinet Office in attendance, alongside officials from Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean Group. This milestone reflects a public-private collaboration following the port’s strategic designation.
Naha Port was designated as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2019. The port’s year-round accessibility makes it a key gateway for cruise itineraries in the East Asia region, benefiting from its strategic location within
Asia.
The new terminal will enhance operational efficiency and the guest experience through modern, purpose-built facilities, allowing the port to meet growing demand for cruise vacations in Asia. Future passengers will benefit from improved embarkation and disembarkation processes at Naha Port.
Royal Caribbean Group, operating 71 ships to over 1,000 destinations on seven continents, views Japan as a crucial cruise market, investing in infrastructure to benefit the local community long-term, said Jason Liberty, Chairman and CEO. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruises Division, which has 23 ships across five continents, highlighted Okinawa’s unique position at the crossroads of
Asia’s cruise destinations and emphasized a shared vision for cruise tourism growth in Asia through partnership with Royal Caribbean Group and Naha Port Authority.
