Key Aspects:
- MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group have begun construction on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan.
- The terminal will be developed and operated by Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture representing the interests of the two cruise companies.
- Construction is expected to be completed in March 2028, when the new terminal is also targeted to begin operations.
A new cruise terminal is being constructed at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan, in partnership with two cruise industry giants. On October 5, 2026, representatives from Naha Port Authority and Cruise Port Naha G.K. gathered with cruise line officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new terminal.
Naha was designated an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2019. The new terminal project follows that designation. The new facility is being built in partnership with MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
Representing the interests of both companies, Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd, was formed under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement reached with Naha Port Authority in August 2026. Cruise Port Naha G.K. will develop and operate the terminal.
A traditional Japanese ceremony at the future terminal site marked the occasion. The ceremony was attended by Preston Carnahan for Royal Caribbean Group, Oliviero Morelli for MSC, and Javier Rodriguez Sanchez for CTL Maritime along with Okinawa Governor and President of Naha Port Authority Genta Koja.
“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.
“Okinawa is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of some of Asia’s most exciting cruise destinations, and we see real potential for its future,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group, Cruises Division. “This project forms part of our long-term vision to expand our presence in the region.”
Construction of the terminal is scheduled for completion in March 2028, when operations are also expected to begin. The goal is for the terminal to enhance passenger handling capabilities, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term cruise tourism growth in Okinawa.
Why Cruise Lines Are Investing in Naha Port
Okinawa’s geography makes it a strategically significant location for cruise operators. It sits south of mainland Japan, between Japan’s main islands and Taiwan, making it a natural port for cruises linking Japan with destinations elsewhere in East Asia.
Interest in the port has expanded in recent years. Cruise Hive reported in 2023 when MSC Cruises, after 15 years of sailing in Japan, began its first-ever winter season in Japan, with the 4,500-guest MSC Bellissima sailing from Naha Port beginning January 2024.
MSC also sees the terminal as supporting its wider ambitions in Asia. Vago said the development could create additional opportunities for both MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to operate in the region year-round.
Royal Caribbean International has also sailed in Japan for over a decade. The 4,246-passenger Spectrum of the Seas regularly calls at Naha Port during 4- and 5-night Asian itineraries.
With both cruise companies already operating in the region, the new terminal gives them a more permanent stake in Okinawa’s cruise industry. Once completed, the facility will provide additional infrastructure to support their existing operations while creating room for further expansion in Japan and across Asia.
