Construction has begun on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, with MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group supporting a project intended to strengthen the Japanese port as a cruise hub for East Asia.
Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group marked the start of construction with a traditional Japanese groundbreaking ceremony on 5 October 2026.
The purpose-built passenger terminal is scheduled to be completed and begin operating in March 2028.
MSC and Royal Caribbean back the project
The terminal will be developed and operated by Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd. The partners represent the interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group respectively.
The joint venture signed a Cruise Hub Formation Agreement with Naha Port Authority in August 2026, establishing the framework for the development and future operation of the facility.
Representatives from the two cruise groups joined Okinawa Governor and Naha Port Authority president Genta Koja and Japanese government officials at the groundbreaking ceremony.
New facilities for larger cruise operations
The new terminal will provide modern facilities designed specifically for cruise passengers. The partners say it will improve passenger handling, increase operational efficiency and enhance the experience for guests arriving in and departing from Okinawa.
It will also strengthen Naha Port's ability to accommodate some of the cruise industry's newest and most advanced ships, supporting increased passenger capacity and further cruise growth in the region.
The official announcement did not provide the terminal's planned floor area, maximum ship dimensions or annual passenger capacity.
Strategic cruise gateway for Okinawa
Naha's position in the East China Sea makes it a natural gateway for itineraries linking Japan with destinations elsewhere in East Asia.
The port offers year-round accessibility and provides cruise passengers with access to Okinawa's capital as well as the islands' cultural, historic and coastal attractions.
Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism designated Naha as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019. The new terminal represents a public-private effort to build on that designation and support the longer-term development of tourism in Okinawa.
Royal Caribbean highlights Japan's importance
Royal Caribbean Group described Japan as one of its most important Asian cruise markets, both as a destination and as a long-term business partner.
The company said the investment was intended to support the future growth of cruising in Okinawa and across Asia, while strengthening regional connectivity and improving facilities for passengers.
MSC Cruises is participating through the same terminal-development partnership, giving two of the world's largest cruise groups a direct role in the future operation of the Naha facility.
When will the new Naha cruise terminal open?
Completion and the start of operations are currently targeted for March 2028. The timetable may remain subject to construction progress and the usual regulatory and operational requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the new cruise terminal being built?
The terminal is being developed at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan. Naha is the prefectural capital and an established call for cruise itineraries operating around Japan and East Asia.
Who will operate the terminal?
Cruise Port Naha G.K. will develop and operate the facility. It is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., representing the respective interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
When is the terminal expected to open?
The partners are targeting completion and the beginning of operations in March 2028.
Which cruise lines will use the terminal?
MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group are partners in its development, but the official announcement did not publish an exclusive list of ships or cruise lines that will use the facility.