Costa Serena has been selected as one of the official accommodation facilities for the 20th Asian Games, hosting ~4,000 athletes and team officials representing 43 nationalities at Kinjo Pier in Nagoya.
The ship arrived in Nagoya on September 15th, with Costa Crociere working alongside JTB Nagoya and the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games Organizing Committee (AINAGOC) to adapt the vessel for use as an accommodation facility tailored to the requirements of competing athletes.
The onboard operation has been structured around competition and training schedules rather than conventional cruise routines. Dining hours have been adjusted accordingly, while menus have been developed to address the nutritional requirements of athletes across different sports and accommodate a range of dietary needs.
Fitness facilities have also been expanded and reconfigured for the event, with additional dedicated training areas allowing delegations to maintain their preparation programmes without leaving the ship.
Costa Serena is operating a fully staffed Medical Centre in coordination with the Games’ medical services. This provides on-site medical support and a referral route into the official medical network when required.
Other areas of the ship have been adapted to support recovery and rest. Pools, thermal facilities and designated quiet areas are being used as recovery spaces, while cabin arrangements have been designed to provide suitable conditions for athletes between training sessions and competitions.
The ship’s location at Kinjo Pier places it close to the main cluster of competition venues in the port area. Athletes can transfer directly from the vessel to dedicated shuttle services, while transportation arrangements between Chubu Centrair International Airport and competition venues were coordinated with AINAGOC to reduce travel time. A multilingual guest services desk operates around the clock.
Cabins have been allocated according to sport rather than nationality, with athletes competing in 18 disciplines, including judo and gymnastics, accommodated aboard the vessel.
Costa Cruises Chief Commercial Officer and Senior Vice President Francesco Muglia said the company had adapted its experience in managing accommodation and hospitality for large numbers of people to meet the specific requirements of athletes. He explained that the operation had been structured around appropriate meal timings, training facilities, recovery areas and cabins suitable for rest before competitions.
Francesco Raffa, Asia Region Director at Costa Cruises, described Costa Serena as the first cruise ship in Japan to be used as a floating hotel for a major event of this scale. He said the project demonstrated how cruise ships could provide temporary accommodation, dining, training, recovery and social facilities within a single integrated platform, potentially reducing the need for additional permanent infrastructure when hosting large international events.
Costa Serena will remain berthed at Kinjo Pier until October 6th, 2026.