Work is progressing on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan, with the facility scheduled to commence operations in March 2028. The development is being undertaken through Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture involving Naha Port Authority, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
The project will provide dedicated passenger facilities and expand the port’s capacity to accommodate large cruise ships and turnaround calls. Located in southern Japan, Naha serves as a potential hub for itineraries linking the country with Taiwan, South Korea and other East Asian destinations.
The terminal is planned for the No. 12 berth at Shinminato Wharf, which is expected to be ~430 metres long, with a water depth of 12 metres. The infrastructure is being designed to accommodate vessels of ~220,000 gross tons, while access for larger ships may be considered subject to safety assessments.
The terminal building will cover ~4,000 square metres and is intended to support turnaround operations for up to 6,000 passengers. Under the development agreement, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group are expected to receive preferential access to the berth.
Naha Port anticipates 71 calls by the two cruise groups in 2028, comprising 40 visits by MSC Cruises vessels and 31 by ships associated with Royal Caribbean Group.