Two Cruise Rivals Just Agreed to Share a Pier in Okinawa

MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group, two of the largest competitors in cruising, have begun building a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 5, 2026. Construction is scheduled to finish in March 2028, when operations are expected to begin.

The terminal will be developed and operated by Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd. Japan’s transport ministry designated Naha an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019. The companies say the project is meant to improve passenger handling and operational efficiency and to support long-term cruise tourism growth in Okinawa. Cost and capacity figures were not stated in the report.

Both lines already sail there. MSC Bellissima, which carries about 4,500 guests, began a winter season from Naha in January 2024. Royal Caribbean’s 4,246-passenger Spectrum of the Seas regularly calls at the port on four- and five-night Asian itineraries. MSC says the terminal could also allow MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to operate in the region year-round.

For travelers, a purpose-built terminal could mean smoother embarkation and more frequent sailings. It also signals how important Japan has become for cruise growth, as lines look for new itineraries in Asia. The facility is more than a year away, so for now cruisers will keep using existing berths, but it is a sign that Okinawa could become a stronger home base.

Sources: Cruise Hive, Seatrade Cruise News