Port of Naha: Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises Break Ground on New Okinawa Cruise Terminal

October 5, 2026 — Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises broke ground today on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan. The terminal is targeted for completion in March 2028.

The ceremony brought together the Naha Port Authority, the two cruise companies and Cruise Port Naha G.K., the terminal company. Cruise Port Naha is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd. The parties signed their Cruise Hub Formation Agreement in August 2026. Japan’s transport ministry designated Naha an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019.

What is known

Item	Detail
Groundbreaking	October 5, 2026
Target completion	March 2028
Cost	Not disclosed
Passenger capacity	TBA
Ships and itineraries	TBA — none named

The partners say the building will improve passenger facilities, handle larger and more advanced ships, and support more regional itineraries in Asia. Royal Caribbean Group chief executive Jason Liberty called Japan “one of the most important cruise markets in Asia.” MSC Group executive chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said Okinawa sits “at the crossroads” of the region’s cruise destinations.

What it means for airline travelers

Nothing changes before 2028. Current Naha calls and existing bookings are unaffected.
Airport: Naha Airport (OKA) serves the city. Most international travelers reach it through a connection in mainland Japan or another Asian hub.
Watch 2028 deployment announcements. Neither company has said whether ships will start or end cruises in Naha or only call there. If turnarounds are announced, a standby trip would mean two flight segments to reach the ship, so build in at least one buffer day.
Interline rates: Not addressed in either report.