MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group have broken ground on a new cruise terminal at Naha Port in Okinawa, Japan, marking an unprecedented partnership between two of the world’s largest cruise operators.
The facility, scheduled to open in March 2028, will be developed and operated through a joint venture representing both companies’ interests in the strategically important Asian port.
Representatives from Naha Port Authority and Cruise Port Naha G.K. gathered with senior cruise line executives on 5th October 2026 to celebrate the official groundbreaking of the new terminal. The ceremony, held at the future terminal site, followed traditional Japanese customs and marked the formal commencement of construction activities.
Attending the event were Preston Carnahan representing Royal Caribbean Group, Oliviero Morelli for MSC Cruises, and Javier Rodriguez Sanchez for CTL Maritime. Genta Koja, Okinawa Governor and President of Naha Port Authority, also participated in the proceedings, underscoring the project’s significance to the local government.
The ceremonial event symbolised the culmination of years of planning and negotiation between the cruise lines, port authorities, and Japanese government officials. For both cruise companies, the investment represents a significant commitment to the Asian cruise market and Okinawa’s role within it.
Joint Venture Structure Brings Together Industry Competitors
Cruise Port Naha G.K., the joint venture entity that will develop and operate the terminal, was formed under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement reached with Naha Port Authority in August 2026. The company represents a collaboration between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd, bringing together the interests of both MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.
This partnership structure is relatively unusual in the cruise industry, where major operators typically compete rather than collaborate on infrastructure projects. However, the scale of investment required and the strategic importance of the Okinawa location appear to have aligned the interests of both cruise giants.
The joint venture model allows both companies to share development costs whilst ensuring they each maintain operational access to the facility. It also provides Naha Port Authority with committed partners who have demonstrated long-term commitment to the region through existing cruise operations.
Government Designation Paved Way For Development
Naha’s selection as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2019 laid the groundwork for this terminal project. The designation identified Naha as one of several strategic ports selected to enhance Japan’s cruise infrastructure and tourism capabilities.
The government programme was designed to encourage private sector investment in cruise facilities whilst providing regulatory support and coordination. By designating specif
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