Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises celebrated the start of work on the construction of a new cruise terminal in the port of Naha, capital of the island of Okinawa. Cruise Port Naha G.K. is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., which represent respectively the interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group. As part of the public-private partnership agreement for the creation of a cruise hub signed with Naha Port Authority on 28 August, valid until 31 March 2058, Cruise Port Naha G.K. will develop and operate the new terminal, which is expected to be completed and operational to start up for March 2028.

The project follows the designation of the Port of Naha, in 2019, by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a port for the creation of an international cruise hub.

Thanks to its strategic location, Naha can accommodate cruise traffic throughout the year, representing a point of ideal access for itineraries in the region. "For Royal Caribbean Group - said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, on the occasion of the start of the works - the Japan is one of the most popular cruise markets in the world. important aspects of Asia, not only as a destination but also as a long-term partners. We don't just bring our guests: we invest in the territory and, with the Naha project, to Okinawa, in infrastructure that will benefit the community in the years to come».

"Okinawa - underlined Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the Cruise Division of the MSC group - is in a Unique location, at the crossroads of some of the destinations of the most interesting cruises in Asia, and we see a great potential. The project is part of our long-term vision period to strengthen the presence in the region and create new opportunities for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to discover Asia all year round».