A new cruise terminal project in Okinawa has reached the construction stage. MSC Cruises’ official news index dated October 5, 2026 identifies Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group as the partners marking the start of work.
According to Cruise Industry News’ October 5 report, the developer and operator will be Cruise Port Naha G.K., a joint venture representing MSC and Royal Caribbean’s interests. The project follows an agreement with the port authority reached in August 2026. Completion and passenger operations are targeted for March 2028.
The stated aim is to improve passenger facilities and support more cruise traffic through Naha. For travelers researching future Japan itineraries, the key distinction is timing: this is the beginning of construction, with the new facility still ahead. The opening month remains a target, so it should not be treated as a confirmed terminal assignment for a specific sailing.
Source: Original reporting.
Image: Naha port waterfront in October 2015. File photograph for destination context; it does not depict the new terminal site or the 2026 groundbreaking. Credit: Rickard Törnblad / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for display; any image adaptations remain CC BY-SA 4.0. Image source · License.