The first Japanese terminal explicitly for cruises is under construction thanks to a partnership between Carnival Corp. and Sasebo, Japan. The new terminal will serve Japan’s growing cruise appetite.

The construction is the next step in an agreement reached early last year. In March 2018, Sasebo, MLIT Japan and Carnival Corp. reached a strategic partnership agreement.

“As the cruise industry’s first terminal in Japan, this groundbreaking is a historic day for all of us at Carnival Corp. and for our partners in this exciting project,” said Michael Thamm, group CEO, Costa Group and Carnival Asia. “This new terminal will complement our strong presence in the Asia-Pacific region and furthers our commitment to help facilitate the rising demand for cruise vacations in the region, enabling even more people from around the world to discover why Japan is such an extraordinary destination.”

The agreement spans 20 years and provides Carnival berthing preference, promising optimized itineraries to help guests make the most of their time in Japan. The new terminal will accompany Carnival’s newest ships in the region.

Cruising has continued to grow in Japan and across Asia as a whole, but Japan will not have any dedicated cruise terminals until the completion of the Sasebo facility.

Japan is already a popular destination for Carnival Corp.’s lines including AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line. Carnival Corp. expects to accommodate 2 million passenger movements in the region in 2019 with 800 calls from 15 ships in Japan.

Have you been on a cruise in Asia recently? Did a lack of dedicated terminals make the experience tougher? Tell us. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.