In the March 8 edition of eFlyer Asia, we talked about the rapid growth of the cruise industry in Southeast Asia. This growth expands further, as Carnival Corp. signed a first-of-its-kind, long-term strategic agreement with the city of Sasebo in Nagasaki.

The agreement includes a brand-new cruise terminal with operations expected to be up and running in 2020 — the year Tokyo plays host to the 32nd Olympic Games. Carnival will receive full berthing preference, allowing the company to drive its cruise itineraries to the new port.

“With nine global cruise line brands, Carnival Corporation considers its role in the long-term development of the cruise, travel and tourism industry in Asia and especially Japan as an important strategic priority. Through our long-term investment in the port of Sasebo, and hopefully additional Japanese ports, we hope to facilitate the rising demand for travel in this important region, allowing even more people from around the world to discover the beauty of Japan,” said Mario Zanetti, president, Costa Group Asia.

Carnival Corp. currently has the largest cruise presence in Japan, including more than 870 calls in 45 ports with an estimated 1.8 million cruise passengers in the market.

Carnival isn’t alone, though. Windstar Cruises will be back in Asia for the 2018–2019 season with 27 total sailings on the Star Legend, and four new cruises will be added. The cruise line increased departures for popular Japan cruises timed with the famous cherry blossom season and fall foliage.

Cunard’s Oceans of Discovery programme, sailing November 2019–April 2020, includes 10 maiden calls in Japan; and Oceania’s 2020 Around the World voyage focuses more on Japan than ever before with nine ports of call.