Japan Selects Cruise Ship To Host 4000 Atheletes For 2026 Asian Games Opening In Nagoya

Japan has chosen a cruise ship to accommodate athletes participating in the Asian Games, which will open in Nagoya, in the central part of the country, on September 19, 2026. This is the first time that a ship would be used for an international competition of this scale being hosted by Japan.

The government had initially decided to build an athletes’ village, but the endeavour proved to be expensive, after which it was dropped and instead the vessel Costa Serena, registered in Italy, was chosen.

The 290 m long cruise ship features 1500 rooms, open-air decks, different types of restaurants, pools, resting areas, gymnasiums and much more, which would allow athletes to rejuvenate and refresh themselves.

A total of 4000 people would be staying on the cruise ship, which would be anchored at the Nagoya Port.

Authorities have said that all measures would be taken to ensure the security of those coming to participate in the games. In case of a typhoon or rough weather conditions. the ship would be moved offshore where high waves are not common.

Masashi Hayakawa, responsible for accommodations at the Asian Games organising committee, said that athletes would find all facilities on the ship, which they could expect in a hotel.

They would designate multiple types of cabins to every country’s athletes so there is no difference in treatment and everyone is satisfied, he said, adding that there are 6 kinds of cabins on the ship, and the decor cannot be changed in such a short time.

The customs formalities, quarantine rules and other laws which apply to foreign ships operating in Japan would be applied in this case too.

Everything will be checked beforehand to avoid any confusion and misunderstandings later, the authorities told the media.

Hayakawa said that they would make one decision at a time, given there are no precedents, and there is a lot of pressure on them to do it right and meet everyone’s expectations.

Safety measures would also be taken care of, so both athletes and spectators would enjoy the games. All the preparations are in their final stage. General stores, shops and a few booths are being set up near the quay and traffic lanes leading to the port are being secured so the guests can board and disembark without hassle.