Chinese cruise ship docks at Nakagusuku; tourism dollars expected

Chinese cruise ship docks at Nakagusuku; tourism dollars expected

Superstar Libra calling at the Nakagusuku Port for the first time on April 13.


April 14, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo

A cruise ship named “Superstar Libra” from Hong Kong cruise company, Star Cruises, docked at the Nakagusuku Port for the first time on April 13. The ship weighs 42,285 ton. This is the first cruise ship to stop there for five years. About 1,000 passengers and crew staff from China visited Churaumi Aquarium and Shurijo Castle, travelling on tour buses.

Nakagusuku Port Cruise Promotion Liaison Council, consisting of Okinawa City, Uruma City, Kitanakagusuku Village, and other groups, held a ceremony at the port to welcome the visitors. As berthing in Naha City has been difficult due to an increase of cruise ships, Nakagusuku Port is being promoted as an alternative and this is expected to bring economic benefit to the central part of the island.

The “Libra” is scheduled to dock at the port a total of 18 times by September. Okinawa City Mayor Sachio Kuwae welcomed the cruise ship, saying, “I would like the visitors to experience the attractions of the central part of the island such as Katsuren and Nakagusuku castle ruins, as well as Tonan Shokubutsu Botanical Park. We would like to make our best effort to arrange our support system to welcome the visitors.”

(English translation by T&CT and Sayaka Sakuma)

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