Carnival Corp. Announces First Terminal in Japan

Carnival Corporation’s first cruise terminal in Japan has been designed by Berenblum Busch Architects, a Miami-based global architecture, planning and interior design firm. Uragashira Cruise Terminal will support the Japanese government’s initiative to develop its ports and encourage tourism in the region. It will be located in Japan’s port city of Sasebo.

The new cruise terminal, situated between Sasebo Bay and the mountains, will be a part of the green landscape. BBA’s design considers Sasebo’s culture, its building traditions, geography, and low-scale surrounding. Cruise ships sailing from mainland China to Japan will use the one-story building as a port-of-call.

The terminal’s curving roof extends beyond the building, permeating into Japan’s lush hills. North-facing Sawtooth was incorporated into the roof to utilize the natural light resource without complete sun exposure. Its extended overhead will act as a cooling mechanism for the building, as well as a shield for the terminal’s glass walls and steel frame.

BBA’s design of the 50,000-square-foot terminal consists largely of concrete—considering the region is prone to typhoons and earthquakes—as well as locally sourced glass and steel. Wooden finishes will accentuate the interior.

The program includes functions such as retail spaces, passenger waiting area, immigration, customs, offices, a second-floor terrace overlooking the sea, a public plaza, a designated car and bus drop-off area, and parking. The terminal is expected to be operational by 2020, ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

In other Carnival news, a spokesperson for the company has told Travel Agent that three upcoming sailings on the Carnival Vista are cancelled. It has also changed two other upcoming itineraries. 

For more information, visit www.carnival.com 

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