Costa Serena to Float as a Hotel for Participants of the Nagoya Asian Games

A charter has been arranged for the Costa Serena to serve as a floating hotel during the upcoming 20th Asian Games, taking place in Aichi–Nagoya, Japan, from September 19th to October 4th, 2026. The ship is expected to be docked at Nagoya Port, accommodating about 4,000 to 5,000 athletes and officials for the duration of the Games.

This innovative accommodation solution aims to replace a traditional athletes’ village and is valued at approximately $28 million. The decision to utilize a cruise ship is intended to minimize construction expenses and reduce preparation time, all while providing ample housing for the participants.

Concerns have emerged regarding the timing of the event, as it coincides with Japan’s typhoon season. Nevertheless, organizers have reassured stakeholders that the arrangement is temporary and designed to efficiently house athletes during their training and competition periods.

Accommodation plans on the Costa Serena will be organized by sporting discipline rather than nationality, which differs from customary methods in land-based settings. The vessel will feature all the necessary onboard amenities, including dining and recreation areas, effectively functioning as a self-contained living unit.

In addition to space on the Costa Serena, approximately 2,000 participants will be housed in temporary modular structures along the Nagoya waterfront, with some competitors also being stationed in hotels in Tokyo, where specific events are scheduled.

This initiative is part of a larger decentralized accommodation strategy for the Asian Games, marking a significant shift away from the traditional single-site athletes’ villages. Preparations for the event are reportedly on schedule as public engagement and ticket interest continue to rise.


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