Athletes to Stay on Cruise Ship Costa Serena for Asian Games

Thousands of athletes set to compete in the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will be accommodated onboard a cruise ship docked in Nagoya. Event organizers have chartered Costa Serena as part of a flexible and cost-efficient housing solution for participants.

Around 4,000 to 5,000 athletes and officials are expected to stay on the vessel, which will remain berthed at Nagoya Port for the duration of the Games. The charter is reported to cost approximately $28 million and forms a key part of the overall accommodation plan. Organizers say using a cruise ship helps avoid the expense and time involved in constructing a traditional athletes’ village.

The approach has attracted attention and raised some concerns, particularly as the Games are scheduled during Japan’s typhoon season. However, officials stress that the setup is temporary and intended to provide a comfortable place for athletes to rest between training sessions and competitions.

In a departure from the usual format, athletes will not be housed by nationality but instead grouped according to their sport, creating a different type of onboard environment.

Alongside the ship-based accommodation, about 2,000 participants will stay in newly built wooden container-style units near Nagoya’s waterfront. Additional athletes and officials will be placed in hotels across the region, including Tokyo, where several events are due to be held.

Organizers have stated that preparations are on track, with increasing public interest and ticket sales already in progress.