Kobe Expects Cruise Calls to Match 2025 Record in 2026
In March, four cruise ships were alongside in Kobe on each of two consecutive days, with Amadea, Asuka II and Azamara Pursuit calling on March 13 and 14.
The Port of Kobe expects its 2026 cruise traffic to maintain the level of its record 143 calls in 2025, with berth reservations pointing to a further increase in 2027. Mitsuki Iba of the Cruise Promotion Division at Kobe City Government’s Port and Harbor Bureau outlined the outlook.
“Sixty percent of our 2026 callers will use our port for turnarounds,” Iba said. For passengers beginning or ending voyages in Kobe, the port wants to encourage pre- and post-cruise stays that include sightseeing in the city.
The outlook follows what Iba described as a first for Kobe: in March, four cruise ships were in port simultaneously on each of two consecutive days. The calls included a return by Amadea, which had visited Kobe more than 100 times during its earlier service as Asuka.
Four ships alongside on consecutive days
Amadea, Asuka II and Azamara Pursuit called on both March 13 and March 14. Mitsui Ocean Fuji completed the four-ship lineup on the first day, while Asuka III joined the other three vessels on the second. The two days brought Amadea together with both ships carrying the Asuka name.
Terminal services and local spending
Kobe has two dedicated cruise terminals near the city center: Kobe Port Terminal at Shinko Pier No. 4 and Naka Pier Cruise Terminal near Meriken Park. Both provide customs, immigration and quarantine facilities for international passenger processing, along with covered, accessible boarding bridges.
Local tourism staff at the terminals provide sightseeing information and assistance. Passengers and crew also have access to free shuttle buses into central Kobe; timetables depend on the cruise operator, and late service may be available for ships staying overnight.
For transit calls, the port wants more passengers and crew to spend time ashore. Iba also said Kobe would like visiting ships to increase their local purchasing.
“We also consider it a success when the ship calls bring economic impact to the city,” Iba said.
“Frequent ship calls help residents to cultivate a spirit of hospitality,” Iba said, adding that positive experiences in Kobe help encourage cruise lines to return.
The port also plans to make LNG bunkering available from April. The year was not specified.
