Asian Games 'floating village' docks in Nagoya Port

Summary During the Asian Games, the Costa Serena will accommodate up to 4,000 athletes and officials at any one time

NAGOYA (Web Desk) - Samurai warriors, ninja fighters, taiko drums and other traditional musical instruments welcomed the Asian Games “floating village” into Nagoya Port.

Asian Games organising committee AINAGOC laid on a special reception for the Italy-flagged Costa Serena at Kinjo Pier and described the cruise liner as a potential new accommodation model for major multi-sport events.

Operated by Costa Cruises, the Costa Serena has gross tonnage of approximately 114,000 tons and is 290.2 metres in length. It has 1,500 cabins and a passenger capacity of 3,780.

During the Asian Games, which will run from September 19 to October 4, the Costa Serena will accommodate up to 4,000 athletes and officials at any one time, and will be in service from September 15 to October 6.

The President of AINAGOC, Hideaki Ohmura, who is also Governor of Aichi Prefecture, said the cruise liner would be docked for 22 days.

“This is the first time for a major sports event in Japan to have this new kind of accommodation,” he said, adding that it could serve as a model for high-demand accommodation without the need for expensive construction.

“The Asian Games is Asia’s largest sports event and I would like to wish all athletes a comfortable and memorable stay,” he said.

A Costa Cruises delegation was led by Captain Federico Sias, who said the ship operators were very proud to have been selected for this “extraordinary” event.

“Our ship becomes more than a destination – it becomes a home,” said Captain Sias.

“We will strive to provide a comfortable, safe and memorable stay. We wish all the athletes an enjoyable experience on board and ashore.”

The 20th Asian Games will not have a traditional Athletes’ Village, so the athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees will be accommodated in the Costa Serena, Asian Games “villas” in nearby Garden Pier and in hotels throughout Nagoya City and Aichi Prefecture.

The Pakistan Olympic Association has announced the athletes to carry the national flag. The names of squash player Noor Zaman and national women's cricket team captain Fatima Sana have been finalized.