Thousands of athletes competing at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan will be staying in aboard a cruise ship docked in Nagoya. As part of a cost-saving and flexible accommodation plan, organizers have chartered Costa Serena to house a significant portion of participants during the event.

Between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes and officials will be housed onboard Costa Serena, which will remain docked at Nagoya Port throughout the Games. The ship has been chartered for approximately $28 million, making it a central part of the Games’ accommodation strategy. Organizers say the decision to use a cruise ship helps reduce the cost and time required to build a traditional athletes’ village.

Officials acknowledge that the concept has sparked curiosity and some concern, especially as the Games coincide with Japan’s typhoon season. However, they emphasize that the arrangement is temporary and designed to provide comfort between training and competition.

Rather than staying grouped by country, athletes will be assigned accommodations based on their sport, creating a different kind of community onboard.

In addition to the ship, around 2,000 participants will stay in newly built wooden container-style units near Nagoya’s waterfront. The rest will be accommodated in hotels across the region, including in Tokyo, where some events will take place.

Organizers say preparations for the Games are progressing as planned, with growing public interest and ticket sales already underway.