Cruise Guests Stranded As Ship Flees Tsunami Warning in Hawaii

Following a massive earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, tsunami warnings blared across the Pacific, including Hawaii.

At Hawaii’s Hilo Harbor, the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America was docked when sirens sounded and alerts flooded in. Amid fear of incoming waves, the ship departed quickly for open water, stranding many shore-bound passengers who couldn’t return in time.

Guests Left Behind

Among those left behind was Jeffrey Booker, touring Volcanoes National Park, who received a tsunami alert and raced back—only to miss the ship’s early departure.

He described the moment as “uncharted territory” and lamented, “Should have known better,” after realizing the warning applied to sea travelers.

Others remained ashore, managing rental cars, shelter plans, and communications with the cruise line.

Why the Ship Sailed

Maritime protocol dictates that large vessels should leave shallow harbors during tsunami threats. In deep water, tsunami waves pass beneath undetected and present minimal danger to the ship.

The Pride of America’s departure was a calculated safety maneuver, executed about two and a half hours prior to its scheduled exit from Hilo.

Safety Versus Separation

For most passengers onboard, quick action was life-saving. For those ashore, it meant confusion and delay: unexpected accommodation arrangements, missed guidance, and a feeling of abandonment when evacuation boots hit higher ground instead of the decks.

Cruise officials have likely been coordinating with stranded guests on reunification plans, but no timeline has been confirmed.

Waves Hit—and Warnings Steady

Hawaii has recorded early waves of around 1.2 meters (4 ft), with forecasts showing possible surges up to 3 meters (10 ft).

The state’s governor confirmed no coastal damage so far but urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant for hours.

Similar alerts have been issued along Alaska, Japan, California, and other Pacific coasts.

Ports of Call on Alert

Numerous cruise itineraries are affected. Ships scheduled for coastal ports in Alaska, British Columbia, Mexico, Japan, and Pacific Island nations have altered routes or been watched closely.

Some vessels may skip certain stops altogether until the tsunami threat passes, while others migrate into open ocean—standard protocol to ride out the event safely.

Why It Matters

This incident highlights how natural disasters can disrupt global travel instantly and unpredictably. Even if many are safe onboard ships, emergency departures can strand tourists ashore with little warning. It underscores the need for better communication between cruise lines, local authorities, and passengers during crises.

You might also want to read: Massive Quake Off Russia Triggers Pacific-Wide Tsunami Warnings