An 8.8 magnitude earthquake prompted early departures and emergency procedures for vessels in Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast.
A powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia's Pacific coast on Wednesday triggered widespread tsunami warnings, forcing cruise ships to alter their courses. In response to advisories issued Tuesday evening by the National Weather Service, vessels in Hawaii and along the U.S. West Coast enacted emergency protocols, including Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America, which made an early departure from port.
The Pride of America was forced to leave port in Hilo, Hawaii, at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, two hours ahead of schedule. A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) confirmed the ship was required to depart "immediately" after the state declared a state of emergency, saying the decision was made "to prioritize the safety of our guests and crew."
The cruise line notified guests of the change via SMS, advising those ashore "to seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities." Passengers on official NCL shore excursions were transported to a designated safe location at a local high school where they were provided with refreshments. The spokesperson noted that the ship "has remained at sea, a safer location in situations such as this."
The emergency response followed an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia. While tsunami waves were recorded in Monterey and San Francisco, California, they did not cause significant issues. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) told ABC News it has a "strong coordinated approach" for such events, emphasizing that cruise lines have an "exceptional safety record thanks to ongoing intensive training, vigilance, and response plans."
With the primary tsunami warning now lifted, affected ports are expected to gradually reopen. However, Hilo Harbor requires a safety assessment by the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities before ships can return. The assessment is scheduled for the morning of July 30, 2025, at which point guests will be able to reboard the Pride of America. NCL stated it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates.
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