Pride of America Forced to Leave Guests Ashore Amid Tsunami Warning as Alaska Ships Also Go on Alert

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The 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on 29th July 2025 had a swift and far-reaching impact on cruise operations across the Pacific Ocean, with ships in Hawaii and Alaska responding rapidly to the tsunami warnings that followed.

NCL Pride of America in Hawaii

While the tsunami threat has since passed and warnings have been lifted or downgraded, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America was forced to depart Hilo, Hawaii, ahead of schedule, leaving more than 300 guests and crew ashore as the vessel moved to safer waters.

Pride of America Evacuates Hilo, Leaving Guests Behind

The emergency unfolded in the late afternoon, local time, when Hawaiian officials issued an urgent tsunami warning advising residents and visitors to evacuate coastal areas.

The first wave was expected to arrive at 7:10 pm HST.

In response, Pride of America, which was docked in Hilo, received clearance from Hawaii’s Department of Transportation to immediately depart the harbour.

Pride of America

As cruise ships are safest in deep water, the vessel had to set sail quickly – well before the scheduled all-aboard time of 6 p.m.

Unfortunately, the abrupt departure meant that over 300 individuals, including guests and some crew members, were unable to return in time.

In some cases, families were separated, with part of a group onboard and others ashore.

“Before departure, all guests were notified via SMS and advised to seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities if they were unable to return to the ship,” NCL said in a statement.

Those participating in official NCL shore excursions were transported to Waiakea High School, a designated evacuation site located over 100 feet above sea level and just over three miles from the port. The site was equipped to offer shelter and refreshments to stranded guests.

Satellite tracking showed Pride of America remained just offshore throughout the night, awaiting clearance to return.

Following safety inspections of Hilo Harbor on the morning of 30th July, guests were successfully reunited with the ship, and the sailing continued – albeit with an adjusted itinerary.

The planned call to Kona on the same day was cancelled, but Pride of America arrived on time in Nawiliwili, Kauai on 31st July, the final port of its 7-night inter-island Hawaiian cruise.

Alaska Cruise Ships on High Alert

While Pride of America was managing the emergency in Hawaii, cruise ships sailing along Alaska’s rugged coastlines – during the height of the state’s summer cruise season – also responded to tsunami warnings.

Ships in areas such as the Aleutian Islands, Inside Passage, and coastal ports like Seward and Sitka were placed under tsunami advisories or watches, with estimated wave arrival times between 8:30–9 pm local time on 29th July.

One of the closest ships to the earthquake’s epicentre was Villa Vie Odyssey, currently on a three-year world cruise.

Fortunately, she was sailing in deep Bering Sea waters, where tsunami effects are typically minimal.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, en route to Alaska with hundreds of guests aboard, also entered a heightened state of alert.

Quantum-of-the-Seas

Passengers described a tense but orderly response as updates were shared via ship-wide announcements, pools and open decks were temporarily closed, and safety protocols were reviewed.

“People were just kind of frantic in panic mode, not knowing what was gonna happen,” said Erin Dietrich, a guest aboard Quantum of the Seas, who spoke to PEOPLE.

Dietrich said the ship’s captain reassured guests over the loudspeaker, confirming that the cruise line was working with local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor the situation.

While conditions aboard remained stable, many passengers – especially families – reported feeling anxious until the threat passed.

Warning Downgraded, No Reported Damage

By the early morning of 30th July, the tsunami warnings had been lifted for most areas, including Hawaii and southeast Alaska. Advisories remained briefly in place for Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, but no major damage was reported at cruise ports or terminals.

The National Tsunami Warning Center confirmed that deep ocean cruising remained the safest course of action, advising vessels to avoid shallow waters, harbours, and bays due to the potential for strong currents and floating debris.

Despite fears of port damage or itinerary cancellations, cruise lines reported minimal disruption outside of Pride of America’s temporary disembarkation delay and port skip.

A Reminder of Cruise Preparedness

This incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of cruising in geologically active regions, and the robust safety protocols cruise lines have in place.

From deep-sea relocation to coordinated evacuation shelters and shipboard communications, vessels and their teams were well prepared.

As the Pacific region returns to normal operations, cruise passengers and industry watchers alike can take reassurance from how effectively ships like Pride of America and Quantum of the Seas responded under pressure.

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