Pride of America Cuts Hilo Visit Short Due to Tsunami Warning

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America had to cut short its scheduled visit to Hilo, Hawaii, due to a tsunami warning issued on July 29, 2025. The ship was docked in Hilo when the warning was announced, affecting approximately 600 guests still on land.

Norwegian Cruise Line instructed the vessel to depart Hilo earlier than planned; the departure time was moved to around 3:30 PM, about two and a half hours ahead of the original schedule. In a message sent to guests currently on board, the company emphasized the importance of safety and advised anyone not near the port to seek higher ground and follow local authorities’ guidance.

Pride of America was on a seven-night cruise that began on July 26, including other stops in Kahului, Kailua Kona, and Nawiliwili. Following the tsunami warning, Norwegian announced that Pride of America would return to Hilo to retrieve the guests and crew left ashore, once the port was cleared by local authorities.

The company communicated that light refreshments were being provided at Waiakea High School, where many of the stranded guests were gathered, and transportation would be arranged to bring them back to the port when it was safe to do so. Reports from passengers indicated that over 600 people, including both guests and staff, were still ashore when the ship left.

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