Cruise Industry Takes Action in Response to Pacific Tsunami Alerts After Major Offshore Earthquake

Following a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia’s Pacific coast on July 29, 2025, maritime authorities implemented tsunami protocols across parts of the Pacific Ocean. This seismic activity triggered tsunami warnings and evacuations in coastal areas, including Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. West Coast, affecting cruise operations significantly.

One vessel impacted was the Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line, which was ordered to depart from Hilo, Hawaii, two hours earlier than its 4:00 p.m. scheduled time. This decision came in collaboration with local emergency management after a state of emergency and tsunami alert were declared in Hawaii. The safety of passengers and crew was the priority.

Guests who did not return to the ship in time received SMS alerts advising them to move to higher ground, following local emergency directives. Passengers on shore excursions were relocated to a nearby high school for safety until the situation improved.

In a proactive measure, the Pride of America remained offshore while local authorities conducted safety evaluations of Hilo Harbor. Clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies was anticipated early the following day. Norwegian Cruise Line continued to monitor the evolving situation and stayed in communication with maritime safety officials.

Tsunami-related currents affected various locations along the California coast, including Monterey and San Francisco, though significant damage was not reported. A tsunami advisory was still in effect for the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with continued wave activity expected near Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the primary global cruise industry organization, confirmed that its member lines activated standard response protocols, highlighting the industry’s preparedness and ability to react quickly to changing maritime safety conditions. CLIA officials reiterated that the cruise industry’s strong safety record stems from ongoing training and operational vigilance, in collaboration with domestic and international safety organizations.

For more information on the cruise industry and maritime safety, visit CruiseMapper.

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