Following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off Russia’s Pacific coast on July 29th, maritime authorities activated tsunami protocols across parts of the Pacific Ocean.
The seismic event prompted tsunami warnings and evacuation measures across coastal regions, including Hawaii, Alaska, and the West Coast USA, with direct implications for cruise shipping operations.
Among the affected vessels, NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America was instructed to depart Hilo, Hawaii, two hours ahead of its scheduled departure at 4:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday. The decision was made in coordination with local emergency management authorities after the State of Hawaii declared a state of emergency and issued a tsunami alert. According to NCL statements, the safety of passengers and crew was prioritized in the early departure.
Guests who had not reboarded the ship in time were advised via SMS to seek higher ground and comply with instructions issued by local emergency officials. Passengers participating in shore excursions were transported to a designated safety location at a local high school in Hilo, where they remained under supervision until conditions stabilized.
As a precaution, Pride of America remained offshore while authorities conducted a full safety assessment of Hilo Harbor. Clearance from both local agencies and the USCG/Coast Guard was expected early on July 30th. Norwegian Cruise Line has continued to monitor the situation and is maintaining contact with relevant maritime safety bodies.
Tsunami-related currents were recorded along several points of the California coast, including Monterey and San Francisco, though no major damage has been reported. A tsunami advisory remains in effect for coastal regions of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, with lingering wave activity expected along the immediate shoreline of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the principal global cruise industry body, confirmed that member lines activated standard response protocols. The organization underscored the sector’s preparedness through coordinated response frameworks and emphasized the capacity of cruise lines to adapt swiftly to evolving maritime safety conditions.
CLIA representatives reiterated that the industry’s robust safety record is a result of continuous training and operational vigilance, coordinated with both domestic maritime agencies and international safety organizations.