Norwegian Cruise Passengers Stranded in Hawaii After Tsunami Warning

Several passengers sailing aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America were left stranded in Hawaii after the ship departed early due to a tsunami warning.

On July 29, the vessel left Hilo Harbor two hours ahead of its scheduled departure following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia that triggered tsunami alerts across the Pacific. Hawaii’s Department of Transportation instructed the ship to leave port immediately for safety reasons.

“In response to local emergency procedures and to prioritize the safety of our guests and crew, Pride of America was required to depart Hilo immediately,” Norwegian Cruise Line said in a statement. The company confirmed it notified passengers via SMS and advised those ashore to seek higher ground and follow local emergency instructions if they could not return to the ship in time.

Guests on official shore excursions were taken directly to a designated safe site at a local high school in Hilo, where refreshments were provided while authorities monitored the situation. Norwegian Cruise Line added that the vessel remained at sea, a safer position during such emergencies.

The tsunami warning was later lifted, allowing ports across Hawaii to gradually reopen. Hilo Harbor, however, required a full safety inspection before receiving clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard. According to KHON2, the stranded passengers were able to rejoin the ship on July 30 and continue their itinerary.

This incident underscores the unpredictability of natural events at sea and the importance of strict safety protocols in cruise operations.

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