Cruise Ship Evacuates Hawaii Port During Tsunami Warning

The abrupt departure separated families, with some members aboard while others remained on shore, some cruise guests shared on social media.

Rudy Blalock

Published: 7/31/2025, 5:50:22 PM EDT

Cruise Ship Evacuates Hawaii Port During Tsunami Warning — Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings cruise ship Marina arrives at the Havana bay, Cuba, on March 9, 2017. (Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters)

Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America left a Hawaiian port ahead of schedule Tuesday, leaving more than 300 passengers and crew members stranded ashore as officials responded to tsunami warnings triggered by a massive earthquake off Russia's coast.

The 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula on July 29, prompting Hawaiian authorities to issue urgent tsunami warnings. The first wave was expected to reach Hawaii at 7:10 p.m. local time.

Pride of America, docked in Hilo, received emergency clearance to depart immediately at 4 p.m.—two hours before its scheduled 6 p.m. departure.

"On July 29, 2025, the State of Hawaii declared a state of emergency and issued a tsunami warning following an 8.8-magnitude earthquake east of Petropavlovsk, Russia," a Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson told NTD News in an emailed statement. "As such, in response to local emergency procedures and to prioritize the safety of our guests and crew, Pride of America was required to depart Hilo, Hawaii immediately."

The abrupt departure separated families, with some members aboard while others remained on shore, some cruise guests shared on social media. The cruise line notified passengers via text message and instructed them to seek higher ground if unable to return in time, according to the spokesperson.

Passengers participating in official Norwegian shore excursions were taken to Waiakea High School, a designated evacuation site located more than 100 feet above sea level.

One passenger documented the chaotic scene on social media. "The ship is leaving us. They are taking us to higher ground," according to a TikTok video posted by user @mandythecruiseplanner. "It's crazy. Its chaos. Nobody knows what's going on. Our bus driver had no idea what was happening. People on the ship, we have family on the ship, their terrified for us, we’re terrified for us. We’re going to be going to higher ground now."

Pride of America remained offshore throughout the night, awaiting clearance to return.

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted safety assessments following the incident. Coast Guard crews, including an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Barbers Point, performed port assessments and overflights throughout the Hawaiian Islands, according to a July 31 Coast Guard press release.

"No observable hazards or pollution were reported," the Coast Guard said.

"The safety of all mariners has been our top priority throughout the tsunami warning in Hawaii," according to Coast Guard Captain Nicholas Worst. "While the ports are now fully reopened to maritime traffic, we are working continuously with our federal, state, local agency, and industry partners to assess any potential hazards and keep commerce flowing safely."

On July 30, after the tsunami warning was lifted, Pride of America received clearance to re-enter Hilo Harbor. All stranded passengers reboarded around 1 p.m.