NCL Ship Leaves Hundreds Behind for Tsunami Evacuation, Awaits Clearance to Return
Key Aspects:
Pride of America left more than 300 individuals behind at her emergency departure from Hilo due to tsunami evacuation measures.
The ship will return to Hilo Harbor once a required safety assessment is complete and the harbor has reopened.
No itinerary changes have yet been confirmed, but the ship will be unable to visit Kona exactly as planned.
Following the tsunami warnings issued to Hawaii in the wake of the 8.8 magnitude earthquake late Tuesday, July 29, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America was required to immediately evacuate Hilo Harbor.
The emergency departure, an essential step to safeguard the ship and harbor from the threat of tsunami waves, meant that guests were recalled to the vessel long before the scheduled all-aboard time.
Unfortunately, not all guests made it back to the pier. Similarly, not all crew members enjoying time ashore were able to return to the ship before it had to leave.
In total, more than 300 individuals were not aboard Pride of America as she sailed away. In some cases, families were separated depending on who was aboard the ship and who was ashore at the critical time.
In a statement to Cruise Hive, Norwegian Cruise Line explained their emergency operational decisions and what will happen next.
“Before departure, all guests were notified via SMS and advised to seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities if they were unable to return to the ship in time for its departure,” the statement read.
“Guests participating in NCL shore excursions were brought directly to a local high school, a designated safe location in Hilo, where refreshments were provided for their comfort and well-being.”
The high school used as a tsunami evacuation shelter is Waiakea High School on Kawili Street, just over three miles from the Port of Hilo. The high school is 105 feet above sea level and equipped to handle emergency crowds as needed.
Cruise guests on independent tours or exploring Hilo on their own who were not able to return to Pride of America could also go to the school. Some choose to seek other shelter or accommodations for the night as the ship remained safely away from the port.
“As a precaution and due to the temporary port closure, Pride of America has remained at sea, a safer location in situations such as this,” the cruise line confirmed.
“The tsunami warning has since been lifted, allowing for the affected ports to gradually reopen. Hilo Harbor, however, requires a safety assessment before it can receive clearance from local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard. This assessment is scheduled to take place in the early morning of July 30, 2025 local Hawaii time, at which point our guests will reboard the ship.”
Satellite tracking data shows Pride of America remaining at sea in the early morning, though the ship has not ventured further than necessary from Hilo. This will ensure she can return promptly once the all-clear is received and Hilo Harbor has safely reopened.
At that time, the ship will be able to reunite with guests who were unable to return before the emergency departure and the 7-night Hawaiian inter-island sailing will continue.
Itinerary Adjustment Inevitable
Considering that Pride of America was scheduled to be in Kona on the other side of the Big Island on Wednesday, July 30, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., that stop will not be possible as planned.
At this time, it is not confirmed whether or not the ship will simply cancel that port visit, adjust the timing, or shift all port visits on the itinerary to accommodate the unexpected changes.
Read Also: Cruise Destinations Under Tsunami Warnings Following Major Earthquake
There is one sea day left on the ship’s weeklong itinerary, planned as the last day of the voyage. It is possible that all port visits could simply be shifted one day later, or else the visit to Kona may be cancelled and the itinerary will resume as scheduled.
The next port for Pride of America is Nawiliwili on Kauai on Thursday, July 31, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This is also the last port for the weekly itinerary.
Guests onboard will be updated with itinerary changes as soon as plans are confirmed.
NCL Ship Leaves Hundreds Behind for Tsunami Evacuation, Awaits Clearance to Return