Tsunami warnings across the Pacific have upended cruise ship operations in multiple countries.
It triggered the relocation of cruise ships and other vessels to deeper waters from Hawaii, Alaska and the US West Coast.
In some cases, such as in Hawaii, guests on shore trips were unable to get back to the ship in time.
This included the NCL’s Pride of America forced to leave Hilo, Hawaii two hours earlier than scheduled ‘in response to local emergency procedures and to prioritize the safety of our guests and crew.’
Norwegian Cruise Line said guests left on land were advised to ‘seek higher ground and follow instructions from local authorities.’
“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 representative said.
Tsunami evacuation procedures were also in place in Japan and California.
NCL said affected ports will now be gradually reopening as the risk of tsunami is over.
Some flights were diverted away from Hawaii.
In Japan ferries and trains in some regions were cancelled.
Ferries connecting Hokkaido and Aomori on the northern tip of Japan’s Honshu island were suspended, as well as those connecting Tokyo and nearby islands.
Flights at Sendai Airport were cancelled while there were dozens of flight delays at airports in Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka.
