Cruise passengers brace for news as tsunami warnings issued across the Pacific

• A large earthquake in Russia has led to tsunami warnings across the Pacific with destinations like Japan, Hawaii, the West Coast of America and Alaska.
• Thousands of cruise passengers could have their itineraries affected, as they await news on how the sea and weather conditions progress.
• Minor warnings have been issued for Australia and New Caledonia.

A massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia has led to the issuing of tsunami warnings across the Pacific. A range of cruise ships could be affected, with warnings issued across the pacific.

Cruise ships currently cruising in popular sailing regions such as Alaska, Hawaii and the West Coast of the USA. There are even concerns closer to home, with possible waves of up to three metres potentially set to reach the shores of French Polynesia, and other Pacific Islands.

A warning has also been issued for Japan, a popular cruise destination. 

New Caledonia, a popular destination for Aussies has also been issued a warning, but it’s less severe, only predicting waves of between 0.3 and 1 metres. Australia also has a warning of waves of up to one metre. 

There is particular concern for ships sailing in Alaska, of which there are plenty with July being one of the prime months for an Alaska sailing. 

The US Tsunami Warning System has issued a warning for the Alaska peninsula, down through California and even reaching Mexico. 

Cruise ships and captains will prioritise safety in moments like this, and are well-versed in how to minimise the risk of any potential harm to guests or the ship. 

Strategies to avoid experiencing tsunamis include sailing away from the epicentre, keeping the ships in deeper water and keeping in close contact with emergency services and authorities. 

Princess which sails in Japan said in a statement “Diamond Princess has not been impacted and today is safely berthed in Busan, South Korea. We are monitoring the situation closely. We’re always reviewing events across the globe for any potential impact to our cruises and ports of call, and as needed will communicate any changes to our guests and travel advisors.”

Princess’ parent brand, Carnival Corporation said, “There’s no impact for CCL ships at this stage.”

The situation is likely to continue to unfold, as the aftershocks following the earthquake in Russia could continue for a couple of days, meaning ships may want to avoid some coastal areas.

The warnings are definitely serious and are already being taken into account across the travel industry, with guests in a Disney Resort in Hawaii being moved from the bottom floors of the resort up to higher levels. 

More information will surely come soon, from both emergency authorities who will continue to assess the conditions, and from cruise lines who will provide guests with the most recent updates on itineraries, sea conditions and any required safety procedures.