What actually happens to cruise ships in a tsunami? It’s not what you think

Have you ever wondered what happens to cruise ships in a tsunami? It’s not what you might think.

A earthquake was recently recorded off the coast of Russia, which triggered tsunami warnings in Hawaii, Japan, and the US West Coast.

In the aftermath of the alerts, people aboard cruise ships were left feeling understandably panicked.

However, official advice means that a cruise ship may be the safest place to be in a tsunami.

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What happens to cruise ships in a tsunami?

When a tsunami strikes, your natural response might be to avoid the water.

Which only makes sense, right?

After all, nobody wants to be in the vicinity of huge waves hurtling towards the shore.

However, in the case of the recent tsunami off the coast of Russia, several cruise ships departed from ports in Alaska, Hawaii, and the West Coast region.

One such ship was the Pride of America, operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, which departed from Hilo port in Hawaii.

It did so hours ahead of schedule, leaving several people stranded on land.

“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,” NCL said in a statement shared to Newsweek.

The company said it had notified passengers about the emergency response, and told people to seek shelter on higher ground.

NCL was merely acting on guidelines issued by numerous safety bodies.

The International Tsunami Information Center said that cruise ships should remain at sea and refrain from returning to port.

This is because a rapid change in water levels and moving debris can wreak havoc in ports.

The Center noted that vessels are in less danger when in waters exceeding depths of 100 meters.

It’s similar advice from the Hawaii Boater’s Hurricane and Tsunami Safety Manual.

“Move your vessel offshore to waters greater than 300 feet in depth and more than two miles from the channel entrance as soon as a distant Tsunami Warning or Tsunami Advisory is declared,” it said.

When not caught up in natural disasters, these ships are usually the height of luxury

Most people would dream of a luxurious cruise, and those who get to go on them enjoy them thoroughly.

In fact, some people take it to the next level – and live on them indefinitely.

One couple have booked 51 back-to-back cruises to stay out of a retirement home, which seems like a pretty sound plan to us.

Another woman living on a cruise ship declared it was cheaper than living in California.

But it’s not all sunshine and sangria, as this woman revealed.

Anybody would prefer cruise ships in calm water than cruise ships in a tsunami, there’s no debate about that.

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