Tsunami warnings have been triggered across the Pacific in the aftermath of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia – and Japan has been hit by a five foot tidal wave.
But what happens on a cruise ship during such concerning times?
Advisories have been issued in Alaska, where it is currently peak cruise season, as well as Hawaii and Japan, among other destinations.
Waves created by the earthquake have already been recorded hitting Maui, in Hawaii and officials have warned there could be worse to come.
Tsunamis are relatively harmless to boats at a safe depth, which varies but is usually more than 180 feet, as they pass underneath.
They only start to become dangerous as they approach shorelines, where the waves rise and become destructive.
Cruise Hive reported how warnings have been issued regarding vessels at sea.
It reads, ‘If at sea avoid entering shallow water, harbours, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents.”
Any craft in the ocean has been advised to move to water that is at least 180 feet deep to reduce the impact of waves.
Tsunami warnings have been triggered across the Pacific in the aftermath of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake in Russia – but what happens on a cruise ship during such concerning times? (stock)
Any craft in the ocean has been advised to move to water that is at least 180 feet deep to reduce the impact of waves (stock)
Cruise liners have teams tracking weather and emergency situations that will recommend the ship whether any changes in routes are needed.
The publication reported it isn’t known if cruise ships may need to skip ports of call or other itinerary adjustments as a result of the tsunami.
However, it is possible that visits to certain areas may be cancelled if ports are damaged by waves.
Depending on the power and timing of the aftershock, cruise liners may also be required to stay away from the shore for some time until the situation stabilises.
According to Cruise Passenger, ships may use certain techniques such as sailing away from the epicentre.
They will also keep in contact with authorities for updates on the situation and emergency services.
It comes as some holidaymakers have reported cruise ships are leaving without passengers, as they evacuate the ports to head to deeper waters.
One TikTok user, @demifreeman, posted a video of people frantically running down a port towards their ship on the social media site.
According to Cruise Passenger, ships may use certain techniques such as sailing away from the epicentre (stock)
It comes as some holidaymakers have reported cruise ships are leaving without passengers
One video, posted by @mandythecruiseplanner, appeared to show a bus load of people who had missed a cruise in Hawaii
The clip said: ‘POV: tsunami in Hawaii and your cruise is leaving without people.’
‘Actually insane,’ the passenger said in the caption.
She added: ‘We are going to be in the middle of the tsunami in the ocean.’
While in another video, posted by @mandythecruiseplanner, appeared to show a bus load of people who had missed a cruise in Hawaii.
