Passengers of the Pride of America from Norwegian Cruise Line docked in Hilo were expected to return to the harbor for a departure time of 6 p.m. Once the state of Hawaii declared a state of emergency due to the tsunami at approximately 2:45 p.m., the cruise liner had to abruptly set sail at 4 p.m.

When a tsunami warning was issued in Hilo, Hawaii, hundreds of Pride of America cruise passengers were off the ship out on excursions.