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 5-foot tidal wave. So what happens on a cruise ship during such concerning times? In the event of a tsunami, cruise ships at sea generally fare better than those near the coast, as the wave’s destructive power is most pronounced in shallow water. Tsunamis in the open ocean are typically long, low waves that are barely noticeable on a ship. The vastness of the ocean dissipates the wave's energy, meaning the ship will likely experience only a slight change in water level. Cruise lines constantly monitor weather and tsunami warnings through various channels, including the National Weather Service and other specialized agencies. They also have internal systems for communicating with their ships, allowing for timely adjustments to routes or itinerary changes. If a tsunami warning is issued while a ship is near the coast or in port, the ship may be directed to move to deeper water or evacuate passengers and crew to higher ground if possible. Cruise lines have protocols in place for rapidly evacuating passengers and crew in the event of a tsunami or other emergency. These procedures may involve using lifeboats, inflatable rafts, or other evacuation methods.
