Key Aspects:

• An 8.8 magnitude earthquake near Russia has triggered tsunami warnings and advisories throughout the Pacific sailing region from Alaska to Antarctica.
• Aftershocks may extend warnings and advisories for several hours or days as geologic activity continues.
• Cruise lines will make itinerary and port visit adjustments as needed to keep ships, crew, and guests safe from any impacts.

Cruise ships sailing in Alaska, Hawaii, and even along the West coasts of the US and Mexico will be on high alert for the next few hours as a tsunami warning has been issued.

Expected arrival times of a potential wave between 8:30-9 p.m. local time are in place for the popular cruise region of Alaska.

This follows an 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck at 7:24 p.m. Eastern time just off the east coast of Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula, across the Bering Sea from the Last Frontier.

Tsunamis can travel great distances and cause significant coastal damage, depending on the potential size of the wave.

As this is the peak season for cruising along Alaska’s coast, multiple cruise ships may be in the path of any dangerous wave.

The closest cruise ship to the epicenter appears to be Villa Vie Odyssey, which is on her three-year residential sailing. Fortunately, satellite tracking data shows the ship in the Bering Sea at this time, where any wave impacts are minimized by the ocean’s depth.

Other ships sailing in Alaska’s coastal waters, however, may be at greater risk. This would include vessels visiting ports of call as well as those en route along the Inside Passage and other coastal areas.

According to the US Tsunami Warning System, a confirmed tsunami warning is in effect for the easternmost Aleutian Islands, while a tsunami advisory is in effect for the western Aleutian Islands, south Alaska, and the Alaska peninsula.

A tsunami watch is in effect for southeast Alaska and south along the Pacific Coast, including Washington, Oregon, and all of California to the Mexican border.

Expected arrival time of tsunami impacts is as early as 8:45 p.m. in Seward, Alaska and 8:55 p.m. in Sitka. The energy of the wave may reach Southern California, including Long Beach, at roughly 1:05 a.m. (All times local.)

Warnings associated with the advisories include instructions for boats and ships as follows:

“If at sea avoid entering shallow water, harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets to avoid floating and submerged debris and strong currents.”

Vessels are advised to move out to sea to a depth of at least 180 feet to minimize any effects as the wave may pass.

For most cruise ships, this will not be difficult. Each cruise line’s weather and emergency monitoring team will advise vessels on any course changes or itinerary adjustments as necessary.

In addition to Alaska, further tsunami warnings have been issued for Japan, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and even Antarctica. Dozens of cruise ships and ports within those regions may be impacted.

Will Individual Cruises Need to Skip Ports?

At this time, it is unknown whether or not individual cruises may need to skip ports of call, adjust scenic coastal cruising, or have other itinerary impacts due to tsunami impacts.

Read Also: Alaska Cruise Ports – What Are Your Options?

The presence of aftershocks following the main quake may compound tsunami activity for several hours or days, making it prudent for ships to remain away from the coast until geologic activity has stabilized.

Furthermore, if a significant wave does impact cruise ports, upcoming visits may need to be cancelled until damage and safety assessments can be made and any repairs completed.

The shape and elevation of the local shoreline, tidal fluctuations, and seafloor bathymetry (topography) can all influence the direct impact of a tsunami.

In general, the further from the epicenter a location is, the impact will lessen, though the energy of these powerful waves can travel thousands of miles before fully dissipating.

Each cruise line will make whatever changes are necessary to safeguard its ships, guests, and crew members.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Cruise Hive for confirmed updates impacting cruises and ports of call.