Some travelers vented their disbelief on social media after their ships announced their immediate departure, saying those not in close proximity to the ship should evacuate to higher ground.

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

I would describe it as a once in a lifetime experience that I hope I never have to go through again,” Jeff Endres said.

This is the dramatic moment Coast Guard crews rescued a cruise ship passenger suffering from a cardiac emergency during a tsunami alert. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Northwest District Command Centre received a medevac request from the cruise ship Carnival Legend for a woman,