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.

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.