Cruise Ships Aren't Ready for Instant Tsunamis

Landslides Can Cause Sudden Powerful Tsunamis—and No One Is Ready

Cruise ships are inherently vulnerable to tsunamis due to their size and lack of maneuverability. Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and other lines say ships are safe. Tsunamis are less dangerous in the open, but they can still cause damage if they hit a ship from the side.

One of the Signs That a Tsunami Is Approaching Is That the Water Gets Sucked Away from the Shore Beaches

Tsunami scientists are meeting with vessel operators in Alaska this month to put together some practical guidelines for what to do if a tsunami strikes. One of the things they'll be discussing is how to recognize the signs of an approaching tsunami.

One of the most common signs of an approaching tsunami is that the water gets sucked away from the shore beaches. This is called a "drawdown." If you see a drawdown, it's important to move to higher ground immediately.

Landslide tsunamis give cruise ships just minutes to prepare. The coastlines of Alaska, Greenland, Chile, Norway, and others are at risk.