Search for missing Australian cruise passenger Warwick Tollemache called off

The man went missing from Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas on April 25, local time, nearly two weeks after the cruise left Brisbane for its journey to the Hawaiian islands.

Tributes for the 35-year-old have been shared on social media.

"Our family is heartbroken at the loss of our beloved Warwick," Mandy Tollemache said in a post on Facebook.

"He was a kind, beautiful, and gentle soul who was adored by everyone who knew him. He will be deeply missed. We kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your understanding."

Discussions with the man's next of kin and the Australian consulate, as well as relevant case information, helped inform the the decision to suspend the search.

"The coast guard has made the difficult decision to suspend the active search for the passenger aboard the Quantum of the Seas," search and rescue mission coordinator Kevin Cooper said in a statement.

The incident happened in the Pacific Ocean about 800 kilometres south of Kailua-Kona, on the west coast of Oahu.

The cruise ship deployed six life rings and stayed in the area for two hours before continuing on its way, with the coast guard taking over the search on Wednesday morning.

The search was suspended for the night but recommenced at first light on Thursday, or Friday morning Australian time.

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In a statement, the cruise company confirmed a guest on Quantum of the Seas had gone overboard.

"The ship's crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and is working closely with local authorities," the statement said.

Two Australian cruise bloggers posted from onboard the Quantum of the Seas, saying passengers were alerted to the situation about 11pm.

"We were all told to go back to our cabins and make sure everyone in our party was accounted for," the post read.

"The ship had a massive spotlight shining on the ocean trying to find what would look like a tiny figure in the water. Guests were out on their balconies shining their own torches into the water."

ACM's The Standard spoke to Warrnambool City councillor Ben Blain who was onboard the vessel with his wife.

He said the missing man had been staying in a cabin only four doors away.

"The ship did two circles looking. They obviously put out a Mayday because there were five other ships that appeared," he said.

"They had everyone find who they were travelling with, it only took 15 minutes to narrow it down to him. They called his name five times."

The 1141ft Quantum of the Seas has capacity for more than 4000 guests and 1500 crew.

With Australian Associated Press