Repaired Ruby Princess leaves San Francisco with 579 fewer passengers
SAN FRANCISCO - The Ruby Princess cruise ship docked at Pier 27 in San Francisco set sail Sunday with 579 fewer passengers.
The cruise line announced the ship was ready to depart at 2:30 p.m. for a 7-day Alaska voyage after getting the green light from the United States Coast Guard. The repairs were reported complete, and it passed inspection and certification.
Originally there were 3,256 passengers going on the cruise, but the cruise line said there are now 2,677 guests on the ship. The crew number remained the same at 1,161.
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Guests had the option to cancel their cruise with a 100% refund, and also receive a 50% credit for a future trip. Passengers who chose to continue their trip on the Ruby Princess will receive a 75% refund, and a 75% credit for a future voyage.
Katherine and Patrick Hanson, who remained on the ship, said the captain and crew handled the unprecedented situation perfectly.
"The captain has been great; he has been notifying us step by step, making announcements," Katherine Hanson said.
The Northern California couple said they decided to remain on the ship to enjoy what they can of the trip that will be cut short.
"Let's just roll with it, you only live once," Katherine Hanson said. "It was an accident better to happen here than the middle of the ocean."
The ship had smacked into the pier Thursday morning causing a gash in its underside. Crews worked throughout the weekend to repair the hole ahead of Sunday's departure.
The ship will stop in Ketchikan on July 12 and Prince Rupert on July 13, returning to San Francisco on July 16.
It was originally scheduled for a 10-day voyage, but that was cut short due to the damage.
The cause of the initial crash remains under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard.