Repaired Ruby Princess departs San Francisco with 579 fewer passengers

San Francisco – The Ruby Princess cruise ship docked at Pier 27 in San Francisco on Sunday with 579 fewer passengers.

The cruise line announced the ship was ready to depart at 2:30 PM for a 7-day Alaska cruise after getting the go-ahead from the United States Coast Guard. Repairs reported completed and passed inspection and certification.

Originally there were 3,256 passengers on the cruise, but the cruise line said there are now 2,677 guests on board. The number of crew remained the same at 1,161.

also: A cruise ship crashes into Pier 27 in San Francisco, with thousands on board

also: ‘Should we stay or should we go’: Ruby Princess passengers are faced with the decision before leaving the ship

Guests had the option to cancel their cruise with a 100% refund, and also receive a 50% credit towards a future cruise. Passengers who choose to continue their journey on the Ruby Princess will receive a 75% refund and a 75% credit towards a future trip.

Catherine and Patrick Hanson, who remained on the ship, said the captain and her crew handled the unprecedented situation perfectly.

“The captain was fantastic. He informed us step by step, and he announced,” said Kathryn Hanson.

The Northern California couple said they decided to stay on the ship to make the most of the trip they made.

“Let’s deal with it, you only live once,” Kathryn Hanson said. “It would have been better to have an accident here than in the middle of the ocean.”

was the ship It hit the pavement Thursday morning causing a gash on its underside. Crews worked all weekend to fix the hole before leaving on Sunday.

The ship will stop in Ketchikan on July 12 and Prince Rupert on July 13, and return to San Francisco on July 16.

It was originally scheduled for a 10-day trip, but it was cut short due to damage.

The cause of the initial crash is still under investigation by the US Coast Guard.