The cruise ship Ruby Princess collided with Pier 27 in San Francisco during the early morning hours of Thursday, July 6, 2023. The incident occurred as the vessel was docking after completing a 10-night Alaska cruise. While damage to the ship's hull and the dock has been reported, no guests or crew members were injured, and operational systems remain unaffected.
Upon inspection by the US Coast Guard and Princess Cruises maintenance and engineering teams, visible damage above the waterline was observed, including buckled hull plates at the aft port corner and scuff marks on the hull. The full extent of the damage and necessary repairs are currently being assessed.
Princess Cruises described the collision as an "unexpected contact" that occurred just after 6 a.m. during the docking process. The incident caused a hard and abrupt jarring sensation felt by passengers onboard.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and preliminary reports suggest that the ship's pilot may have been attempting to dock while facing maximum current recommendations. Princess Cruises is actively collaborating with the US Coast Guard to obtain clearance for Ruby Princess to depart from San Francisco. However, no confirmed departure timeframe has been announced yet.
Would you get on this boat…? That’s the question people are asking themselves. Princess Cruises Ruby Princess had a rough time getting into Pier 27 this morning & there’s a gash in the side. One family I talked to flew from PA for this cruise…they’re not getting on. @KCBSRadio pic.twitter.com/6HEICji5vb
— Kris Ankarlo (@KrisAnkarlo) July 6, 2023
Ensuring the safety of guests and crew members remains the top priority for Princess Cruises. The technical experts and shoreside team are working to address the situation, and the ship will set sail from San Francisco once it is deemed fit to do so by the US Coast Guard. Updates regarding the ship's status and any changes to the itinerary will be provided in the morning, the company said. The cruise line will also offer a goodwill gesture of compensation once the full impact of the necessary adjustments is determined.
At the time of the collision, the Ruby Princess was carrying 3,328 guests who had just completed a memorable 10-night Alaskan cruise that began in San Francisco on June 26, 2023. The cruise line remains committed to keeping passengers informed about the situation and providing assistance as required.
