SF-To-Hawaii Cruise Ship Develops New Problem Following Engine Room Fire

HONOLULU (CBS SF) -- A cruise ship that experienced a fire during a voyage from San Francisco to Hawaii has now developed a new problem that is limiting its propulsion.

A spokeswoman for Princess Cruises said in a statement that the Grand Princess ship, currently docked in Honolulu, experienced a switchboard malfunction on November 30 that resulted in reduced speed.

Public Relations Manager Karen Candy said while there is no impact to the ship's maneuverability or safety, the Grand Princess will have to skip ports of call in Kauai and Maui in order to return to San Francisco by December 10 since the ship can't attain maximum speed.

Maritime classification firm Lloyd's Register and the U.S. Coast Guard have cleared the ship to sail after inspecting all systems, according to Candy. The ship was to remain depart Honolulu Wednesday evening.

Passengers are being offered a full refund as compensation and those wishing to leave the cruise ship in Honolulu are being provided airfare to return to San Francisco.

On Monday, a fire in the Grand Princess engine room disabled the ship temporarily about 100 miles northeast of Hilo. It is not clear whether the fire and the current switchboard malfunction are related.

The ship is carrying 2,592 guests and 1,095 crew on a 15-day Hawaii cruise that departed San Francisco on November 25.

Carlos E. Castañeda is Senior Editor, News & Social Media for CBS San Francisco and a San Francisco native. You can follow him on Twitter or send him an email.