A cruise ship towed to San Diego after catching fire in November is finally in good enough shape to journey to San Francisco for further repairs.
The 113,000-ton Carnival Splendor, which has been docked in the Port of San Diego since Nov. 11, was originally expected to depart Wednesday.
The ship had been carrying nearly 4,500 passengers and crew members on a cruise to the Mexican Riviera when it lost power Nov. 8. Passengers endured three days without electricity, long lines for cold food, and toilets that wouldn't flush. The cruise line offered all guests a full refund, including transportation costs, and a free future voyage.
Carnival Cruise Lines spokeswoman Jennifer de la Cruz says the Splendor left Friday under its own power.
Two tug boats will accompany the vessel on the multi-day trip.
De la Cruz says crews had to fix last-minute technical issues, delaying its departure from San Diego by a few days.
But she says it is still on schedule to be ready to accept passengers for a trip by Feb. 20.
