Associated Press
The operator of the ms Patriot interisland cruise ship faces a $1.4 million bill for refunds to travelers.
A mechanical problem forced the Patriot to return to its home port in Honolulu four days early this week.
The 1,212-passenger ship set sail last Saturday for a seven-night cruise around the islands. But a bearing in the drive system needed to be replaced, so the Patriot cut off scheduled stops in Kahului, Hilo and Kona.
Passengers were allowed to stay aboard the ship in Honolulu and the ship’s bars and restaurants stayed open.
Passengers were offered full refunds and vouchers for 50 percent off a future voyage on a ship operated by any subsidiary of American Classic Voyages Inc.
