Stranded passengers leave cruise ship stuck in Quebec City

QUEBEC – The more than 1,300 passengers who were stranded in Quebec City after a cruise ship could not sail because of mechanical problems have all left the luxury liner, a spokesman said Wednesday.

The MS Veendam was set to sail to Boston from Quebec City on Sunday to launch a seven-day cruise.

A statement from Holland America Line, which runs the ship, said the sailing was cancelled because one of the vessel’s propellers required repairs.

Many of the 1,303 guests left the ship within days of it being stuck, but company spokesman Erik Elvejord said in an email all had left the liner as of Wednesday.

The Seattle-based Holland America Line said all booked guests will receive a full refund of their fare and any shore excursions that were booked through the company. They will also get a credit toward a future cruise

On Monday, the ship had to be moved to another berth to accommodate other ship traffic, with tugs needed because of high winds.

Marie-Andree Blanchet, a spokeswoman for the Quebec Port Authority, said pieces needed to repair the propeller arrived by plane Wednesday and were being tested after being installed.

But she said it was still not known when the vessel would be ready to leave port.

“When the tests are over, we’ll see if the ship is ready to leave or not,” Blanchet said. “And if it is not ready, we’ll accommodate it at the port of Quebec.”

She said another ship was due to arrive Thursday and if the Veendam can’t leave, it will be moved to another quay.

The cruise line pointed out Wednesday that all guest services and safety systems on the ship are fully functional.

It is due in Boston before this Saturday, when it is scheduled to leave again for Quebec City.

— With files from Peter Rakobowchuk in Montreal