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"The only restriction is really Ballast Point, which is the narrowest part of the channel in San Diego Bay," U.S. Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Ryan Beck said.

The U.S. Navy is responsible for keeping the channel clear for its carriers and other big ships, which also makes it safer for cruise ships to pass in and out of it en route to Mexico, Hawaii and other vacation spots.

"It is an excellent natural harbor with very little currents and very little hazards in terms of shoal water," Beck said.

On Friday, several passengers were waiting at the Embarcadero for a Carnival cruise to Hawaii. Many of them said they were not worried about their upcoming trip, despite the fact the Costa Concordia ran aground just one week before.

"It just happened to be an accident that can happen anytime," Carnival passenger Pat Frahm said.

"I'm pretty sure we're going to have a different captain, so I'm OK with it," Carnival passenger Steve Hayes added.