Hornblower Cruises and Events has brought it first-of-a-kind vessel into San Diego for a visit. This 64-foot-long boat is based in San Francisco where it shuttles passengers to and from Alcatraz Island.

Called, the “Hornblower Hybrid” this ship uses a combination of solar panels, wind turbines and fuel-efficient diesel engines provide power to operate the vessel. Fuel consumption is less than one-third of a traditional boat its size.

It will be in San Diego through mid-January, and is docked at the Grape Street Pier. It is available for private charter and can carry 149 passengers.

It is available for private parties and charters.

Those not having an event, and just wishing to cruise the bay aboard Hornblower Hybrid can select from a series of cruises offered during the month of December. The two-hour bay cruises are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m on Saturdays, with boarding at 4:30 p.m. Cost is $30 for adults and $15 for children. The happy hour cruises are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m, with boarding at 4:30 p.m., on December 4, 12 and 17. Cost is $40 for adults and $35 for children.

Hornblower Hybrid will participate in the Parade of Lights on December 13 and 20. Tickets to ride aboard the vessel during the parade are $69 for adults and $49 for children. Boarding time is at 4 p.m., with the cruise from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

After San Diego, the ferry heads to Newport Beach. Hornblower Hybrid will return to San Francisco where it serves as a ferry for passengers visiting Alcatraz Island.

Hornblower intends on locating at least one hybrid in New York, where it operates the franchise for Statue of Liberty tours. The company also plans to eventually base a hybrid boat in San Diego.

For more cruise information, please visit Hornblower.com.