NZers on stranded cruise ship

A dream trip down the Mexican Riviera has turned into a travel nightmare for two New Zealanders aboard the stricken cruise ship Carnival Splendor.

The Auckland travel agents were on board when an engine caught fire on the 290m ship on Monday.

None of the 3,299 passengers or 1,167 crew were hurt and the fire was put out in the generator's compartment, but the ship had no air conditioning, hot water, cell phone or internet service.

The pair had won a place on the seven-day luxury cruise down the Mexican Riviera from Francis Travel Marketing as a reward for good work.

Managing director of Francis Travel Marketing Tony Smith said they would "more than likely" be given another free cruise upon their return.

"They're travel agents so they're used to having this kind of thing. In the end nothing tragic has happened. Everything is calm. No-one is hurt.

"It's just one of those things you hope will never happen."

He would be looking to get in contact with the pair as soon as the cruise ship has docked.

"I'll be flicking them an email asking them to get in touch."

There are also 20 Australians among the passengers aboard the Carnival Splendor.

Tugboats have begun pulling the ship toward San Diego, where hotel and flight arrangements would await the passengers, Carnival Cruise Lines said.

It is expected to arrive tonight.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Kevin Metcalf said the tugs and a Coast Guard cutter escort would have to move slowly because the ship is so big.

US Navy helicopters have shuttled in 31,750 kilograms of supplies, including crab meat, croissants, Pop Tarts, Spam and other items to the passengers and crew members.

After the fire, passengers were first asked to move from their cabins to the ship's upper deck, but eventually allowed to go back to their rooms. The ship's auxiliary power allowed for toilets and cold running water.

Bottled water and cold food were provided, the company said.

"The ship has been operating on auxiliary generators and engineers have been unable to restore additional power to the vessel," a Carnival statement said.

"Conditions on board the ship are very challenging and we sincerely apologise for the discomfort and inconvenience our guests are currently enduring," company president Gerry Cahill said.

The 113,000-ton ship, which first entered service in July 2008, started its cruise on Sunday in California.

Carnival is refunding passengers, offering vouchers for future cruises and may have to dry dock the ship if the damage is extensive.

- with AP, AAP