JOIN USTugboats and an aircraft carrier were headed out to help on Tuesday.
The Carnival Splendor was 200 miles south of San Diego when the fire started early Monday morning, according to a statement from Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines.
It was extinguished with no injuries to the 3,299 passengers and 1,167 crew members.
The 952-foot ship has auxiliary power, but air conditioning, hot food service, hot water and telephones were knocked out. Toilets and cold running water were restored on Monday night, the cruise line said.
Passengers were first asked to move from their cabins to the ship’s upper deck, but eventually allowed to go back to their rooms. Bottled water and cold food were being provided.
The vessel was drifting about 55 miles off of the northern Baja California coast. Tugs were expected to reach it at midday to tow it to Ensenada, but it was unclear when it would arrive at the Mexican port. Passengers will then be bused back to the United States.
The ship was in contact with the US Coast Guard, which deployed aircraft and ships.
Coast Guard Lt Khris Johns, who was on a cutter at the scene, said it will take two tugs about 24 hours to bring the ship to port.