A cruise ship carrying nearly 800 passengers listed for a time as it was hit by a fire on board.

The blaze, which has now been put out, took place in the engine room of Boudicca around 4am as it was sailing off the coast of Casablanca, Morocco.

The vessel was listing for a "short period" following the loss of the propulsion system, according to operator Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.

Boudicca, with 784 guests and 356 crew members on board, is now fully stable and there is no danger to guests or crew, the company added.

It also said no guests or crew were injured in the blaze.

Three auxiliary engines were running along with two main engines, and the firm was reviewing the itinerary to get the ship back on schedule.

The firm said: "The safety of all guests and crew on board Boudicca is Fred. Olsen Cruise Line's utmost priority."

"The ship will liaise with the relevant maritime authorities, should any need emerge."

Boudicca is currently on an 18-night 'Cape Verde & the Canaries' cruise, which departed from Southampton last Tuesday.

The ship sailed from Cadiz, Spain on Saturday and is scheduled to arrive in Arrecife, Lanzarote on Monday morning.