Upset in the Grand Dining Room
This was our evening to see Jools Holland. The doors were to open at 9:15 pm and the show to start at 9:45 pm. Our evening dinner had to be back in the Grand Dining Room. We were with our friends and we were all together on a table for eight. As we had lots of time before the show over we were enjoying the company around the table.
Quite suddenly everything on the table began to slide towards our side of the table. Instinctively, we reached forward to grab the plates, glasses etc as they slide towards us.
But the ship continued to roll, and we were thrown backwards off the table still sitting on our chairs with crockery falling all around us.
Luckily, no one was badly hurt. Just bruises and embarrassment at falling! We were one of only a few occupied tables in the restaurant. As we picked ourselves up, waiters were rushing to help. plus after a minute also first aiders arrived also.
Jools Holland
We picked ourselves up and headed to the theatre, members of the ship’s cast lead us into the theatre at the lower level. This meant we were entering by the stage rather than at the top of the theatre. The ship was still being battered by the sea and we gingerly made our way to seats near the front.
When Jools Holland came on stage, he explained that he would be remaining seated at the piano as a safety measure.
Given the circumstances I was surprised that the show even took place and even more just how good it was. Here are more images from the performance.
At the end of the show, we were very carefully led out of the theatre, again on the lower level and we headed back to our cabin.
Our first port was to be Bergen the next day.
Addendum
On the last day of the cruise the Captain explained what had happened when we had been thrown off our table in the Grand Dining Room. A cross wave of at least 17 metres had hit the side of the ship, causing a 6° or 7° roll.
On the screen he showed a screen grab from the CCTV on the ship as the wave had hit.
All very scary.