The cruise ship Crown Princess was battered by strong winds as the ship changed course near Milford Sound.

Footage from inside the kitchen of the cruise ship showed the ship taking a stomach-turning lean, sending staff running.

Kitchenhands had to brace for the next big lean, passengers at the buffet and dining room held on to whatever they could.

“The tables and chairs went sliding across the room, and a girl went sliding on her chair over towards the pool,” another passenger said.

Pots and pans were sent flying in the kitchen, with trays of food toppling.

The pool onboard spilled onto the decks.

One passenger said they were “walking along doing my lap and all of a sudden the boat was on an angle.”

“I had to hang on!” he said.

In the on-board gift shops, perfume and skincare were sent flying off the shelves.

Glass displays fell apart and designer bags were scattered on the ground.

Princess Cruises says its crew responded quickly to correct the situation and at no point was the safety of the ship compromised.