Complete this adapted extract. Are you going to use the past continuous tense (preterit be+ing) or the simple past tense (preterit)?

Aboard ship, the evening of April 14 (seem) just like any other. First-class passengers (enjoy) a feast of ten courses, including oysters and filet mignon. The Titanic's captain, Edward Smith, (have) fun at a dinner party in first class. Some first-class passengers (play) cards or they .... minister (listen) to the orchestra. In second class, a (sing) hymns with one hundred people. (dance) together Down in third class, passengers in their general room. But after a long day at sea, many aboard the Titanic (sleep). Then suddenly, at 11:40 p.m., almost out of nowhere, a large black shape (come) into view. Could it be....? Yes, it SESAMEENTRE *********** (be) an iceberg! *******​