Tourists defecated in BINS to dodge ‘poo lasagnes' in toilets & floors squelched with wee aboard infamous ‘Poop Cruise'
IT should have been the trip of a lifetime... instead it turned into the ultimate holiday from hell.
Passengers went from sipping cocktails on deck and enjoying sumptuous dinners to wading through pools of raw sewage and sleeping in a makeshift tent city outside after a catastrophic power failure left the Carnival Triumph cruise liner floating adrift - with no flushing toilets.
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Passengers aboard the Carnival Triumph slept in makeshift tents on board when a power failure left it floating adrift with no flushing toilets in 2013
Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc.
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Desperate holidaymakers were forced to defecate in bins or 'poop sacks' provided by staff - which many complained were too small
Credit: AP
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The ship drifted in the Gulf of Mexico for four days
Credit: AP:Associated Press
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The stench and heat from a lack of working air con became so unbearable that people decamped to the decks
Credit: AP:Associated Press
In the ultimate final degradation, holidaymakers were even asked to defecate in red plastic bags instead of using the over-flowing loos.
It was a huge PR disaster for the luxury Carnival cruise line and led to the ship being known around the world as the 'Poop Cruise'.
Passenger Devin Marble tells The Sun none of the passengers were prepared for the horrifying announcement that the toilets were going to stop working.
"That was some rough news for sure," he recalls. "And no-one expected the red bags at all. They were adult-sized poopy bags - and those bags aren't very big.'
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READ MORE FEATURES
The 13 storey, 9,000ft long luxury liner embarked on a four day trip out of New Orleans throughout the Gulf of Mexico in February 2013.
For Devin it was the first time meeting his then wife-to-be's extended family and he wanted to make a good impression.
'It was really important to me to make a good impression on my father-in-law,' he explains.
'I wanted to be the man who can provide, and he feels confident in me, we had just got engaged. I met her uncles, nephews, nieces and all the cousins. I just hoped everyone like me.
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Most read in The Sun
'When we landed at the first stop, we had a lot of fun. We went snorkelling, ate some delicious food, and that would have been really awesome to keep replicating for the next three days.
"Enjoy each other's time and have great experiences together.'
What happened on the Carnival Triumph 'poop cruise'- Netflix Trainwreck documentary explained-
But a day later an electrical fire broke out in the middle of the night and turned the entire trip into a horror movie.
At first passengers were panic-stricken thinking the ship was going down.
Advertisement
Devin says: 'You know, smoke was probably a big indicator. Hearing 'Alpha Team, Alpha Team' waking you up out of a dead sleep, then the lights are out.
"We got out of bed and my brother-in-law and I went looking to see where the smoke was coming from.
"Our biggest concern was 'Is this a cruise line or is this the Titanic? What is the problem here?''
The crew soon reassured the passengers that the fire was contained and the ship was seaworthy.
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'We certainly thought that they must have more than one engine,' says Devin.
'They described it as the door being shut and it is contained. So we thought they will put the fire out, we are going to be slower with one engine, but we are going to be punting along, but that did not happen.'
Foul stench
20
Passengers complained the cafeteria floors were swimming in urine and faeces
Credit: SWNS
20
Devin Marble was on board and tells how he walked around barefoot and felt the carpets 'squelch'
Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc.
Advertisement
20
Some passengers continued to use the over-flowing toilets and even did their number twos in waste bins, leading to the entire ship smelling of faeces
Credit: AFP
20
Crew member Abhi describes seeing what he described as a poop 'lasagne' in a bathroom
Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc.
Nobody was prepared for what happened next. The loss of power had left 4,000 passengers and crew with no refrigeration, air conditioning or sanitation.
The giant cruise liner was effectively dead in the water and drifted powerlessly for four days in the Gulf of Mexico.
Advertisement
As the toilets stopped working, it was left to straight-talking British cruise director Jen Baxter to break the news to passengers to do 'number ones' in the showers and 'number twos' in the red plastic bio-hazard bags.
But some continued to use the over-flowing toilets and even did their number twos in waste bins, leading to the entire ship smelling of faeces.
Our biggest concern was 'Is this a cruise line or is this the Titanic? What is the problem here?'
Devin Marble
The sewage system soon became overwhelmed and began leaking the excrement of thousands of people onto the floors and hallways.
Devin recalls: 'It wasn't long at all before we started to smell stuff.
Advertisement
"Everyday I would go out looking for a working bathroom. I used to go to the lower decks and the lower you go, the thicker the air gets, the more putrid the smell is.
'It was maybe two days into this when I was walking around barefoot, which you do on a cruise ship, and suddenly I felt the carpet squish, squish - and it doesn't rain inside.
"Those moments I won't forget.'
Meanwhile crew member Abhi describes seeing what he described as a poop "lasagne" in a bathroom - piles of excrement interspersed with layers of toilet paper - while the cafeteria floors were swimming in urine and faeces.
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'Tent city'
20
The giant cruise liner was effectively dead in the water and drifted powerlessly for four days in the Gulf of Mexico, with passengers helplessly stranded on board
Credit: SWNS
20
Passengers used their bed sheets to create tents and shelter from the sun
Credit: SWNS
20
Makeshift tents lined the decks of the ship for days
Credit: AP
With the rancid stench and suffocating heat due to the lack of aircon, passengers dragged their mattresses from their cabins and set up a 'tent city' on the upper decks to escape the smell and soaring temperatures.
Advertisement
The lack of refrigeration meant food soon ran low, and instead of five-course dinners the passengers were forced to survive on ham and cheese sandwiches.
Devin Marble says: 'It was like more of a camping trip than we planned for. We were never without food, it is just that we went from eating lobster to cold cuts.
'The crew did a really good job of getting us supplies. One of the bigger challenges for me was that these types of crisis situations show people's true colours.
It was maybe two days into this when I was walking around barefoot, which you do on a cruise ship, and suddenly I felt the carpet squish, squish - and it doesn't rain inside
Devin Marble
"So when you see people in line and they are leaving with five plates and you just think to yourself, 'I really hope you have a room full of kids and that is why you are taking five plates'.'
Advertisement
In a bid to cheer up the desperate passengers, the crew made a bizarre decision - to open up a free bar for the night.
'This is when people's inhibitions really let loose,' says Devin. 'I think people just allowed themselves to panic.
"We heard yelling, we heard disagreements.
'At the time we thought the bar was a great idea. We went and had drinks and played cards. But we weren't panicking.
Advertisement
"In hindsight, probably not the best idea. The dehydration, the toilets were out, and alcohol makes you want to go to the toilet.'
Cabin fever
20
People slept on deck for days during the ordeal
Credit: SWNS
20
The lack of refrigeration meant food soon ran low, and instead of five-course dinners the passengers were forced to survive on ham and cheese sandwiches
Credit: SWNS
20
Passengers spell out the word 'HELP' aboard the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph
Credit: AP
Advertisement
20
Help finally arrived on Valentine's Day, when tug boats ushered the floundering ship from the Gulf to a nearby port in Mobile, Alabama, miles away from the cruise's original docking point
Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc.
After days of ruined plans, rationed food and the desperate toilet situation, insanity started to creep in.
Passengers made help signs, and drew on robes and bed sheets to document the disaster. And whenever they got internet connection they desperately called relatives and friends, or posted on social media to let the world know of the disaster unfolding at sea.
'We would go right to the edge and hold our phones out to any cruise liners coming by to try to get some of their WiFi,' says Devin.
Advertisement
'We would run around the ship to see if we can get roaming. Our primary goals were to get the message to our families and friends that we were safe, or call my work and tell them I'm not coming in tomorrow.'
Help finally arrived on Valentine's Day, February 14. Tug boats ushered the floundering ship from the Gulf to a nearby port in Mobile, Alabama, miles away from the cruise's original docking point. And they sailed straight into a media frenzy.
Devin recalls: 'I will never forget when we pulled in, there was a crowd of people, lights, flashbulbs. And when we walked down that ramp there were microphones, cameras, we were hit with a wall of media.
'And I will never forget the smell of a Happy Meal - it was great to see those golden arches. And a clean bathroom.'
Advertisement
I will never forget the smell of a Happy Meal - it was great to see those golden arches. And a clean bathroom
Devin Marble
Some passengers decided to take legal action against the cruise company - but ended up with a steak reminder always to read the small print.
Maritime lawyer Frank Spagnoletti, represented a number of passengers who took Carnival Cruise Line to court.
'This was something that was totally preventable, so we definitely had a good chance," he told the Netflix Poop Cruise documentary. "The problem is, you run into the ticket.'
Carnival's lawyers insisted that those on board the ship had no right to sue in the wake of the disaster, citing that when people booked their holidays with Carnival Cruise Line, they accepted a clause in the terms and conditions that eerily predicted what unfolded on board.
Advertisement
The ticket contract read: "[Carnival] makes absolutely no guarantee for safe passage, a seaworthy vessel, adequate and wholesome food, and sanitary and safe living conditions.'
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One passenger declared she survived the 'red bag special' - a nod to the poop bags provided
Credit: AP
20
Passengers made help signs, and drew on robes and bed sheets to document the disaster
Credit: AP:Associated Press
20
Jubilant passengers celebrated with McDonald's Happy Meals
Credit: AFP
Advertisement
20
A relieved passenger was pictured kissing the floor when they finally made it to dry land
Credit: AFP
Frank added: "It's amazing. I think if most people actually knew that existed at the time, they probably would never buy a ticket. I certainly wouldn't.'
Carnival Triumph passengers received a refund, $500, transportation reimbursements, and a voucher for a free cruise.
Despite the ticket clause, in 2015 a Florida judge awarded 27 passengers compensation of between $3000 and $15,000.
Advertisement
Since the disaster, Carnival has changed their terms and conditions, removing the caveats about wholesome food, sanitary and safe living conditions, safe passage and a seaworthy vessel.
Devin and his family decided not to bother with legal action and just to go back to their lives.
'They gave us a free cruise ticket, but we were like, thanks but no thanks,' he laughs.
Carnival Triumph underwent a big refurb and as of 2019, it started sailing under a different name: Carnival Sunrise.
Advertisement
It is still operating today around The
Trainwreck: Poop Cruise is streaming on Netflix now.
20
Carnival Triumph underwent a big refurb and as of 2019, it started sailing under a different name: Carnival Sunrise (pictured while adrift in 2013)
Credit: Reuters
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The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Tourists defecated in BINS to dodge ‘poo lasagnes' in toilets & floors squelched with wee aboard infamous ‘Poop Cruise'
IT should have been the trip of a lifetime... instead it turned into the ultimate holiday from hell. Passengers went from sipping cocktails on deck and enjoying sumptuous dinners to wading through pools of raw sewage and sleeping in a makeshift tent city outside after a catastrophic power failure left the Carnival Triumph cruise liner floating adrift - with no flushing toilets. Advertisement 20 Passengers aboard the Carnival Triumph slept in makeshift tents on board when a power failure left it floating adrift with no flushing toilets in 2013 Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc. 20 Desperate holidaymakers were forced to defecate in bins or 'poop sacks' provided by staff - which many complained were too small Credit: AP 20 The ship drifted in the Gulf of Mexico for four days Credit: AP:Associated Press 20 The stench and heat from a lack of working air con became so unbearable that people decamped to the decks Credit: AP:Associated Press In the ultimate final degradation, holidaymakers were even asked to defecate in red plastic bags instead of using the over-flowing loos. It was a huge PR disaster for the luxury Carnival cruise line and led to the ship being known around the world as the 'Poop Cruise'. Passenger Devin Marble tells The Sun none of the passengers were prepared for the horrifying announcement that the toilets were going to stop working. "That was some rough news for sure," he recalls. "And no-one expected the red bags at all. They were adult-sized poopy bags - and those bags aren't very big.' Advertisement READ MORE FEATURES The 13 storey, 9,000ft long luxury liner embarked on a four day trip out of New Orleans throughout the Gulf of Mexico in February 2013. For Devin it was the first time meeting his then wife-to-be's extended family and he wanted to make a good impression. 'It was really important to me to make a good impression on my father-in-law,' he explains. 'I wanted to be the man who can provide, and he feels confident in me, we had just got engaged. I met her uncles, nephews, nieces and all the cousins. I just hoped everyone like me. Advertisement Most read in The Sun 'When we landed at the first stop, we had a lot of fun. We went snorkelling, ate some delicious food, and that would have been really awesome to keep replicating for the next three days. "Enjoy each other's time and have great experiences together.' What happened on the Carnival Triumph 'poop cruise'- Netflix Trainwreck documentary explained- But a day later an electrical fire broke out in the middle of the night and turned the entire trip into a horror movie. At first passengers were panic-stricken thinking the ship was going down. Advertisement Devin says: 'You know, smoke was probably a big indicator. Hearing 'Alpha Team, Alpha Team' waking you up out of a dead sleep, then the lights are out. "We got out of bed and my brother-in-law and I went looking to see where the smoke was coming from. "Our biggest concern was 'Is this a cruise line or is this the Titanic? What is the problem here?'' The crew soon reassured the passengers that the fire was contained and the ship was seaworthy. Advertisement 'We certainly thought that they must have more than one engine,' says Devin. 'They described it as the door being shut and it is contained. So we thought they will put the fire out, we are going to be slower with one engine, but we are going to be punting along, but that did not happen.' Foul stench 20 Passengers complained the cafeteria floors were swimming in urine and faeces Credit: SWNS 20 Devin Marble was on board and tells how he walked around barefoot and felt the carpets 'squelch' Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc. Advertisement 20 Some passengers continued to use the over-flowing toilets and even did their number twos in waste bins, leading to the entire ship smelling of faeces Credit: AFP 20 Crew member Abhi describes seeing what he described as a poop 'lasagne' in a bathroom Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc. Nobody was prepared for what happened next. The loss of power had left 4,000 passengers and crew with no refrigeration, air conditioning or sanitation. The giant cruise liner was effectively dead in the water and drifted powerlessly for four days in the Gulf of Mexico. Advertisement As the toilets stopped working, it was left to straight-talking British cruise director Jen Baxter to break the news to passengers to do 'number ones' in the showers and 'number twos' in the red plastic bio-hazard bags. But some continued to use the over-flowing toilets and even did their number twos in waste bins, leading to the entire ship smelling of faeces. Our biggest concern was 'Is this a cruise line or is this the Titanic? What is the problem here?' Devin Marble The sewage system soon became overwhelmed and began leaking the excrement of thousands of people onto the floors and hallways. Devin recalls: 'It wasn't long at all before we started to smell stuff. Advertisement "Everyday I would go out looking for a working bathroom. I used to go to the lower decks and the lower you go, the thicker the air gets, the more putrid the smell is. 'It was maybe two days into this when I was walking around barefoot, which you do on a cruise ship, and suddenly I felt the carpet squish, squish - and it doesn't rain inside. "Those moments I won't forget.' Meanwhile crew member Abhi describes seeing what he described as a poop "lasagne" in a bathroom - piles of excrement interspersed with layers of toilet paper - while the cafeteria floors were swimming in urine and faeces. Advertisement 'Tent city' 20 The giant cruise liner was effectively dead in the water and drifted powerlessly for four days in the Gulf of Mexico, with passengers helplessly stranded on board Credit: SWNS 20 Passengers used their bed sheets to create tents and shelter from the sun Credit: SWNS 20 Makeshift tents lined the decks of the ship for days Credit: AP With the rancid stench and suffocating heat due to the lack of aircon, passengers dragged their mattresses from their cabins and set up a 'tent city' on the upper decks to escape the smell and soaring temperatures. Advertisement The lack of refrigeration meant food soon ran low, and instead of five-course dinners the passengers were forced to survive on ham and cheese sandwiches. Devin Marble says: 'It was like more of a camping trip than we planned for. We were never without food, it is just that we went from eating lobster to cold cuts. 'The crew did a really good job of getting us supplies. One of the bigger challenges for me was that these types of crisis situations show people's true colours. It was maybe two days into this when I was walking around barefoot, which you do on a cruise ship, and suddenly I felt the carpet squish, squish - and it doesn't rain inside Devin Marble "So when you see people in line and they are leaving with five plates and you just think to yourself, 'I really hope you have a room full of kids and that is why you are taking five plates'.' Advertisement In a bid to cheer up the desperate passengers, the crew made a bizarre decision - to open up a free bar for the night. 'This is when people's inhibitions really let loose,' says Devin. 'I think people just allowed themselves to panic. "We heard yelling, we heard disagreements. 'At the time we thought the bar was a great idea. We went and had drinks and played cards. But we weren't panicking. Advertisement "In hindsight, probably not the best idea. The dehydration, the toilets were out, and alcohol makes you want to go to the toilet.' Cabin fever 20 People slept on deck for days during the ordeal Credit: SWNS 20 The lack of refrigeration meant food soon ran low, and instead of five-course dinners the passengers were forced to survive on ham and cheese sandwiches Credit: SWNS 20 Passengers spell out the word 'HELP' aboard the disabled Carnival Lines cruise ship Triumph Credit: AP Advertisement 20 Help finally arrived on Valentine's Day, when tug boats ushered the floundering ship from the Gulf to a nearby port in Mobile, Alabama, miles away from the cruise's original docking point Credit: © 2025 Netflix, Inc. After days of ruined plans, rationed food and the desperate toilet situation, insanity started to creep in. Passengers made help signs, and drew on robes and bed sheets to document the disaster. And whenever they got internet connection they desperately called relatives and friends, or posted on social media to let the world know of the disaster unfolding at sea. 'We would go right to the edge and hold our phones out to any cruise liners coming by to try to get some of their WiFi,' says Devin. Advertisement 'We would run around the ship to see if we can get roaming. Our primary goals were to get the message to our families and friends that we were safe, or call my work and tell them I'm not coming in tomorrow.' Help finally arrived on Valentine's Day, February 14. Tug boats ushered the floundering ship from the Gulf to a nearby port in Mobile, Alabama, miles away from the cruise's original docking point. And they sailed straight into a media frenzy. Devin recalls: 'I will never forget when we pulled in, there was a crowd of people, lights, flashbulbs. And when we walked down that ramp there were microphones, cameras, we were hit with a wall of media. 'And I will never forget the smell of a Happy Meal - it was great to see those golden arches. And a clean bathroom.' Advertisement I will never forget the smell of a Happy Meal - it was great to see those golden arches. And a clean bathroom Devin Marble Some passengers decided to take legal action against the cruise company - but ended up with a steak reminder always to read the small print. Maritime lawyer Frank Spagnoletti, represented a number of passengers who took Carnival Cruise Line to court. 'This was something that was totally preventable, so we definitely had a good chance," he told the Netflix Poop Cruise documentary. "The problem is, you run into the ticket.' Carnival's lawyers insisted that those on board the ship had no right to sue in the wake of the disaster, citing that when people booked their holidays with Carnival Cruise Line, they accepted a clause in the terms and conditions that eerily predicted what unfolded on board. Advertisement The ticket contract read: "[Carnival] makes absolutely no guarantee for safe passage, a seaworthy vessel, adequate and wholesome food, and sanitary and safe living conditions.' 20 One passenger declared she survived the 'red bag special' - a nod to the poop bags provided Credit: AP 20 Passengers made help signs, and drew on robes and bed sheets to document the disaster Credit: AP:Associated Press 20 Jubilant passengers celebrated with McDonald's Happy Meals Credit: AFP Advertisement 20 A relieved passenger was pictured kissing the floor when they finally made it to dry land Credit: AFP Frank added: "It's amazing. I think if most people actually knew that existed at the time, they probably would never buy a ticket. I certainly wouldn't.' Carnival Triumph passengers received a refund, $500, transportation reimbursements, and a voucher for a free cruise. Despite the ticket clause, in 2015 a Florida judge awarded 27 passengers compensation of between $3000 and $15,000. Advertisement Since the disaster, Carnival has changed their terms and conditions, removing the caveats about wholesome food, sanitary and safe living conditions, safe passage and a seaworthy vessel. Devin and his family decided not to bother with legal action and just to go back to their lives. 'They gave us a free cruise ticket, but we were like, thanks but no thanks,' he laughs. Carnival Triumph underwent a big refurb and as of 2019, it started sailing under a different name: Carnival Sunrise. Advertisement It is still operating today around The Trainwreck: Poop Cruise is streaming on Netflix now. 20 Carnival Triumph underwent a big refurb and as of 2019, it started sailing under a different name: Carnival Sunrise (pictured while adrift in 2013) Credit: Reuters
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Beautiful new water attraction to open in Europe with lagoons, 40C pools and waterfalls
A NEW water attraction has opened in one of Europe's safest countries - and you can even spot the Northern Lights from it. Laugarás Lagoon is a new two-storey geothermal lagoon in summer , similar to the famous Blue Lagoon. 6 A new lagoon attractions is opening in Iceland this summer Credit: Laugaras Lagoon 6 Laugarás Lagoon will have two swim up bars Credit: Laugaras Lagoon 6 Cold plunge pools and forest pools will be part of the complex Credit: Laugaras Lagoon Inside is 1,000m² of waters with temperatures up to 40C. One of its main features is the cascading waterfall between the two stories which they claim is a "first" for Icelandic lagoons. Guests can make the most of the It also has a secluded grotto for some extra privacy, including seating areas. Read more on Iceland Otherwise inside it has two saunas with views of the surrounding forest and Hvita River. If you need a challenge there is also a cold plunge pool just outside as well as a calmer Forest Pool. There are even two The Ylja restaurant has a day and evening menu with dishes including fresh soups and salads as well as grilled lamb and slow cooked cod. Most read in News Travel Guests can choose from three ticket options, with the most basic costing £40 each, including access to the pools as well as lockers and toiletries. The premium 'Lerki' ticket costs £55 each and includes all of the above as well as a "plush towel service" and free drink at the swim up bars. The European city with cheap UK flights, famous lagoon spas and summers where the sun never sets Otherwise the deluxe 'Osp' ticket has the full experience as well as a two-course meal at the restaurant and a private changing area, for £93 each. Kids under seven and under are not allowed into the lagoon but an dine at the restaurant. The lagoon will open from August 15, and be open all year round, with reduced hours in the winter season from October to May. Laugarás Lagoon is around 80 miles from the airport, or 60 miles from 6 An on-site restaurant will serve soups, salads and main dishes Credit: Laugaras Lagoon 6 Sleek changing rooms are also onsite Credit: Laugaras Lagoon There are also daily tour buses that run from the city which include stops at the lagoon as well as irregular public bus services. It is also between the famous Geysir attraction and Gullfoss waterfall. If you can't wait until August, the current Or there is the What is a holiday to Iceland like? Sophie Swietochowski , The Sun's Assistant Travel Editor , recently visited Iceland. Even if you're not a geography nerd — I'm not — it's hard not to get swept up in it all when treading The country's huge white glaciers and vast number of active volcanoes give it its nickname The Land of Fire and Ice. Iceland's fascinating geography isn't all lava spills, though — its geo-thermal atmosphere has helped create some of the world's most famous spas, including a little south of Reykjavik . While man-made, it's heated by a geothermal power station that relies on energy from the volcanic ground. The silica and minerals in the water, said to boost the immune system, turn the water a chalky shade of baby blue. It was so relaxing to float in the bath-warm water, slapping algae masks and lava scrubs on my face from the lagoon-side beauty bar — all of which are included in your entry price. Here is If you don't want to travel as far as Iceland, 6 The lagoon opens August 15 with bookings now open Credit: Laugaras Lagoon
