Latest news with #Trainwreck:PoopCruise
Daily Mirror
28-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
What really happens below deck on cruise ship uncovered as expert tells all
A travel expert has shed fresh light on what goes on below deck of commercial cruise ships - including what happens when passengers die onboard and the cryptic codes shared on the PA system Netflix's new documentary Trainwreck: The Poop Cruise has caused quite the commotion, leaving many curious about the inner workings of mega cruises. One travel expert has the answers, sharing insider secrets of life below deck. Global Work & Travel 's Jessie Chambers shares five of the most surprising secrets from the cruise world, including onboard jails and morgues. She also unpacks common codes blasted over the PA system. According to Chambers, most cruise ships have a brig which is essentially a 'secure jail-like room' to detain unruly or dangerous passengers. The brig houses these passengers until they can be removed at the next port. Cruise ships also have a place to house deceased passengers. Given that some cruises have an older average passenger age, it isn't altogether uncommon for deaths to occur onboard. For this reason, most cruise liners are equipped with morgues that can hold multiple bodies until the ship reaches land. In rare cases, families can potentially request burials at sea – a practice that still exists under strict regulation. According to Chambers, some passengers even pre-plan their final voyage, ashes included. When it comes to the code system used by staff, Chambers explains that these are used to signal emergencies. Cruise staff are trained to use discreet codes (i.e. 'Code Oscar' or 'Code Alpha') to flag medical incidents, man overboard alerts, or even biohazard events like mass vomiting. Chambers' last insider secret is that not all ports will welcome all passengers, even if they have paid already. She says that if your cruise ship has a health issue onboard or if weather turns, your port stop can be cancelled. If this happens, passengers can be left with no recourse or compensation. She says this has happened frequently in the post-COVID era. Despite some of the less glamorous aspects and potential dangers, Chambers says cruises are still a great way to travel. 'Cruises are brilliant fun – but they're also floating cities, and that means everything from crime to chaos has to be accounted for. 'The Trainwreck: Poop Cruise documentary might seem extreme, but outbreaks, delays, even onboard arrests are all part of the behind-the-scenes reality. It's important travellers know what they're signing up for – not to scare them, but to empower them,' she concludes. That said, there are some passengers of the infamous cruise that argue that the documentary ' doesn't even scratch the surface ' of how horrific the experience was. The cruise voyage from Texas to Mexico descended into chaos after an engine room fire caused a massive electrical failure, leaving over 4,000 passengers and crew to wade through urine and feces and camp on deck. Tay Redford, 24, a passenger who was only 12 at the time of the incident, says she felt "hurt" by the portrayal after watching the trailer. Tay vividly recalls the fear and chaos, arguing that Carnival failed to provide meaningful support after the ordeal. "I've only seen the trailer, but from what I saw, it doesn't even scratch the surface," she said. "It's just Carnival workers telling the story. It's really hard watching the documentary come out and seeing all these people making money from it.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Cruise experts debunk common myths for those scarred by scenes from viral 'poop cruise'
As stomach-turning clips of the 2013 'poop cruise' make the rounds on social media, cruise travel experts reassure holidaymakers why the horrors of the past are unlikely to be repeated If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've likely been subjected (unwillingly) to videos of fluffy brown sewage exploding out of a cruise ship's windows. Clips from Netflix's documentary, Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, are going massively viral – and its left audiences quite literally gagging. The documentary was released on June 24 and follows the events of the Carnival Triumph: a 2013 cruise liner bound from Texas to Cozumel, Mexico. It was smooth sailing until the ship's engine room caught fire, leaving over 4000 passengers stranded in the Gulf of Mexico. The fire destroyed the ship's power system, causing a WiFi outage and the toilets to stop flushing. What resulted was, unsurprisingly, pandemonium. Passengers were instructed to pee down shower drains and handed red biohazard bags to defecate in. There were reports of backed-up waste from the drains running down the walls and through the hallways. A passenger, Devin, who was featured in the documentary, said: 'You walked down a hallway and all of a sudden, squish-squish-squish-squish…we were in excrement.' They were stranded for four days until tug boats finally arrived to pull the ship to safety. The story has, unsurprisingly, left social media users horrified. But, if you've booked a cruise, or are planning to, there's no need to worry. Cruise experts from Riviera Travel dispel five common cruise safety myths: Myth: Cruises are unsafe Riviera Travel reassures passengers that while it's normal to feel apprehensive when going on a cruise for the first time, there are thorough safety regulations put in place to ensure travellers are safe on board. They add: "Many passengers who were anxious about going on their first cruise later stated that it became easy to forget they were on a boat!" They explain: "Strict regulations are followed, and the ship's state-of-the-art safety features, such as lifeboats, life preservers, and thoroughly trained crew members, make it a secure vessel.' Myth: Fortunately, cruise ships are equipped with plenty of resources to prevent this from happening. Riviera Travel says: 'These ships also have onboard and offshore staff trained and prepared for these instances if they were ever to happen." Myth: According to Riviera Travel, hygiene is taken "very seriously" on cruise ships. They say: "The catering team ensures food is of the highest quality before being dished out and takes necessary precautions to prevent contamination. Plus, they add that cruise meals aren't always buffet-style, and that you can opt for ships that have onboard restaurants and traditional table-service. Myth: This is actually a misconception. Riviera Travel emphasises that strict hygiene protocols are followed on cruise ships, with passengers' health and safety "a top priority" for cruise lines. They explain that cruise lines take all necessary measures to prevent outbreaks like norovirus, as well as following strict guidelines to make sure ships adhere to high hygiene standards. Although, they add: "Viruses can spread anywhere, so while strict hygiene measures are in place, passengers should still take precautions to reduce their own risk.' Myth: There's no medical help if something goes wrong Riviera Travel reassures passengers that cruise ships have trained medical professionals on board and "are equipped with top-notch facilities for anyone who needs medical attention." There are also protocols are also in place for more serious medical emergencies, and cruise ships will stop at nearby ports if they need to. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Tom's Guide
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's latest 'Trainwreck' documentary about a party gone horribly wrong just hit No. 2 in the top 10
Netflix's "Trainwreck" documentary series has been anything but a trainwreck for the streaming service. Last week alone, two of its documentary films were in the Netflix Global Top 10 for movies, with a combined 14.9 million views. So maybe I shouldn't be surprised to see the latest film in the series — "Trainwreck: The Real Project X" — is already surging up the top 10 this week. After all, it was one of my top picks from all the new shows and movies on Netflix this week. Still, there's no denying that hitting the No. 2 spot after just one day is no mean feat, and it means that this documentary about a party from hell is officially a must-watch. Here's what you need to know about "Trainwreck: The Real Project X" and why you won't be able to turn away from this entertaining documentary. If you've never seen one of Netflix's "Trainwreck" documentaries before, the film series explores some of the more interesting moments in recent history where things went totally wrong. The most famous example to date might be "Trainwreck: Poop Cruise," which covered a 2013 incident on a Carnival cruise ship where an engine room fire turned the ship into a floating septic tank. In "Trainwreck: The Real Project X," the series examines the events of a 2012 party in the town of Haren in the Netherlands. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Dutch teenager Merthe Weusthuis originally was hoping for a small party with her family and friends for her Sweet 16. But when she accidentally set the Facebook event to public instead of private, the event went viral and thousands started accepting her invitation. Things got so out of hand that by the night of the party, she and her mother left town and watched the night's events unfold on TV. What they saw turned out to be the party from Hell. Despite its name, Weusthuis's hijacked Sweet 16 wasn't the inspiration for the 2012 movie "Project X" starring Miles Teller. That movie's inspiration has long been believed to be based on the 2008 party of 16-year-old Australian Corey Worthington, though people associated with the movie have never confirmed this. No, this party, dubbed "Project X Haren," instead drew inspiration from the film, and the results were nearly as disastrous. You'll have to watch "Trainwreck: The Real Project X" to get all the sordid details, but the party of thousands ultimately led to riots and police detained dozens, but not before the damage was already done. The good news for you is that this out-of-control party was 13 years ago, and by all accounts, those involved have had time to move on. So you can watch this "Trainwreck" without guilt. Watch "Trainwreck: The Real Project X" on Netflix now Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
Sky News AU
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Poop cruise' Netflix documentary exposes 2013 nightmare aboard Carnival Triumph, featuring chaos, gross conditions
A newly released documentary on Netflix has continued to draw attention from viewers about how a vacation turned into a nightmare. The film covers the Carnival Triumph ship — which departed from Galveston, Texas, and set sail to Cozumel, Mexico for a four-night stay in Feb. 2013. The documentary, "Trainwreck: Poop Cruise," explores the incident in which an engine fire left 4,000 passengers stranded at sea without power and dubbed the incident the "poop cruise," according to Netflix's website. Passengers were stranded for about five days until finally making it to Mobile, Alabama. A Carnival spokesperson told Fox News Digital the incident from over 12 years ago was a teachable moment for the entire cruise industry. "A thorough investigation following the incident revealed a design vulnerability," the statement said, "which was corrected and led Carnival Cruise Line to invest more than $500 million across our entire fleet in comprehensive fire prevention and suppression, improved redundancy and enhanced management systems, all in support of our commitment to robust safety standards." The company's statement continued, "We are proud of the fact that since 2013 over 53 million guests have enjoyed safe and memorable vacations with us, and we will continue to operate to these high standards." The documentary features interviews with passengers, who shared their accounts of defecating in biohazard bags, seeing fights break out, having no power and revealing the chaos that unfolded aboard. Stewart Chiron, a Miami-based cruise industry expert known as "The Cruise Guy," told Fox News Digital the Carnival Triumph disaster was an unfortunate situation. Chiron said the incident "highlighted the significant safety measures available at that moment in time and lessons learned, as it has never happened again." "The ship did exactly what it was supposed to do and preserved lives," he added. "While the passengers and crew were uncomfortable, they were safe. Food and supplies were replenished by other ships sailing in the area as it was towed to Mobile, Alabama." Viewers have taken to social media to share comments about the outrageous incident. "Not me, watching the Netflix documentary about the 2013 carnival cruise that turned into a poop cruise," said one woman on X. Another X user posted, "OK, listen, hear me out. Other than the crew, who all seemed GREAT, these people seemed unbearable and really dramatic." Said another person, "My favorite part of the 'Trainwreck: Poop Cruise' situation was the part when all the toilets stopped working and they had no power, so they thought, 'We should open the bars and give everyone free booze.'" One X user wrote, "'Trainwreck: Poop Cruise' on Netflix is a perfect documentary to show how Americans would not be surviving a war on their soil for a single week." The same user called out "the audacity, incapability to handle inconvenience and the absolute lack of community and empathy for others in a crisis." An X user posted, "Oh, the entitled cruise passengers are the worst!" "So, you've never been camping, done a missions trip, been hospitalized for any period of time, walked your dog, gone to a music festival? Just poop in the bag! You made the sewage problem so much worse," the same user added. Originally published as 'Poop cruise' Netflix documentary exposes 2013 nightmare aboard Carnival Triumph, featuring chaos, gross conditions
Vancouver Sun
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vancouver Sun
The 'poop cruise' was a floating nightmare. Now there's a documentary.
It was the ship that launched a thousand headlines. A dozen years ago, the country was riveted — and, let's face it, entertained — by the plight of more than 4,200 people adrift in the Gulf of Mexico on the Carnival Triumph after an engine room fire. A new Netflix documentary, 'Trainwreck: Poop Cruise,' recounts the sordid tale, from the initial party atmosphere to the postapocalyptic scenes of passengers sleeping on pool decks, hoarding food and collecting biohazard bags to relieve themselves. By the end of the ordeal, news choppers were following the ship's slow journey back to shore days after the voyage was meant to end. The trip started in Galveston, Texas, on Feb. 7, 2013, and was meant to last four nights with a stop in Cozumel, Mexico, on Day 3. But on the third night, a fire broke out and the situation went from bad to worse to utterly bleak. While no one was injured, the fire knocked out power for most functions on board. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'Sometimes there are those scenarios that come along that just grab everyone's attention,' former CNN anchor Brooke Baldwin says in the 55-minute film. 'We couldn't get enough. America couldn't get enough.' Here are eight big uh-oh moments detailed in the movie, part of a series that Netflix describes as 'some of the most gripping, bizarre — and sometimes even horrifying — events that once dominated the mainstream media.' The documentary includes videos and photos from the cruise along with interviews with several crew members and passengers. Passengers described a day of eating, drinking and fun in Cozumel. Some were hungover when a loud alarm and message summoning 'Alpha Team' blared just before 5:30 a.m. on Feb. 10. A former chef said he saw smoke coming from the sink's drain. Passengers recalled people banging on their doors and seeing flames from the signature red funnel atop the vessel. Some gathered on the deck in their robes. 'I'm like 'Oh my God, this is it, this is the Titanic, we're going down,'' said one guest identified as Jayme, a member of a bachelorette party. The cruise director, Jen Baxter, said she initially wondered whether crew would have to ready the lifeboats. But after learning that the fire was out, she can be heard assuring passengers that everything was under control just before 6:15 a.m. 'Go back to your cabin, go back to bed, go have some coffee, have some breakfast,' she says. The optimism was short-lived. 'I told my fiancée, 'Everything's going to be fine, we should go get some coffee,'' one man, identified as Devin, recounted. 'And then the lights go out.' Other passengers heard the air conditioning cut out. They realized their cellular service was no longer working. An even more unsettling reality would soon set in: With only emergency power available, most of the toilets weren't operating. By about 8 a.m., some tough conversations were playing out. In the documentary, the cruise director recounts the effort to come up with a plan for passengers' bathroom needs. The filmmakers play a recording of Baxter's instructions to former passengers as they grimace in recognition. 'As you probably know by now, the toilets are not flushing and it's going to start causing a little bit of a problem,' she says, telling guests to 'do a number one' in the shower. For further needs, the request was more complicated and included red biohazard bags to be delivered to the rooms. 'If you do need to do a number two, we ask that you please do it in the red bag and drop it off in the bins in the corridors,' she said. Cut to passengers' reactions: 'You want me to what?' said Devin, who was on board with his future in-laws. 'I'm not doing that,' said a man named Larry who sailed with his 12-year-old daughter. 'It was just like, 'What world are we living in?'' Ashley, a woman who was on her bachelorette party, said. She said she immediately started taking Imodium. Without air conditioning, passengers said they found little respite from the sun. 'Inside the boat it was even worse. I mean it'll just suffocate you in minutes because there's nothing stirring, no air at all,' Larry said. As night approached, passengers started setting up beds outside. The film shows people dragging mattresses down stairs, sleeping in common areas or taking over lounge chairs. In the film, a former chef identified as Abhi said the crew threw away perishable food and started making sandwiches with whatever they could find. Video footage shows long lines wrapping around the deck. 'You would have to wait in line for two hours, then when you got up to see what it was you were waiting on, it was like a soggy bread and tomato lettuce sandwich,' Ashley the bachelorette said. (Other cruise ships met up with the Triumph to bring more food for the passengers.) Despite the limited choices, passengers described their fellow guests as going into 'survival mode' and hoarding food to bring back to their makeshift camps. With fire damage making it impossible to steer the ship back to land, the initial plan was for the Triumph to be towed to Progreso, Mexico. But after the ship drifted north, Carnival Cruise Line had to shift to a new option – getting the ship to Mobile, Alabama, which would take much longer. 'This is going to add on a couple of days at least,' said a guest services manager identified as Stephen. 'My heart just dropped out.' After passengers were able to make cellphone calls thanks to the proximity of a ship bringing more supplies, their loved ones on land learned more about the conditions on board. News outlets started paying more attention. 'Now the cat's out of the bag,' says Buck Banks, a public relations consultant who described working with Carnival on the response. 'The snowball has started to roll, and there's no stopping it.' Passengers described how the news of the delay came as showers started backing up and bathrooms grew increasingly disgusting. Devin, the passenger on board with future in-laws, recounted his ultimately successful search for a working toilet to avoid the dreaded red-bag solution. One crew member said that — in light of Carnival's reputation as the 'Fun Ship' cruise line — someone decided to start offering free drinks at the bar. 'I was definitely against the idea,' Baxter said. While the booze distracted guests for a while, crew members and passengers said chaos followed, with some people urinating off the side of the ship, throwing their biohazard bags onto lifeboats and getting into fights. 'It just was like, 'We've got to put a stop to this,'' Baxter said. 'Close the bar.' As tugboats pulled the ship and rougher weather rolled in, guests said, the ride became more rocky. 'This was probably the tipping point,' Devin said. Videos showed people reacting to overflowing sewage and soaked carpets in one of the queasiest segments of the documentary. 'You're walking down the hallway and all of a sudden squish, squish, squish, squish,' he said. 'And you know what you're standing in.' The ship arrived in Mobile the night of Feb. 14, greeted by worried family members, many news cameras and the hashtag #cruiseshipfromhell. At least one passenger kissed the ground after walking onto land. Many praised the efforts of the crew. Carnival Cruise Line, which did not participate in the documentary, said in a statement that the 2013 incident 'was a teachable moment for the entire cruise industry.' The statement said an investigation revealed a 'design vulnerability,' which prompted the cruise operator to spend more than $500 million fleet-wide in improvements. 'We are proud of the fact that since 2013 over 53 million guests have enjoyed safe and memorable vacations with us, and we will continue to operate to these high standards,' the statement said. The cruise industry adopted a 'passenger bill of rights' in the aftermath of the ordeal, detailing what cruise lines will do for guests in case of emergency. They include refunds if a trip is cut short or canceled because of mechanical problems, the right to timely information and updates about itinerary changes, and the right to an emergency power source if a main generator fails. But some legal experts have told The Washington Post that the policies are 'meaningless' with no way to enforce the rights.
