Topics: Netflix, Travel, US News, Cruise ship
A new Netflix documentary recounting a stinker of a cruise, in more ways than one, has passengers reflecting on the unimaginable acts they were forced to carry out while on board.
Back in 2013, passengers on board the Carnival Triumph cruise ship thought they were embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation to Cozumel, Mexico, but what they experienced was more of a nightmare.
While the 4,100-strong passengers and crew were able to party it up on the picturesque island across the Gulf of Mexico - or as Trump wishes it to be named, the 'Gulf of America' - their four-day round trip back to Galveston, Texas, was soon to turn into a living nightmare
A fire broke out in the engine room disrupting everything - from the electrics, to the steering and even the controls in the lavatories... more specifically, the ability to flush all toilets on board.
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The vessel was then stranded on the fourth day of the trip in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico, where it remained for the next four days.
The blaze destroyed electrical cables that fueled the entire vessel - leaving it drifting aimlessly with no power, refrigeration, light, air control or flushing toilets for five tedious days.
The shocking situation has been documented as part of Netflix's Trainwreck series, with it being titled aptly Poop Cruise, due to passengers having to stand ankle-deep in urine and go for a number two in red, biohazard bags.
Now, reflecting on the sh*t show - if you pardon the pun - passengers have detailed what they experienced.
“People were running and banging on doors. You could hear the panic,” cruiser Jayme said in the Netflix doc. “I’m like, ‘Oh my god, this is it. This is the Titanic. We’re going down’."
While another named Ashley added: “Once we got up to the lido deck, the first thing I remember seeing — it’s like etched in my brain — is seeing the big red fin [featured on every Carnival ship].
"There were flames just shooting out of it. And that’s when I really woke up and was like, 'Oh sh*t, the ship is on fire'.”
But it was cruise director Jen who had to tell the passengers that they must do their number ones in the shower, while number twos must be done in red biohazard bags.
Things got out of hand quickly, and after a free bar was announced, chaos ensued.
Chef Abhi explained that she saw one passenger fling their red bag off the side of the boat, but it boomeranged back.
"Somebody threw the poop bag, but then the wind threw it back on somebody sitting on the open deck downstairs," she explained.
Now, more than a decade on from the incident, Carnival insist that the stench hasn't followed it around.
It said in a statement: "The Carnival Triumph incident over 12 years ago was a teachable moment for the entire cruise industry.
"A thorough investigation following the incident revealed a design vulnerability 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.
"This is in addition to our vigorous Health, Environmental, Safety and Security (HESS) protocols that guide the entire Carnival Corporation fleet as we maintain our commitment to industry leadership in this area."
Adding: "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."
