Netflix’s Shocking New Doc Tells the Real Story Behind the Infamous 'Poop Cruise'

Cruises usually promise sunshine, relaxation, and a break from daily life. But sometimes, reality crashes in hard, and a new Netflix documentary is about to show just how bad it can get when things go seriously wrong at sea.

If you think being stuck in a cramped toilet cubicle is bad, imagine being trapped on a massive cruise ship where the toilets don’t work at all and where raw sewage starts flooding the decks. That’s exactly what happened to 4,000 people on the infamous “poop cruise” back in 2013, and now Netflix is bringing the story back to life.

The new documentary series, Trainwreck, is a collection of episodes that dive into some of the strangest, most shocking events that grabbed headlines over the years. From festivals gone off the rails to political mess-ups and disaster stories, Trainwreck goes straight to the people who lived through these moments to get their take. It’s not just about the events themselves but what it felt like to be there in the thick of it.

The series first dropped in 2022, kicking off with the notorious Woodstock 1999 festival. Now, each week, Netflix is releasing new episodes covering other wild stories, like the Astroworld tragedy, the rise and fall of American Apparel, and yes, the cruise ship that turned into a floating biohazard.

The passengers decided to take action themselves.

The episode everyone’s talking about is called “Poop Cruise.” It tells how the Carnival Triumph, a luxury cruise liner sailing from Texas to Mexico on a four-day trip, turned into something far from glamorous. A fire in the engine room knocked out the ship’s power, and what followed quickly turned into a nightmare.

Without power, the ship lost refrigeration, lights, air conditioning, and, most horrifying for passengers, working toilets. The boat was left drifting at sea with thousands of people stuck on board, facing a growing health hazard as raw sewage started leaking everywhere.

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"Trainwreck: Poop Cruise | Official Trailer | Netflix "

The documentary’s teaser paints a grim picture: passengers standing ankle-deep in urine, being told to use biohazard bags when nature called, food running out, and tensions boiling over. Reports from the time described how people saw feces smeared on the walls and how the stench was unbearable.

One passenger told People magazine in 2013, “It got bad fast.” To escape the smell and darkness, many people gathered on the deck, trying to rest despite the chaos. Meals became sparse and strange, with cucumber and onion sandwiches making an unfortunate appearance.

Understanding Crisis Management

According to crisis management expert Dr. Steven Fink, effective crisis response is anchored in preparedness and communication. His research emphasizes that organizations must establish clear protocols before incidents occur, ensuring that all staff know their roles during emergencies.

For instance, regular drills can enhance response times and reduce panic among guests. Dr. Fink suggests that post-crisis evaluations are equally important, allowing companies to learn from their experiences and improve future operations, which is crucial for maintaining customer trust in the long run.

Food and supplies were dropped off to the ship then.

Crew members and chefs interviewed for Trainwreck said they went into full “crisis mode” the moment the power died. “I would never expect having to poop in a red bag,” one staffer said.

Another passenger recalled how fights broke out as frustration mounted. Some passengers even built a makeshift “shantytown” on the upper decks, trying to take control of their miserable situation.

At the time, Carnival’s then-president and CEO, Gerry Cahill, issued an apology:

“I want to again apologize to our guests and their friends and families. The situation on board was difficult, and we are very sorry for what has happened. We pride ourselves on providing our guests with a great vacation experience, and clearly, we failed in this case.”

That honest admission didn’t ease the hardship for those on board, but it showed just how badly things had fallen apart.

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Starting June 10, Netflix will begin releasing the Trainwreck series, with the episode about the infamous “Poop Cruise” dropping on June 24. If you’ve always pictured cruises as glamorous and carefree vacations, this show could change your perspective.

It dives into some of the wildest and most unsettling events that happen behind the scenes, making you reconsider what goes on during these voyages before you book your next trip.

Dr. Brené Brown, a renowned vulnerability researcher, highlights the importance of open communication during crises. She states that acknowledging distress can foster connection among affected individuals. In the case of the Carnival Triumph, immediate, transparent updates could have alleviated fears and anxiety among passengers and crew.

Moreover, she suggests that organizations implement a feedback loop after crisis events. By actively seeking input from those affected, companies can identify gaps in their response strategies and enhance future preparedness, creating a more resilient culture.

Healing Approaches & Techniques

The Carnival Triumph incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of crisis preparedness and response. Experts like Dr. Steven Fink and Dr. Brené Brown emphasize that clear communication and established protocols can significantly mitigate the fallout of such emergencies.

Moving forward, organizations should prioritize training and feedback mechanisms to enhance their crisis management strategies. By fostering a culture of transparency and learning, they can not only improve their immediate responses but also build lasting trust with their clientele.