‘Poop Cruise’ Passengers Relive Infamous Trip 12 Years Later — From Going ‘Number 2’ in Bags to Sewage Spills

Passengers from the infamous ‘Poop Cruise’ reflect on their harrowing experience 12 years after the trip in a new Netflix documentary

A new Netflix documentary titled “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise” revisits the nightmarish voyage that unfolded onboard the Carnival Triumph in 2013. What was supposed to be a dream getaway turned into a nightmare when an engine room fire broke out on the ship, resulting in a complete loss of power. This left thousands of passengers stranded at sea without basic necessities like working toilets, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

The documentary features interviews with passengers who recount the chaos and fear they experienced during the ill-fated voyage. From being instructed to use plastic bags for bowel movements to witnessing sewage spills, the passengers share the unimaginable challenges they faced on the cruise. Over a decade later, memories of the traumatic events are still vivid for those who were onboard.

As the Carnival Triumph sailed from Galveston, Texas to Cozumel, Mexico, disaster struck on the final day of the four-day cruise when a fire erupted in the engine room. The fire destroyed the ship’s electrical cables, plunging it into darkness and causing it to drift in the Gulf of Mexico. Passengers woke up to alarms blaring and smoke filling the air, triggering a sense of panic and desperation among those onboard.

One passenger, Jayme, likened the experience to the sinking of the Titanic, with people frantically running and banging on doors in a bid to escape the chaos. Another passenger, Ashley, vividly remembers seeing flames shooting out from the ship’s recognizable red fin, a distressing sight that signified the severity of the situation. The ship was effectively adrift, with no power for essential amenities, leading to a dire predicament for everyone on board.

As the hours passed without a resolution in sight, the lack of functioning toilets became a pressing issue. Passengers were instructed to use red bags for bowel movements and were advised to deposit them in designated bins along the corridors. The unsanitary conditions only worsened as perishable food supplies dwindled, forcing people to sleep outside on the decks due to the intolerable heat inside the cabins.

Despite the challenging circumstances, the crew attempted to lift spirits by offering an open bar to passengers. However, this gesture backfired as some passengers engaged in unruly behavior, urinating off the side of the ship and discarding waste inappropriately. Fights broke out, escalating the already tense atmosphere and prompting the crew to retract the offer of free drinks.

Finally, after enduring days of squalid conditions, the Carnival Triumph was towed to Mobile, Alabama, where passengers disembarked, relieved to be on solid ground once more. The documentary reveals that Carnival Cruise Line compensated passengers with a full refund, transportation expenses, a $500 payment, and a complimentary cruise as a gesture of goodwill following the traumatic ordeal.

In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Carnival Cruise Line acknowledged the lessons learned from the incident and the subsequent investments made in enhancing safety measures across their fleet. The company emphasised its commitment to ensuring the well-being of guests and upholding rigorous safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The documentary sheds light on the resilience of the passengers and crew who faced adversity during the ‘Poop Cruise’ and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety protocols in the cruise industry. The harrowing tale of the Carnival Triumph serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for vigilance and stringent safety measures at sea.

The third episode of “Trainwreck,” featuring the ‘Poop Cruise’ saga, offers a compelling narrative of survival and solidarity in the face of extraordinary circumstances. Through the retelling of this harrowing experience, viewers gain insight into the human spirit’s capacity to endure and persevere in the most challenging of situations.