A new documentary on Netflix shares the harrowing experience of a disastrous cruise, compelling passengers to recall the extreme measures they had to take while onboard.
In 2013, those aboard the Carnival Triumph cruise ship expected a dream journey to Cozumel, Mexico, but it soon turned into an ordeal.
The 4,100 passengers and crew initially enjoyed their time on the idyllic island across the Gulf of Mexico—though some humorously refer to it as the ‘Gulf of America’—but the return voyage to Galveston, Texas, transformed into an unending nightmare.
A fire erupted in the engine room, affecting vital systems such as the electrics, steering, and, critically, the toilet-flushing mechanisms.
On the fourth day of the trip, the ship became stranded in the Gulf of Mexico for an additional four days.
The fire had destroyed electrical cables that powered the ship, leaving it adrift without power, refrigeration, lighting, air conditioning, or flushing toilets for five grueling days.
This alarming event is featured in Netflix’s Trainwreck series, under the fitting title Poop Cruise, due to the passengers’ predicament of standing in ankle-deep urine and using red biohazard bags as toilets.
Reflecting on the chaotic experience, passengers shared their accounts of what happened.
“People were running and banging on doors. You could hear the panic,” recounted cruiser Jayme in the documentary. “I’m like, ‘Oh my god, this is it. This is the Titanic. We’re going down’.”
Another passenger, Ashley, recalled: “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’.”
The cruise director, Jen, had the unfortunate task of informing passengers that they would need to urinate in the shower and use red biohazard bags for other needs.
As the situation deteriorated, the announcement of a free bar led to further chaos.
Chef Abhi described witnessing a passenger throw their red bag overboard, only for it to return due to the wind.
“Somebody threw the poop bag, but then the wind threw it back on somebody sitting on the open deck downstairs,” she described.
Now well over a decade later, Carnival maintains that the incident has not tarnished its reputation.
In a statement, Carnival said: “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.”
The statement added, “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.”