The Carnival Triumph’s Infamous ‘Poop Cruise’ Gets a Fresh Look on Netflix
In June 2025, Netflix will take viewers on a deep dive into one of the most talked-about events in cruise history—the 2013 “Poop Cruise” aboard the Carnival Triumph.
The infamous incident, which left thousands of passengers stranded in deplorable conditions, will be featured in an episode of the documentary series Trainwreck, set to air on June 24th.
This new episode promises to offer an in-depth look at the disaster, shifting the focus from the media buzz to the experiences of those who lived through the terrifying ordeal.
The Start of the Nightmare
The event began on February 10, 2013, when a fire broke out in the engine room of the Carnival Triumph, causing the ship to lose all power and propulsion. What was meant to be a four-day cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, quickly turned into a five-day catastrophe.
The ship became stranded in the Gulf of Mexico with no functioning air conditioning, refrigeration, or electricity. Passengers found themselves trapped in sweltering conditions, with no way to cool off and limited food options.
Perhaps the most memorable and distressing aspect of the cruise was the overflowing toilets, which led to the ship being dubbed the “Poop Cruise” by the media. With the plumbing system down, passengers were forced to deal with makeshift toilet solutions, and the situation worsened as the days dragged on.
The Struggle and Rescue Efforts
As conditions on board deteriorated, Carnival dispatched other ships to bring supplies such as food, water, and medical assistance.
By February 11th, emergency generators were brought on board to restore some essential functions, but it was still a long, uncomfortable wait before the ship was finally towed to Mobile, Alabama, on February 14th, four days after the fire.
The Carnival Triumph, which had been operating since 1999, underwent a major refurbishment and was renamed Carnival Sunrise in 2019. Yet, for those who experienced the disaster, the memories of that five-day ordeal are hard to forget.
The Documentary’s Fresh Perspective
The new Trainwreck episode will move beyond the sensational media coverage to focus on the personal stories of the passengers and crew who lived through the traumatic event.
Netflix’s documentary series, known for its exploration of infamous disasters and scandals, aims to tell the story from those who were truly affected, rather than just revisiting the headlines.
In a press release, Netflix explained, “This isn’t just about the news coverage – it’s about the people who were trapped in a nightmare.” Other episodes in the series will cover high-profile events like the Astroworld tragedy and the fall of American Apparel, giving audiences a closer look at some of the most shocking moments in modern history.
For those who endured the Poop Cruise, the memory of their harrowing experience remains unforgettable. This documentary will offer viewers a chance to see the event through new eyes and provide a deeper understanding of one of the most bizarre and distressing incidents in cruise history.
