Netflix Revisits Carnival’s Infamous “Poop Cruise” in New Documentary

One of the most notorious incidents in cruise history is back in the spotlight. Netflix is set to explore the infamous 2013 Carnival Triumph disaster — more widely known as the “Poop Cruise” — in an upcoming episode of its hit documentary series Trainwreck.

Airing on 24th June 2025, the episode will dive into the chaos that unfolded when a routine four-day sailing to Cozumel turned into a five-day ordeal adrift in the Gulf of Mexico.

What Actually Happened?

It was supposed to be a luxury cruise: a four-day round trip from Galveston, Texas to Cozumel, Mexico. But for the 4,000+ passengers and crew on board, the reality turned out to be catastrophically different. On 10th February 2013, an engine room fire destroyed key electrical cables, knocking out power for propulsion, lighting, air-conditioning, refrigeration — and worst of all, the toilets.

With sewage systems failing, raw sewage began to leak throughout the ship. Passengers found themselves queuing for food, coping with unbearable heat, and making do with makeshift toilet arrangements on deck.

For five long days, passengers endured conditions that most would never expect to experience at sea. The situation deteriorated to the point where some passengers began to revolt, demanding better conditions and clearer communication from the cruise line.

You watch the trailer here 👇

Passenger Reactions and Viral Impact

As news broke, passengers took to social media with real-time updates — posting images of tented toilet areas, corridors lit by torches, and queues stretching the length of the ship. Mainstream media quickly picked up the story, and within hours the “Poop Cruise” had gone global.

Late-night talk shows, memes, and parody videos followed. The event became one of the first cruise scandals to go viral in the age of smartphones and 24-hour news coverage, leaving a lasting impact on public perception.

How the Cruise Industry Responded

Carnival Cruise Line responded with full refunds, reimbursement for expenses, and future cruise credits for affected guests. The incident also prompted a major industry-wide review of safety and backup systems.

Carnival invested hundreds of millions into upgrading its fleet, introducing additional emergency generators, enhancing fire suppression systems, and improving contingency plans for power loss. The event triggered wider reforms across the cruise industry to ensure ships were better prepared for rare but catastrophic technical failures.

Now, Netflix Is Telling the Human Story

The new episode of Trainwreck, directed by James Ross, promises to go beyond the headlines. It focuses on first-hand accounts from passengers and crew, aiming to explore not just the facts, but the human experience behind the chaos.

“This isn’t just about the news coverage – it’s about the people who were trapped in a nightmare,” Netflix said in a press statement.

What’s Carnival Sunrise Like Today?

Carnival Triumph was completely overhauled and rebranded as Carnival Sunrise in 2019 after a $200 million transformation. The ship now boasts updated restaurants, modernised staterooms, and redesigned public areas.

For new guests, there’s little sign of the ship’s infamous past. But cruise fans with long memories will always associate Sunrise with the disaster that defined an era.

Part of a Bigger Series

Trainwreck explores some of the most infamous disasters, scandals, and public meltdowns. Other episodes will spotlight the Astroworld tragedy, the fall of American Apparel, and conspiracy-fueled mania around Area 51.

Final Thoughts

Cruise mishaps like this are rare, but when they happen, they leave a lasting mark on the people involved and how the industry operates. Netflix’s new documentary will reignite conversation, offering fresh insights into one of cruising’s most unforgettable disasters.

For those fascinated by cruise history or simply curious about what really happened behind the headlines, it’s a must-watch.

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