Poop Cruise: Survival Guide

I scored another beach day! Since the weather is so unpredictable, I keep all my beach essentials - clothes, umbrellas, chairs, and SNACKS (I love snacks!) - in the back of my car so I can head to the beach at a moment's notice.

I just watched the Netflix documentary "Trainwreck: Poop Cruise." 

Here's the back story: In 2013, what was supposed to be a carefree 4-day Carnival cruise turned into an 8-day nightmare at sea. After a fire knocked out the ship's power, passengers found themselves stranded in the middle of the ocean with no electricity and rapidly deteriorating sanitation.

Toilets overflowed with human waste, forcing desperate passengers to seek refuge on the upper decks. The situation got super messy real quick, with everyone basically just trying to survive however they could. Passengers faced impossible choices—whether to use the dreaded "red bags" for bathroom needs or use the already overflowing toilets and showers.

My first response when watching this was: "I ain't pooping in a red bag."

After that, my mind started racing about what I would do in a similar situation.

Like it or not, emergencies happen, and being a little bit prepared can make a big difference.

Let's dive in.

Part 1 - The Mindset

The first thing I want to talk about is attitude. Staying calm during an emergency is crucial.

Seriously…

Panicking will only put you and your loved ones in danger. Literally, it could be a life or death situation.

But that’s not all you need for mindset.

The next important skill is situational awareness. Since I travel frequently, especially solo, I'm always watching what's happening around me. There are usually early warning signs you can spot when disaster strikes:

• Staff members acting panicked or moving quickly
• Code words being announced (like "Alpha, Alpha, Alpha" instead of "Fire, Fire, Fire")
• Delayed or vague announcements about what's happening

If you notice these signs, start preparing immediately. You want to be one of the first people to act in emergency situations because you'll have advantages in terms of food, supplies, and even bathroom access.

In a situation like the poop cruise, I'd be the first person using the 

bathrooms while they still worked!

Always pay attention during emergency drills. When I board a cruise ship, I make sure to note where all the emergency exits are. I even memorize the ship's layout. This preparation means that if things go wrong, you'll know exactly what to do while others are confused. 

This knowledge can make the difference between safety and danger.

Finally, establish a meeting point if you're traveling with others. If you get separated during an emergency, having a designated spot where everyone knows to gather is essential. Set this up before your trip begins.

Part 2 - The Goods

Here are some essential items I bring with me and stock up on when things start going sideways:

• Snacks & Water - When food is plentiful, I grab extra non-perishable items to keep in my room. This way, if an emergency happens, you'll already have supplies while others scramble.

• Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitizer - In messy situations, these help you stay clean and avoid getting sick when water might be limited or bathrooms unusable.
• Backup Battery - A portable power bank will keep your phone alive, meaning you can call for help, check maps, or get updates even when outlets aren't available or the power is out.
• First Aid Kit & Medications - Having basics like bandages, pain relievers, and any personal meds means you're not reliant on overwhelmed or hard-to-find medical help.
• Clothesline - Use it to dry clothes, secure gear, or even rig up a privacy barrier with towels or sheets. It takes up almost no space but does a lot.
• Extra Towels - Even when I have towels, I always try to stock up on as many as I can get. In a cruise situation, getting extra beach towels would be a high priority. Great for makeshift pillows, cleaning up messes, or even emergency bathroom solutions if things really go south.

Focus on covering the essentials—water, food, hygiene, shelter—and you'll be ahead of most travelers.

With just a little planning, you might even be the calm, collected one helping others instead of starring in the next travel disaster story.

Keep traveling, 

Andrew

Have you ever spotted something off while traveling — like staff acting weird or code words — that made you suspicious? What happened next?

Cocktail of the Week

Random Travel Thought

I ain’t pooping in a red bag.

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The Plug

Cheap flights:

• Going.com : This might be the only discounted flights website you need. It’s a paid service that sends you notifications when deals become available, but they expire in a couple of days so Act Fast!! 
• Secret Flying 🤫: This website emails you about free flight opportunities and even better… it doesn’t cost a thing!!
• Skyscanner : An older, but still reliable website that’s also *FREE* so there’s no reason not to use it. Use the "Explore the World" feature and set your departure date to "Whole Month" to find the cheapest deals.

Insurance:

• Safety Wing : I use Safety Wing as my travel insurance because the plans are flexible. You can easily insure a 1-week trip for like $11 dollars which is less than the cost of a cocktail at the bar.

Travel Gear

• Compression socks: Sitting for extended periods of time is not good for the body, so keep yourself healthy enough to go on more trips. Link
• Apple AirTags: Consider getting Apple AirTags for the peace of mind of always knowing where your luggage is. Link
• Smart Phone holder: It's a foldable sheet that can be used as a stand for your iPhone or iPad.Link
• Packing cubes: Having a separate container works wonders for keeping clothes wrinkle-free. It also makes packing/unpacking much easier.Link
• Donut Power Strip: Power outlets are always in demand, but sometimes they're in weird spots. I use this bagel because it's lightweight, and I don't have to think about it. Link
• Travel Case Organizer: Cable organizers can be a pain, but this is what I use to keep my cables organized. Link
• Backup batteries: I like these backup batteries because they have three important components for me: 1. They have enough power to recharge my phone multiple times at once, 2. Are small enough to put in my pocket, and 3. Are sturdy enough to survive a fall. Link
• Yoga Mat: I use this thin mat to get my stretching in even when I'm traveling. Link
• Jump Rope: It's so easy to bring a jump rope with you for exercise because it weighs almost nothing and takes up no space. Link
• Liquid IV: Great for hydration to keep you from dying. When you're traveling, it's time to live it up!  Link
  
  *Above are Affiliate links at no additional cost to you.

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