50 Facts About Below Deck (TV Series)

The Basics of Below Deck

Below Deck is a reality TV series that offers a peek into the lives of yacht crew members. It combines luxury, drama, and adventure on the high seas.

1. Genre and Country of Origin: Below Deck is a reality television series from the United States, broadcast in English.
2. Number of Seasons and Episodes: As of 2023, Below Deck has completed 11 seasons with a total of 171 episodes.
3. Original Release Date: The show premiered on July 1, 2013, on Bravo.
4. Production Companies: Produced by Below Deck Entertainment and other companies, the series has a strong production team.
5. Running Time: Each episode typically runs between 42 and 54 minutes, offering an in-depth look at crew life.

The Luxurious Yachts

The yachts on Below Deck are not just any boats; they are floating palaces with all the amenities one could dream of.

6. Yacht Specifications: The yachts can accommodate up to 12 guests and 11 crew members. For instance, Honor, from the first season, is a 163.8-foot Benetti superyacht.
7. Yacht Locations: Filming locations include the Caribbean, Polynesia, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe.
8. Yacht Prices: Chartering these yachts is expensive. Honor costs $189,000 per week, while Valor is $168,000 per week in the Caribbean.
9. Guest Participation: Real charter guests pay tens of thousands of dollars, often at a 50% discount, to be on the show.
10. Guest Tips: Guests typically tip around 15-20% of the full charter amount, which is crucial for the crew's income.

Crew Life and Salaries

Life on a yacht is not all glamour. The crew works hard and faces many challenges.

11. Crew Salaries: Crew members receive a base salary from the charter company. A chief stewardess can earn around $62,000.
12. Additional Compensation: Crew members also get a small fee from Bravo for appearing on the show.
13. Living Expenses: All living costs are covered by the charter company, allowing crew members to focus on their duties.
14. Captain's Authority: The captain can dismiss any crew member for failing to perform their duties or breaking rules.
15. Chef's Role: The chef prepares all meals, which are crucial for the crew's energy and well-being.

Behind the Scenes

Producing Below Deck involves significant logistical planning and a lot of behind-the-scenes work.

16. Logistical Considerations: Multiple cameras, including hidden ones, are used to capture every moment.
17. Crew Selection: Potential cast members must provide proper paperwork, including STCW certification.
18. Background Checks: Thorough background checks ensure crew members can perform their duties safely.
19. Work Schedule: Crew members often work 16-hour shifts, contributing to the high levels of stress and drama.
20. Camera Coverage: Filming occurs 24/7, with hidden cameras even in crew cabins.

Filming and Production

The filming process for Below Deck is intense and requires a lot of coordination.

21. Privacy Restrictions: The only place crew members have privacy is the bathroom, unless multiple people are present.
22. Filming Duration: Each season is filmed over six weeks, resulting in a condensed but intense experience.
23. Production Office: A dedicated production office is often set up in one of the yacht's open bedrooms.
24. Charter Season Duration: The show's production is limited to six weeks due to the high cost of chartering the yacht.
25. Guest Experience: Guests receive a 50% discount on their charter fee, making it more affordable to participate.

Crew Dynamics and Rules

The relationships and rules among the crew members add to the drama and intrigue of the show.

26. Tip Culture: Guests pay tips out of pocket, which is a common practice in the yachting industry.
27. No Interaction with Production Crew: Cast members cannot interact with the production crew during filming.
28. No Shoes on Deck: To prevent floor damage, crew members and guests are generally not allowed to wear shoes on board.
29. Hidden Positions: Roles like the First Officer, engineer, and safety officer are crucial but not shown on the show.
30. Filming Schedule: The condensed six-week filming schedule requires crew members to bring the drama quickly.

Yacht Details

Each yacht featured on Below Deck has its own unique specifications and amenities.

31. Production Staff Accommodations: Limited space on the yacht means production staff must find creative ways to accommodate themselves.
32. Yacht Specifications (Continued): Yachts often feature sprawling sundecks, jacuzzis, outdoor cinemas, and various water toys.
33. Yacht Availability: Some yachts are available for charter, while others are not. For example, Ionian Princess is listed for sale at $13,750,000.
34. Mercury Yacht Details: Featured in Below Deck Adventure, Mercury is a 50-meter motoryacht built by Amels, available for charter from $170,000 per week.
35. Longest Yacht in Below Deck Series: The Honor yacht, at 163.8 feet, is the longest yacht featured on the show.

Specific Yachts and Seasons

Different yachts have been featured in various seasons, each with its own charm and challenges.

36. Yacht Valor Details: Valor, a 154-foot Feadship, appeared in seasons 4, 5, and 7. It accommodates up to 12 guests and 11 crew members.
37. Yacht Ionian Princess Details: Ionian Princess, a 150-foot yacht, appeared in Below Deck Mediterranean. It can host up to 12 guests in six cabins.
38. Yacht Mercury Details (Continued): Mercury, designed by Terence Disdale, was filmed in Norway during the first season of Below Deck Adventure.
39. Yacht Mercury Season: Mercury was featured in the first season of Below Deck Adventure, highlighting different locations and yachts.
40. Yacht Honor Details (Continued): Honor, a 163.8-foot Benetti superyacht, accommodates up to 12 guests in six cabins.

Crew Dynamics and Legacy

The relationships and legacies of the crew members add depth to the show.

41. Yacht Valor Season: Valor appeared in seasons 4, 5, and 7, shot in locations like the US Virgin Islands and Saint-Martin.
42. Yacht Ionian Princess Season: Ionian Princess appeared in Below Deck Mediterranean Season I, shot in Greece.
43. Crew Dynamics: The show highlights dynamic relationships between crew members, often leading to conflicts and dramatic moments.
44. Crew Selection Process: Potential cast members undergo rigorous selection, including background checks and psychological assessments.
45. Crew Training: Before filming, the cast undergoes extensive training on yacht systems, safety procedures, and emergency handling.

Safety and Morale

Safety and morale are crucial aspects of life on a yacht, affecting both the crew and the overall experience.

46. Crew Contracts: Each cast member signs a contract with Bravo, outlining responsibilities, salary, and other terms.
47. Crew Safety: Strict safety protocols include wearing life jackets and following emergency procedures.
48. Crew Morale: Maintaining morale is crucial. Crew members bond over shared experiences but also face conflicts.
49. Crew Legacy: Many cast members pursue careers in the yachting industry or become celebrities.
50. Impact: Below Deck influences how people perceive life on luxury yachts and the challenges faced by those who work on them.

The Allure of Below Deck

Below Deck isn't just another reality show; it's a peek into the glamorous yet grueling world of luxury yachting. With 11 seasons and 171 episodes, it has kept viewers hooked with its mix of high-seas adventure, crew drama, and opulent settings. From the stunning yachts like Honor and Valor to the exotic filming locations, every detail adds to its charm. The crew's hard work, long hours, and intricate relationships make for compelling TV. Plus, the hefty tips and luxurious guest experiences add an extra layer of intrigue. Spin-offs like Below Deck Mediterranean and Below Deck Sailing Yacht only expand this fascinating universe. Whether you're drawn to the lavish lifestyle or the behind-the-scenes action, Below Deck offers a unique blend of both, making it a must-watch for reality TV fans.