A New Era for the Franchise

Captain Kerry Titheradge has set high expectations for the latest installment of Below Deck, suggesting that season 13 is poised to make history within the long-running reality franchise. According to the captain, viewers should prepare for developments that have never occurred in the show’s past.

Speaking exclusively ahead of the season premiere, Titheradge noted: «This season, we’re going to have some changes that I don’t think we’ve ever seen on Below Deck before.» He further hinted at the internal conflicts that arise, admitting, «There’s definitely some changes. There’s gonna be some decisions made that maybe I may have to rethink — if I could rethink again — which way I went with.»


The Crew and The Setting

The upcoming season, filmed aboard the motor yacht Azul V, features a mix of veteran and new talent. Returning favorites, including chief stew Fraser Olender and second stew Rainbeau de Roos, are joined by a fresh group of crew members, such as Chef Moe Vilomar and Bosun Alex Wright. The production marks a return to Thailand, a location not featured on the series since 2019.

Titheradge expressed a deep appreciation for the unique environment of Southeast Asia, stating:

«This season, for me, it was such a different and unique part of the world. The Caribbean is lovely. I also did Norway, which was very exciting. But going into Thailand, it was a totally different experience. I really wanted to feel the place and they call it ‘the country of smiles,’ and the energy that you get from that country it just reverberates for everybody.»

Navigating Environmental Challenges

While the captain aimed to maintain a positive atmosphere on board, both the aging condition of the vessel and the unpredictable Thai climate created significant hurdles. Titheradge emphasized that his leadership style is crucial to the team's morale: «Everything comes from the top, right? So if I’m stressed and wound up and micromanaging and just not happy to be around, it kind of filters through the whole crew.»

The operational difficulties were compounded by unpredictable weather patterns and maritime conditions:

  • Weather Variability: Unlike his experiences in the Caribbean or the U.S., the captain faced unpredictable wind directions that left little room for error.
  • Navigational Constraints: The vessel’s limited horsepower struggled against powerful tides, making marina maneuvers particularly treacherous.
  • Wildlife Concerns: The crew had to be mindful of the local environment, specifically the monkeys, which, despite their friendly appearance, required caution.

Below Deck airs on Bravo every Monday at 8 p.m. ET, with new episodes available to stream the following day on Peacock.