Below Deck Down Under Season-Finale Recap: Bon Voyage

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This current period showcases an intriguing mix of events ideal for a captivating “Below Deck” spin-off down under: equipment malfunctions, storms causing turbulence, dismissals, conflicts between and within teams, romantic entanglements, disagreements with the captain, and even some challenging charter guests (like Erik, remember him?). However, this crew struggled to establish a consistent rhythm. Some disputes were repeated so frequently across episodes that they became tiresome. The season-long romance between Harry and Bri began as a charming tale but skipped the crucial stages of courtship and developed into what appears to be a lukewarm relationship. The behavior of certain department heads was questionable, making it challenging to support them. Others sailed through the series unscathed – it’s puzzling why Adair chose reality TV over other endeavors?

The final episode of our season resumes with the predicament we previously encountered: the boat stuck and the water receding. This mishap forces Jason to inform the passengers that their arrival is delayed due to his crewmember accidentally beaching the small boat, an embarrassing situation for them. Fortunately, the guests find this predicament amusing, although Jason fails to see the humor in it. Harry, Nate, and Adair were the ones who took the small boat out initially, so Jason demands someone admit to what he describes as a major blunder. Showing leadership qualities, Nate acknowledges his responsibility for the error. In an attempt to make amends, Nate throws himself wholeheartedly into organizing a pirate-themed treasure hunt, performing the role with zeal that one might expect from a sunburned Jeff Probst.

In a bandana and an eyepatch, Nate presents himself differently to Alesia, causing quite an unusual reaction. All through the final episode, she struggles to decide whether she finds him off-putting or not, going as far as changing the term “smoochies” to something even more unappealing, “kissy-wissy.” By the end of the show, Alesia concludes that her primary focus should be on her culinary advancement, a wise choice for someone at 25. The dilemma with the stranded tender turns out to be that Jason ferries crew and guests using a dinghy while Nate waits for hours until the tide rises enough for him to retrieve it. As the water level increases, locals and beachgoers rally to assist Nate in getting the boat back to the Katina. Eventually, Jason shows leniency towards Nate. This incident, occurring on the last night of the season, is just one of those things that happen.

As the final night of the season approached, I had hoped that everyone would set aside their disagreements, much like how people often find themselves in a more forgiving mood during the last week of school before summer break. However, it seemed as though the Katina had been operating according to high-school dynamics all along. The people I’d held grudges against throughout the year suddenly appeared less antagonistic, and even that teacher who had given me trouble for months seemed more endearing. Yet, Lara, for some reason, refused to let go. Why couldn’t she embrace this mindset? Why did she cling so tightly to her resentment?

Win and Lori, our primary guests, had specifically requested a seven-course tasting menu on their preference sheet. Tzarina, our exceptional chef, was preparing an enticing selection that would delight the palate without including any soups. Somehow, Lara managed to turn this carefully planned request into a disappointment for our chef. The challenge of serving seven courses up the stairs proved too much, and we only had two sets of cutlery. Incredulously, Lara asked Tzarina to approach the guests and see if she could persuade them to settle for fewer courses.

Thinking about the various tasks Lara might undertake if given the chance in a similar circumstance is quite intriguing. Hey, would it be possible for the guests to make their own beds in the morning? We’re short-staffed, and this could help save us some time. Tzarina goes ahead and discusses this with the guests, but she ultimately lacks the courage to ask them to reduce their dinner portions. Lara catches wind of their discussion and, upon realizing that Tzarina won’t carry out her plan, labels the chef as “unhinged,” which shows an astonishing level of self-deception.

As the evening unfolds, I must admit, the anticipation for dinner was high. But once it arrived, everything ran like clockwork. Tzarina’s French-inspired culinary masterpiece was an instant hit with our guests, and Alesia, ever the reliable shipmate, didn’t disappoint in the galley. We even donned oversized chef hats for a bit of fun and camaraderie while whipping up this delicious feast. The presentation was impressive – a solitary asparagus spear on an expansive white plate that seemed to say, ‘dinner is served’. To top it all off, the sea had calmed down, allowing our guests to truly savor their meal without any rocking boat distractions.

For the remainder of the voyage, everything runs smoothly. On the final day of the sailing season, Harry skillfully navigates the boat, earning generous tips from the guests (totaling $25,500 or approximately $1,960 per person). During a champagne toast at the tip meeting, Jason rewards Tzarina with the last disco helmet she had longed for all season. He also promises to treat them to dinner that evening. Although he’s not invited to the Boys’ Bathroom Chat at the restaurant, which is somewhat disappointing since he seems like he could fit in well, he does propose a toast to a crew who managed to persevere against all odds before departing back to the Katina , leaving his followers to enjoy an evening of dancing.

In a surprising turn of events, Tzarina uses the moment to express appreciation towards Lara’s effective management of the interiors department. However, Lara had been planning to discuss some unresolved matters with Tzarina before parting ways, which left her perplexed. After resolving their issue, why reopen it again? Tzarina’s gesture irked Lara, who was already feeling frustrated, and I must admit, it also rubbed me the wrong way. Although I trust Tzarina’s intentions as much as Lara does, her statement seemed insincere to me. During their discussion the next day, they failed to make progress because there was nothing left to discuss. On the brink of ending their friendship, Lara expressed her inability to continue it any longer, and Tzarina, worn out by this vicious cycle, simply surrendered: “If you don’t want to be my friend, that’s perfectly okay.” Absolutely, Tzarina! Bravo for standing up for herself. Perhaps she’ll find genuine friends wherever she goes next.

The break-up between Lara and Tzarina turns out to be the sole one of the season. After spending several days contemplating their relationship’s future, Bri informs Harry before dinner that she is “extremely satisfied” they managed to stay together, and only flinches slightly when he playfully calls her his girlfriend. Later in the evening, while dancing in the rain, Alesia – likely influenced by the music and a fair amount of tequila – grinds on Harry, which initially upsets Bri. Lara instructs Harry to talk to Bri, which only angers her further. However, Harry’s readiness to acknowledge his mistake wins her over so much that by the time they’re in the vans on their way back to the Katina, she not only forgives him but decides he should be her boyfriend. The power of confidence, even when under the influence, is truly astounding. In the end, Harry and Bri are the last to depart from the Katina, now officially a couple.

The twerking episode is seldom mentioned, especially not to Alesia who would have been engrossed in enjoying herself regardless. In fact, she shared a kiss with Tzarina on the dance floor, leaving Lara quite taken aback. It was heartening to witness Tzarina and Alesia mesh well together, and it appears they learned from each other; Tzarina honed her skills as a more transparent and effective leader, while Alesia picked up tips on running a yacht’s kitchen. The sous chef departed the vessel with her head held high, having made plans to enroll in culinary school to further her professional growth. I genuinely hope she returns — her vibrant spirit and unique personality truly enhanced this season, and I will forever remember the day when she refused to construct a cheeseboard for Wihan.

In essence, Marina and Nic, who had a quiet yet impactful romance towards the latter part of the season, were frequently hinting at spending time together in Cape Town, where Nic hails from. As the rain poured down on the dancefloor and barriers dropped, Marina, feeling bold, asked him to join her instead. To my initial dislike, Nic proved worthy, and by the following day, they departed the Katina hand-in-hand. I had my reservations about Nic initially when he joined the crew, but his growth during the season, both professionally and personally, particularly in dealing with women, won me over. A glance at their respective Instagram accounts suggests that they are still a couple, which brings a warm, albeit unexpected, smile to this Grinch-like heart.

Lara and Tzarina departed with accolades from the captain. Will their partnership continue in the upcoming season? Lara found the ordeal to be “the toughest challenge” she’s ever faced, yet rewarding. Tzarina exited with her signature phrase: “I won’t alter myself for anyone… I’ll let my individuality shine.” Kudos to her! And as we say goodbye to the beautiful Seychelles, thanks for joining me on this season’s journey!

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2025-05-27 04:54