Since its debut in 2013, ‘Below Deck’ is giving fans an inside look into the luxurious world of yachting and the often-dramatic lives of its crew. While the series has attracted a large number of viewers, there are some behind-the-scenes tidbits that many fans might not know. Here are six surprising facts about ‘Below Deck’ that might change the way you watch the show:
6. Captain Lee’s Most Embarrassing Scene Was Left Out Of The Show
Not every moment makes the final cut. Speaking to Cosmopolitan, Captain Lee shared a particularly embarrassing incident: a fall in his bathroom after stepping out of the shower. Slipping on the marble floors, Captain Lee humorously likened the event to ‘bouncing around like a ball in a pinball machine.’ Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you see it) for Captain Lee, the cameras missed this moment.
5. The Guests Might Get A Discount For Joining The Show
While guests invest heavily in the luxurious experience, they might be receiving a discount for their on-screen appearance. For instance, guests during the Below Deck Mediterranean Season 6 reportedly paid between $40,000 to $45,000, while such charters typically run between $80,000 to $120,000.
4. The Filming For Each Season Only Takes Six Weeks
While ‘Below Deck’ offers a full season of drama, the actual filming process is concise. The crew, along with Captain Lee, are filmed for roughly six weeks each season. Considering the vast amount of footage collected – around 45,000 hours – it’s impressive that the end product is whittled down to just 900 minutes of television.
3. The Crew Gets Paid Three Times
Crew members on ‘Below Deck’ have three income sources during their stint on the show. Firstly, they receive a salary from the yacht’s owner, the amount of which varies based on the yacht’s size and the duration of the charters. Secondly, the ever-generous (or sometimes not-so-generous) tips from the charter guests. And lastly, they also receive compensation from Bravo, the network airing the show.
2. Captain Lee Accidentally Became The Show’s Captain
Captain Lee wasn’t the initial choice for the captain’s role. Alex, from the first season, was initially slated for the captain’s position. However, a series of unforeseen events led to Captain Lee taking the helm. He never formally auditioned for the show and described his entry as ‘accidental.’
1. The Show Almost Got Canceled Before Even Starting
Two challenges almost led to ‘Below Deck’s cancellation. Firstly, the production team struggled to find a suitable yacht for filming as many owners were apprehensive about potential damage from an inexperienced crew. Then, selecting the right captain posed another challenge. Initially, Alex was chosen for the role, but Captain Lee ended up steering the ship.