Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, episode 11 recap: Charter guest critiques decor while deck team tries to turn things around

Below Deck Sailing Yacht season 5, episode 11, titled Much Ado About Crushing, aired on December 16, 2024, and presented challenges for the Parsifal III crew. The main charter guest, Ronnie, disliked the décor for her 50th birthday party, prompting the interior team to make changes.

What was initially a "Studio 50" theme shifted when Ronnie rejected black decorations, associating the color with aging. Stewardesses Diana Cruz and Danni Warren struggled to adjust the party's look to satisfy Ronnie's requests.

The deck team worked to improve the mood after Ronnie complained about meals and excursions. With issues like a jellyfish sting and dining dissatisfaction, the crew faced challenges in creating a memorable experience. To lighten the atmosphere, the deck crew performed a poetic skit for Ronnie and her guests, hoping to salvage the charter.

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Ronnie rejects the decor; stewardesses adjust plans in the Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Episode 11 of Below Deck Sailing Yacht began with stewardesses Diana Cruz and Danni Warren working hard to bring Ronnie’s “Studio 50” theme to life. However, when Ronnie checked the progress, her attention immediately shifted to the black details within the setup.

“Uh oh. They’re putting black. I do not want black. No, no black. No black. I can’t. No. Sorry,” she said while expressing her dislike to the color combination.

Ronnie explained her stance further, saying, “I don’t like the black and gold because when you go to Walgreens it’s like, ‘Over the hill.’ And what are the colors? Gold and black.”

Despite her friend Tammy defending the choice, "But yet, she wears black." Ronnie insisted on avoiding the color. “I’m not dead. I’m alive. Let’s celebrate with glam,” she said, suggesting rose gold as a better alternative.

This left the stewardesses frustrated. In her confessional, Danni remarked,

“Who the f**k hates black? It’s just f**king pissing me off.”

Despite the initial roadblock, they adapted the decor to align with Ronnie’s preferences. When she returned from a boat tour, the revised party setup met her expectations.

“I love it,” Ronnie ultimately said, adding, “And look! Just a hint of the black.”

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Deck team steps up with a poetic performance in Below Deck Sailing Yacht

While the stewardesses handled the decor challenges, the deck team stepped in to elevate the charter experience after earlier setbacks. During the episode, Ronnie complained more about her yachting trip. She mentioned her discomfort with meals being served downstairs instead of on the main deck, stating,

“Do we also have to eat every meal at this table? Like, can we eat upstairs, or? It’s really gonna bother me.”

Adding to her frustrations, Ronnie was stung by a jellyfish in the earlier episode of Below Deck Sailing Yacht, which impacted her overall mood. To change the atmosphere, the deck crew devised a creative plan to entertain the guests.

Surprisingly, the team performed a poetic piece for Ronnie and her friends, attempting to win them over with a personal touch. The performance brought some light-heartedness to the charter, helping to smooth over tensions from earlier issues.

By the end of the episode, Ronnie appeared more satisfied with her experience. Although the challenges continued, the crew’s effort to adapt and engage the guests left a positive impression as the charter progressed.

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New episodes of Below Deck Sailing Yacht air every Sunday at 9/8c on Bravo.