Deck Tales: Secrets From The Sea. Behind the Scenes Stories from Cruise Ships and Crew Members from Maritime and Sea Life

Sam Catling - Sea Life Story Teller
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  • COMEDY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

DeckTales plunges you into the unbelievable reality of crew life! Join former cruise ship entertainer Sammy Catling as he collects the wildest, most hilarious sea stories from those who work on cruise ships, naval vessels, ferries and beyond. Ever wonder about the true secrets of ship life? We go beyond the brochures to expose the raw crew life and hidden corners of a maritime career. Hear from every kind of seafarer about the best, and often strangest, parts of cruise life and life at sea. This is the unfiltered, laugh-out-loud truth, but doesn’t shy away from the murkier depths of reality. Inspired to start the podcast after the launch of his comedic memoir, Seems Like Smooth Sailing, Sam realised a simple truth: the people who live and breathe this industry have the best stories. The book covered the chaos, but Deck Tales seeks clarity! Subscribe now and prepare to be entertained by tales that truly prove things are rarely smooth sailing. CeDeckTales Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Harassment, Burnout and the Hidden Economy on Cruise Ships...(Anonymous Interview)

    4D AGO

    Harassment, Burnout and the Hidden Economy on Cruise Ships...(Anonymous Interview)

    In this anonymous interview, “Sarah,” a cruise ship activity host, reveals the unfiltered reality of life working at sea. From exhausting 7-day workweeks and ship politics to shocking behind-the-scenes incidents, she exposes what passengers never see. The conversation dives into crew hierarchy, mental and physical burnout, safety scares, and uncomfortable truths about onboard culture — all while balancing the unique opportunity to travel the world. 🔑 Key TakeawaysNo days off reality: Crew can work 7 days a week for months, often 10–14 hours daily. Sarah TranscriptHierarchy & inequality: Treatment varies based on role, nationality, and even accent. Sarah TranscriptEmotional & physical burnout: Constant “high energy” expectations with little recovery time. Sarah TranscriptSerious incidents happen: Includes medical emergencies, rescues at sea, and onboard conflicts. Sarah TranscriptBlurred professional boundaries: Living and working together creates uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe situations. Sarah TranscriptHidden crew culture: Includes unofficial economies, internal politics, and social dynamics passengers never see. Sarah TranscriptDespite it all… Travel opportunities and unique experiences keep many crew coming back. Chapters 00:00 – The Truth About Cruise Life Hook + anonymous intro, setting expectations 01:45 – Why She Went to Sea From West End to cruise ships 04:05 – 7 Days a Week, No Breaks The brutal reality of crew schedules 08:45 – Ship Hierarchy & Favouritism Inequality, accents, and who gets ahead 13:20 – What the Job REALLY Involves Hosting, security, chaos & constant energy 20:10 – Scariest Moments at Sea Medical emergency & passenger fatality 25:30 – Life Below Deck Living conditions, crew culture & burnout 31:10 – Embarrassing & Awkward Moments Being sick, public call-outs & “bananas” 36:50 – The Hidden Economy Onboard Sex work, power dynamics & side hustles 44:10 – Harassment & Feeling Unsafe Blurred boundaries, complaints & investigations 57:30 – The Dark Side of Guests Complaints, fights, drugs & final thoughts #cruiselife #shiplife #travel #entertainer Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 9m
  2. Whales Are Fighting Back — And We Might Deserve It

    MAR 25

    Whales Are Fighting Back — And We Might Deserve It

    Ep50: Ted Lund In this episode of Deck Tales, Captain Sammy Catling sits down with veteran captain, journalist, and whale-watching guide Ted Lund, broadcasting from Juneau, Alaska at the height of whale season. What begins as a conversation about humpback whales quickly expands into a wide-ranging, eye-opening discussion on marine conservation, cruise ship impacts, whale behavior, and life lived almost entirely at sea. Ted shares firsthand stories—from whales struck by ships and learned orca “revenge” behavior, to bubble-net feeding spectacles, cruise ship pollution, and near-death experiences offshore. Blending hard science, lived experience, and dark humour, this episode challenges how we think about tourism, progress, and our responsibility to the ocean. 🌊 Key TakeawaysWhales learn and teach behavior: Orca attacks on boats may be a learned, generational response to vessel strikes killing pod matriarchs.Cruise ships have hidden costs: From whale fatalities to coral damage, sediment plumes, invasive species, and infrastructure strain, the impacts go far beyond tourism dollars.Whale watching is booming—maybe too much: Alaska’s whale populations have rebounded, but overcrowding is pushing regulators toward caps and permits.The ocean remembers everything: Plastics, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater don’t disappear—they bioaccumulate and disrupt entire ecosystems.Experience matters: Ted’s unique mix of journalism and seamanship offers a rare, unfiltered look at how environmental decisions play out on the water. #whalewatching #flyfishing #whaling #orca Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m
  3. Stranded at Sea During COVID

    MAR 18

    Stranded at Sea During COVID

    Ep49:Orel Federman In this episode of Deck Tales, we sit down with the founder of Nautical Miles Club, a former seafarer turned entrepreneur on a mission to make life at sea more humane, connected, and appreciated. Sparked by the harsh realities seafarers faced during COVID—being stranded on ships, cut off from families, and largely invisible—the conversation explores how Nautical Miles evolved from a simple global discount app into a holistic platform connecting seafarers, families, shipping companies, ports, and brands. Beyond tech, the episode dives into life at sea, security, piracy, loyalty, and why convenience and recognition matter more than money for retention in maritime careers. It’s a candid, wide-ranging discussion about dignity, community, and finally putting seafarers front and center. ⚓ Key TakeawaysSeafarers are invisible—but essential: COVID exposed how overlooked maritime workers are, despite keeping global trade moving.Nautical Miles Club goes beyond discounts: It connects employers, ports, families, and brands to seafarers in one ecosystem.Convenience beats cash: Easy transport, trusted venues, and time-saving tools matter more than small savings.Retention is about experience, not salary: Seeing the world is a key reason people go to sea—remove that, and people leave.Trust is built by minimizing data: The platform intentionally avoids collecting personal data unless absolutely necessary.Security at sea is outdated: Maritime security standards haven’t kept pace with modern threats or realities.Life at sea reshapes perspective: It strips away prejudice and ego, replacing them with teamwork and shared survival. https://www.nm-club.com/ #navy #shipinvestor #security #discounts To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales For all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.uk If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktales And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244 Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 24m
  4. Inside a Royal Navy Submarine Where Failure Isn’t an Option

    MAR 11

    Inside a Royal Navy Submarine Where Failure Isn’t an Option

    Ep48: Martin Barmby AKA Barney In this episode of Deck Tales, I talk to Barney — a former Royal Navy submariner with 22 years of service — to explore life beneath the waves and the mindset forged by submarines. From growing up immersed in military history to serving on diesel-electric and nuclear boats, Barney shares candid, often hilarious, and deeply human stories about leadership, resilience, and responsibility. The conversation dives into everything from nicknames and Navy culture to the brutal realities of submarine life: limited showers, relentless watchkeeping, and the unbreakable bond between crewmates. Now in civilian life working at a power station, Barney reflects on how submarine values — accountability, teamwork, and never walking past a problem — still shape how he lives and works today. ⚓ Key Takeaways Submarine service builds extreme accountability — mistakes aren’t personal, they’re fatal. Leadership isn’t rank, it’s responsibility — especially when lives depend on you. Nicknames, banter, and shared hardship create family, not just colleagues. You can take the submariner out of the Navy, but not the Navy out of the submariner. Resilience comes from service, purpose, and helping others — even after uniform life ends. #royalnavy #submarine #electricianlife #submariner Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 42m
  5. This Isn’t a Vacation… It’s Her Life

    MAR 4

    This Isn’t a Vacation… It’s Her Life

    Ep47: Belencia Wallace - Full Time Cruise Content Creator In this episode of Deck Tales, Sammy Catling chats with Belencia — better known as Ladybug Travel — a full-time content creator who has spent the past eight months living entirely on cruise ships. Broadcasting live from various corners of a Royal Caribbean ship (including a chapel for peace and quiet), Belencia shares what it’s really like to be a “constant cruiser,” hopping between nearly 30 ships while building a social media career at sea. From managing Wi-Fi, mail, and logistics to navigating ports independently, saving money through loyalty status, and balancing nonstop travel with content creation, Valencia offers a behind-the-scenes look at a lifestyle that sounds glamorous—but requires serious planning and stamina. Along the way, she reflects on favorite destinations, least-favorite ports, cultural lessons learned abroad, and how going all-in on herself has already paid off with viral growth and major media features. Key Takeaways Living full-time on cruise ships is possible—but only with extreme organization and planning Cruise loyalty status can dramatically reduce daily living costs (Wi-Fi, laundry, drinks) Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean slowing down—burnout is real, even in paradise Independent travel in port offers deeper cultural experiences and major cost savings Betting on yourself can pay off, but momentum brings new challenges and overwhelm Cruise ships can be a powerful platform for storytelling, connection, and global reach 00:00 – She Lives on Cruise Ships How Belencia ended up living full-time at sea 06:12 – How This Lifestyle Even Started The moment cruising turned into a life choice 13:45 – What Full-Time Cruise Life Is Really Like Daily routines, cabins, food, and onboard reality 20:58 – How She Affords Living at Sea Costs, budgeting, and whether this is cheaper than rent 28:31 – The Biggest Myths About Cruise Life What people get completely wrong about living on ships 35:44 – The Hardest Parts of Living on Cruise Ships Loneliness, logistics, and things no one talks about 42:57 – Friendships, Dating & Social Life at Sea What relationships look like when you never stay still 50:03 – Health, Safety & Long-Term Sustainability Burnout, routines, and how long this lifestyle can last 56:41 – Is This Lifestyle Actually Worth It? Trade-offs, regrets, and unexpected rewards 01:03:28 – Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Do This What to know before trying full-time cruising 01:08:20 – Final Thoughts & What’s Next Reflections on freedom, travel, and what comes after To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales For all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.uk If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktales And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244 Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 10m
  6. The Man Who Turns Forgotten Disasters Into Memorials

    FEB 25

    The Man Who Turns Forgotten Disasters Into Memorials

    Ep46: Richard Jones - Naval Engineer and Author Today I'm speaking with Richard Jones — Royal Navy weapons engineer by day and one of Britain’s most prolific shipwreck and disaster historians by night. Richard shares how a lifelong fascination with maritime disasters turned into nearly three decades of research, 27+ published books, and multiple memorial campaigns honouring forgotten tragedies. The conversation dives into shipwrecks, air disasters, historical myths, and the emotional weight of researching real loss. Richard explains why he focuses on overlooked stories, how social media transformed historical research, and why he believes history belongs to everyone — not locked away in private archives. From Costa Concordia to lost wartime ships, this episode explores the thin line between human error, hubris, and remembrance. Key Takeaways History isn’t owned — it’s shared. Richard’s mission is to preserve forgotten disasters before their stories disappear forever. Research is part detective work. Separating myth from fact often takes years of interviews, archives, and firsthand accounts. Modern tech changed everything. Social media now connects historians directly with survivors, families, and rare evidence. Memorials matter. For families, plaques and books can provide long-overdue closure and public recognition. Human error repeats itself. From Titanic to Titan, lessons at sea are often ignored — with tragic results. Respect over sensationalism. Some truths don’t need to be published to honor the people involved. https://shipwreckdata.wixsite.com/richard-m-jones https://bsky.app/profile/wreckmasterjay.bsky.social https://disasters-shipwrecks.blogspot.com ⏱️ YouTube Chapters (01:08:27) 00:00 – Welcome Aboard Deck Tales Setting the scene: life at sea, disasters, and forgotten stories 04:12 – From Navy Engineer to Shipwreck Historian How Richard Jones balances classified work with disaster research 09:35 – Why Most Tragedies Are Forgotten Media bias, death tolls, and how history chooses what survives 15:48 – Shipwreck Myths vs Reality Separating fact from fiction in maritime disasters 21:32 – The Human Cost of Disaster Research The unseen emotional toll of studying real loss 28:10 – When Research Brings Families Closure Memorials, survivors, and why remembrance matters 35:04 – Titanic, Titan & Repeating Mistakes Why maritime disasters keep happening — again and again 41:22 – The Survivors Who Defied the Odds Rafts, wartime sinkings, and impossible survival stories 48:05 – The Worst Captains in History Ego, negligence, and decisions that doomed thousands 54:18 – The Biggest Shipwreck Conspiracies Debunked The Titanic switch theory and other myths destroyed 01:01:10 – Beyond Titanic: Why These Stories Matter Legacy, memory, and preserving history before it’s lost #piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales For all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.uk If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktales And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244 Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  7. Sailing Into the Arctic to Clean Up Humanity’s Mess

    FEB 18

    Sailing Into the Arctic to Clean Up Humanity’s Mess

    Ep45: Zamira Chevrestt - Volunteer Co-ordinator for In The Same Boat Today I'm joined by Zamira, a volunteer coordinator and sustainability ambassador for the Norwegian environmental NGO In The Same Boat. Zamira shares what it’s really like cleaning marine litter along some of the most remote and unforgiving coastlines in the Arctic and Northern Europe — from freezing North Sea crossings to hauling tons of abandoned fishing gear off rocky beaches. The conversation dives into how the NGO operates its fleet of sailboats, trains volunteers with little to no sailing experience, and balances hands-on cleanup with education, data collection, and systemic change. Zamira also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of life at sea, burnout in the NGO world, and why staying hopeful — and human — is essential when tackling an overwhelming global problem. 🌊 Key Takeaways The Arctic is heavily polluted — even the most remote coastlines are clogged with marine litter, especially from fishing industries. Cleaning is only part of the solution — education, data tracking, and collaboration with industries and governments are critical for long-term impact. Volunteers don’t need sailing experience — just resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to get uncomfortable. Life at sea is intense — physically demanding, emotionally charged, and deeply bonding. Burnout is real in environmental work — stepping back, finding joy, and focusing on small wins keeps people going. Individual actions still matter — change spreads person to person, habit to habit. 📌 Chapters (01:07:57) 01:38 – Meet Zamira & “In The Same Boat” Cleaning the Arctic, sailing north, and teaching kids why the ocean isn’t a bin 04:10 – Volunteering at Sea: Who Can Join & What It’s Really Like No sailing experience, extreme conditions, and physical demands 06:02 – Crossing the North Sea & Surviving Rough Waters Seasickness, storms, fear, dolphins, and why sailors keep coming back 09:50 – How an Arctic Cleanup NGO Actually Works Funding struggles, boats, tech, volunteers, and scaling impact 12:40 – First Cleanup Shock: “I’d Never Seen This Much Trash” The myth of “clean” Norway and what shows up on remote beaches 16:25 – A Day in the Life of a Marine Cleanup Crew 12-hour days, midnight sun cleanups, weather chaos, and logistics 20:35 – One Million+ KG of Trash & Tracking the Data GPS mapping, fishing nets, hotspots, and working with industry 28:15 – Burnout, Boat Life & Being ‘In the Same Boat’ Mental health, friendships, drama, romance, and volunteer reality 35:35 – Plastic, Wildlife & The Stats That Hurt Seabirds, whales, microplastics, and why this is urgent 41:00 – Schools, Hope & Why the Next Generation Matters Teaching kids, community impact, staying hopeful, and what you can do 52:30 – Boat Life Fun: Initiations, Food Fails & Reality TV Energy Ghost pepper shots, porridge crimes, and why this should be a show 01:01:30 – Final Reflections: Why This Work Is Worth It Small wins, real change, and not giving up on the ocean To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales For all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.uk If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktales And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244 Special Thanks To: Zamira Chevrestt https://www.inthesameboat.eco Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 8m
  8. The Pirate Code Was More Progressive Than Modern Society

    FEB 13

    The Pirate Code Was More Progressive Than Modern Society

    Ep44: Anthony Cummins AKA Captain Tonz Today I'm in talks with Captain Tonz — a real-life pirate with over 65 years at sea — to dismantle everything we think we know about piracy. From surviving rogue waves as a teenager to smuggling camels, outwitting the Royal Navy, and acting as a guardian of the ocean, Captain Tonz shares a life shaped by instinct, equality, and a deep spiritual connection to the sea. This isn’t a tale of Hollywood piracy — it’s a raw, philosophical journey through freedom, responsibility, and what it truly means to “boldly go.” Key Takeaways Piracy isn’t what pop culture sells us: historically, pirates were explorers, innovators, and early champions of equality. Connection beats control: Captain Tonz credits survival and success at sea to listening, not conquering. The pirate code was radically progressive: equality, shared power, and respect were core principles. Modern threats to the ocean are invisible: pollution, automation, and disconnection pose greater danger than storms. Anyone can be a pirate — if they can connect, adapt, and take responsibility. Chapters 00:00:00 — A Real Pirate Joins the Podcast Meet Captain Tonz and the myth vs reality of piracy 00:04:42 — “Everything You Know About Pirates Is Wrong” The true meaning of piracy and where the word comes from 00:09:05 — Running Away to Sea at 14 From troubled childhood to life aboard ships 00:14:18 — The Wave That Changed Everything Surviving a rogue wave and finding purpose 00:19:52 — Becoming a Pirate by Accident A master pirate, the Baltic Sea, and a life-altering choice 00:24:55 — Smuggling, Survival & Sea Instincts Why piracy is about planning, not chaos 00:30:08 — Camels, Cargo & Breaking Records The strangest things ever smuggled at sea 00:35:12 — Escaping the Royal Navy Chains, hacksaw blades, and a Gibraltar breakout 00:40:18 — Pirate Code: Radical Equality at Sea Why pirates were centuries ahead of their time 00:45:55 — Prison Cells & Close Calls From East Germany to unexpected hospitality 00:51:02 — UFOs, Legends & Sea Mysteries What sailors see that landlubbers never will 00:56:10 — Are Pirates the Guardians of the Ocean? Pollution, responsibility, and protecting the sea 01:01:48 — Somali Pirates & The Truth Behind the Headlines What really created modern piracy 01:08:32 — Stopping Environmental Crimes at Sea When pirates enforced justice no one else would 01:14:55 — Who Can Be a Pirate? Mental health, connection, and fearlessness 01:21:30 — Johnny Depp, Stephen Fry & Dream Crews Casting pirates and Hollywood truth 01:28:45 — Pirates, AI & the Future of Navigation Why modern sailors are losing vital skills 01:34:20 — Final Message from the Sea A warning, a responsibility, and a call to act https://captaintonz.com https://www.originalpiratematerial.co.uk/ #piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktales For all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.uk If you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktales And if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244 Get Your Copy Of 'Seems Like Smooth Sailing' here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 39m
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About

DeckTales plunges you into the unbelievable reality of crew life! Join former cruise ship entertainer Sammy Catling as he collects the wildest, most hilarious sea stories from those who work on cruise ships, naval vessels, ferries and beyond. Ever wonder about the true secrets of ship life? We go beyond the brochures to expose the raw crew life and hidden corners of a maritime career. Hear from every kind of seafarer about the best, and often strangest, parts of cruise life and life at sea. This is the unfiltered, laugh-out-loud truth, but doesn’t shy away from the murkier depths of reality. Inspired to start the podcast after the launch of his comedic memoir, Seems Like Smooth Sailing, Sam realised a simple truth: the people who live and breathe this industry have the best stories. The book covered the chaos, but Deck Tales seeks clarity! Subscribe now and prepare to be entertained by tales that truly prove things are rarely smooth sailing. CeDeckTales Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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