Below Deck Returns With Season 13 Thailand Charter Challenges

Below Deck Season 13 introduces Captain Kerry Titheradge and his crew aboard motor yacht Azul V in Thailand, where they face new charter demands, crew changes and environmental challenges. The season premiered on Bravo with returning crew members Fraser Olender and Rainbeau de Roos alongside new staff.

According to Bravo, Season 13 follows Captain Kerry, Chief Stew Fraser Olender and Second Stew Rainbeau de Roos as they navigate the Gulf of Thailand with Chef Moe Vilomar, Alex Wright, James Bishop, Matthew Fitzpatrick-Buck, Jessenia Stidger, Kaylee Brown and Rosa Simms-Preston.

The series has expanded from its first season, which introduced Captain Lee Rosbach and the original yacht crew aboard Honor. Bravo described the show as following a crew who live and work aboard a luxury yacht while managing demanding guests.

Captain Kerry Titheradge said the new season includes changes that could affect the crew structure.

"This season, we're going to have some changes that I don't think we've ever seen on Below Deck before," said Captain Kerry Titheradge.

He also discussed decisions made during the charter season and the process of reviewing events after filming.

"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," said Captain Kerry Titheradge.

Captain Kerry said Thailand created a different environment from previous filming locations, including the Caribbean and Norway.

"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," said Captain Kerry Titheradge.

He added that the location influenced the crew's experience and leadership approach during the charter season.

"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," said Captain Kerry Titheradge.

Rainbeau de Roos described the season as intense for the interior team, with pressure affecting relationships among crew members.

"I think the interior team gets a lot of pressure this season. I think with any people that work under a very intense pressure environment, there can be some cracks. But we all work together as a team as best as possible," said Rainbeau de Roos.

She said the Thailand setting offered a different experience because of its scenery, culture, food and wildlife compared with other franchise locations.

"It's definitely in the most beautiful sector of the world. I think Southeast Asia being that remote really created some really exclusive luxury experiences and excursions for the guests, but also for us, dealing with different types of wildlife that we don't necessarily see in the Mediterranean or in the Caribbean. The food is absolutely incredible.

I love Thai food. I also spent most of my childhood in Southeast Asia, so it felt very much like going home," said Rainbeau de Roos.

Season 13 also marks the show's return to Thailand since 2019, with Bravo reporting that the crew faces demanding guests, workplace tensions and unpredictable conditions aboard Azul V.