Below Deck Season 12 Episode 4 Recap: The Sausage Charter Sinks Morale. Let’s just call it what it is: the longest charter from hell.
We’re only four episodes into Below Deck Season 12, and Caio is already circling the drain. This week’s episode, cheekily titled “Island of Sausages,” delivered exactly what it promised: messy leadership, tension on deck, interior meltdowns, and more sausage than anyone would like.
👨✈️ Captain Kerry vs. Caio: Round Three
Captain Kerry clearly wants Caio to succeed, he’s handed him every opportunity to course-correct. But Caio just can’t read the room (or the crew). After getting scolded by the Captain, Caio makes the mistake of turning the feedback into a team meeting, essentially blaming Jess, Kyle, and Damo for his own lack of leadership. Kyle hits the nail on the head: “Captain Kerry didn’t call us three to the bridge.”
The deck crew is spinning. Tasks are disorganized, breaks are inconsistent, and Caio keeps shifting the blame. At this point, even his team seems to be holding back eye rolls. It’s chaos on deck and not in a fun, Bravo-approved way.
😩 Interior Fatigue: Rainbeau vs. Solène
Inside, Rainbeau is barely holding it together. Solène, though charming and a great confessional queen, just isn’t grasping the urgency of yacht service. She’s that coworker who does the bare minimum but somehow gets away with it because she’s funny.
Rainbeau has a moment of vulnerability, opening up about panic attacks and burnout. While her tablescapes are next level, the emotional pressure is boiling over. Her constant late nights cleaning up after Solène are starting to crack her. Barbara, meanwhile, is quietly doing the grunt work and holding things down with zero drama.
🎉 Glow Kayaks and Penis Sculptures
Now for the highlight of the episode: the night kayak excursion. Captain Kerry joins the crew and guests for what honestly might be one of the most visually stunning activities ever on Below Deck. The glowing water? Magical.
The next day’s beach request? A giant sand penis sculpture. Tasteful.
While these guests, in my opinion, were far from a reflection of luxury—or even basic decency—the crew told a completely different story. From heartfelt coming out moments to the strong LGBTQ+ presence on board, this season showcases genuine representation and good people… the total opposite of our chaotic, cringe-worthy charter guests.
The biggest slap in the face? That pathetic tip. After the longest charter in Below Deck history, these guests left a measly amount that would reflect more a two day charter. Turns out, porn might not pay as much as people think.
👨🍳 Chef Anthony’s Redemption Arc Begins
Chef Anthony is back in the galley solo after the exit of Chef Lawrence. He stumbles when he forgets a shellfish allergy and serves shrimp tempura sushi to the wrong guest, a callback to the mistake that got him fired last season. Fraser is clearly annoyed, but he’s the one who vouched for bringing Anthony back.
To Anthony’s credit, he owns it. He adjusts, pivots, and kills the rest of the meal, especially the S&M-themed dinner (complete with a safe word and stern faces). Honestly, it feels like we’re watching the start of his redemption season.
💥 Fraser, Damo, and Forbidden Kisses
Fraser’s flirting with Damo heats up despite warnings from his boyfriend. After a night of costumes, whips, and a laughably low tip of $19,900, the crew blows off steam with a hot tub party. Kyle kisses Solène, but Fraser steals the moment by kissing Damo. Whether this becomes a love triangle or just a night of blurred boundaries remains to be seen.
🫤 Caio and the Guitar of Doom
Meanwhile, Caio wraps the episode solo, strumming a sad tune while his team smooches in the hot tub. It’s very “sad boy yacht vibes.” At this point, it’s hard to imagine him making it another episode, let alone the season.
This episode was fun, chaotic and even tiring. But, Below Deck Season 12 is delivering! Be sure let me know your thoughts below!
Also, check out Anchor Watch, our late night Below Deck recap hosted by Gelsey and myself, tonight at 10:30PM ET / 7:30PM PT on Up And Adam!
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This show is getting good. thx for turning me on to it!