In Season 12, Episode 4 of Below Deck, a shocking tip left the crew more than disappointed. 

In Episodes 3 and 4 of Season 12, the team faced a distinctive challenge: executing a five-day charter for eight guests. Fortunately, the St. David crew excelled (despite some minor hindrances), providing themed dinners and unforgettable excursions for the guests.

Once the charter concluded, Captain Kerry Titheradge and the crew celebrated with champagne. Kerry seized the opportunity to praise the crew for their dedication and effort.

“I am really impressed with everyone’s performance this charter,” Kerry said. “The theme nights, the water sports, the food.”

But with the good news, came some bad news: “[The tip] doesn’t reflect it though,” Kerry added. “It’s pathetic.”

Fraser Olender looked concerned, asking, “Is it that bad?”

Kerry disclosed that the total tip amounted to $19,990, awarding each crew member $1,500. While this figure might appear significant, he noted that for a five-day charter, he “would expect a lot more.”

The crew was understandably discouraged. “We got shafted,” deckhands Damo Yorg and Kyle Stillie said in episode interviews.

“They gave us the whiskey d–k equivalent of a tip,” Damo added.

To make up for their disappointing payout, Kerry dropped the crew off for a delicious dinner in St. Barts. He also promised the crew a half-day off and brunch the next day.

“[St. Barts is] the perfect place to have fun, let your hair down, and have a go,” Kerry explained. 

The crew was ecstatic and shared a beautiful seafood dinner on the coast. 

Details on the five-day charter that challenged the Below Deck crew

The charter guests, a group of eight porn stars, gave the crew a run for their money, asking for things like lube in every bedroom and an excursion at a nude beach. 

When Fraser first found out about the charter, he was “terrified.”

“We are gonna be stretched, we are gonna be pulled, we’re gonna be flipped, were gonna be f–ked — but not in that way,” Fraser quipped in Episode 3.

The crew even treated the guests to an S&M themed dinner, complete with masks and bondage. According to guests, the food was divine, and Fraser really embraced his role as the host of the evening.

“I don’t know what’s gotten into me, but I’m taking [this dinner] to a whole new level,” Fraser said in Episode 4.

Why Fraser Olender called out Anthony Iracane during charter

While the guests were ultimately very pleased with their food during charter, there was one near-mishap when chef Anthony Iracane forgot about a note on a guest’s preference sheet and proceeded to make him shrimp tempura. 

“This isn’t shrimp, is it?” the guest asked as Fraser put his dish in front of him. “I’m allergic to shellfish.”

“We can’t make these mistakes,” Fraser told Anthony back in the galley. “Because we look stupid now.”

Find out more about what went down between Fraser and Anthony here.