While we may know what goes on in the crew quarters on Below Deck Mediterranean, it's less common that we get all of the guests' takes on their time aboard Mustique — until now! In the above video for BravoTV.com, some of Season 9's primary guests unpack what it was like to spend time with the crew, be surrounded by drama, and eat Chef Johnathan Shillingford's food.
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"Overall, the yacht was amazing. The crew was stellar. Great parties. Great dinners. They totally embraced everything we wanted to do," said Brad and Stacey, who had the privilege of being the last primary charter guests of the season.
"I have been obsessed with Greece. Love everything Greek, so this was really tailor-made for me," added Julie Ann from charter two. However, she wouldn't be picky about location if offered another charter with the Season 9 squad. "I would love to go on any experience with this crew. It was epic," she later added.
The boat itself was also a highlight for guests. "It was beautiful," said Pamela who attended charter seven. "It made me feel like we were high-end luxury."
"It was an awesome boat. Biggest, coolest boat I'd ever been on in my life," added her partner Evan.
Season 9 charter guests name which crew members made their trip special
As for what crew member had the biggest impact on guests? Aesha Scott was charter five guest Coleen's pick, because "she made me laugh so much on my trip."
Modeling industry icon Marsha from charter three agreed. "I love her," she said.
"Aesha by far. She made the biggest impact," said Pamela.
"I think that Aesha is a fantastic rapper," added Evan. "I'm pretty sure I cut a couple with her. I think, in my next life I'm gonna be a country music rapper. I think it's in the cards for me."
Charter one guests Joel and Jacob had a different answer, though. "I would say for us, Nathan [Gallagher] and Joe [Bradley]," they said. "They went above and beyond for us." (As fans might recall, the deckhands went in search of rosé for the guests after a provisioning mishap — and were able to buy some from a nearby mega yacht.)
Charter guests praise (and criticize) Chef Johnathan Shillingford's food
The boys also had a soft spot for Chef Jono, calling his cooking "unreal."
"For me, I think the food was the best part about the trip. I loved the food," they added.
Mahisha and John from charter six also thought "everything was pretty good" food-wise, with John especially appreciative of Jono's ability to accommodate requests like "extra-crispy" duck.
Tennis player Gigi Fernández from charter two did have a word of advice for the chef, though: "Get some training."
"He said he was self-taught," she added. "That just threw up a red flag for me. You can't expect to be a chef at this level and not get some kind of training."
Charter seven guests Janie and Steve, who were offered a cookie after talking about how they wanted soufflés, were also less than impressed with the food.
"We had put on our preference sheet that we wanted soufflés for our anniversary, right?" said Janie. "We were excited. Here's a chance to be out there and get everything you've ever dreamed of eating," added Steve.
And Jono brought ... a chocolate chip cookie. "I hate to say it Jono, I love you, but honey, I could've been in your galley cooking your food," said Janie. "Sorry."
Guests reveal what it's like to hang with Captain Sandy Yawn
The primaries also loved having Captain Sandy Yawn head the crew; Coleen noted that being on a girls' trip with a female captain was special, or rather "the cherry on top" of her vacation.
"I will never forget it. It is a birthday trip of all birthday trips," she said.
"It was great chartering with Captain Sandy again. She runs a tight ship, and everything was spectacular," added Gigi.
Below Deck Mediterranean Season 9 is now streaming in its entirety on Peacock.
