Diana Cruz has found herself at the center of controversy this season on Below Deck Sailing Yacht. As Season 5 progresses, her antics have raised eyebrows, leading many to speculate about her future on the show. With ongoing drama surrounding accusations that Daisy Kelliher may be a producer plant and Gary King’s vow to abstain from alcohol during the latest charter, the tension on board the Parsifal III is palpable. Many believe the producers are crafting Daisy into a villain, with Diana and her fellow stew, Danni Warren, seemingly unmotivated to fulfill their duties aboard the yacht.
From the outset of the season, the dynamic between Diana and Daisy has been fraught. Diana’s eye-rolling behavior towards the experienced Chief Stew highlights their growing friction. Yet, Daisy’s focus has primarily been on Danni, particularly after a lighthearted jab about Danni’s flirtations, which sparked a defensive retort from Danni that illuminated their subordinate relationship. Curiously, it is Diana who finds herself in hot water, as she continues to test Daisy’s patience. Will Diana’s unprofessional behavior lead to her dismissal?
Diana’s Resistance to Duties
Persistent Challenges to Daisy’s Leadership
Throughout the charter season, Diana has consistently resisted fulfilling her work obligations. Historically, Daisy has aimed for a collaborative approach, allowing her stews to share tasks without rigid hierarchies. Unfortunately, this strategy has not resonated with Diana, who frequently complains about menial tasks such as cleaning cabins, preferring to stick to guest-facing roles. Ironically, her lack of bartending experience limits her contributions; she even showcased her reluctance during a cocktail-making class, refusing to try more than one drink under the excuse of being “off the clock.”
In a recent episode, the crew was tasked with catering to a demanding group of women for a birthday celebration. After the guests returned from a night out clubbing, they requested midnight snacks. This late-night service would naturally cut into the stews’ rest time. Conversely, Chef Cloyce Martin stepped up without complaint. Frustratingly, when Daisy urged Diana to participate in the late-night service, Diana threw a tantrum, forcing Daisy to take her place. This situation marked a tipping point for Daisy, who felt compelled to showcase her own commitment to the team.
Distractions Amidst Rising Tensions
A Need for Focus
Following the departure of Deckhand Emma Crouch, former crew member Chase Lemacks joined the crew, quickly capturing the attention of both Diana and Danni. However, Danni, known for her flirtatious nature, quickly positioned herself as Chase’s primary interest, leaving Diana feeling sidelined. As Danni engaged in her usual romantic pursuits throughout the charter season, including flirtations with other crew members, Chase’s arrival reignited Diana’s competitive spirit. Ultimately, Danni’s ongoing flirtations appear to have the upper hand, which only adds to Diana’s frustrations.
Diana’s preoccupation with Chase comes at an inopportune moment, particularly given her recent conflicts with Daisy. Instead of concentrating on her responsibilities, she’s losing sight of the job at hand. By fixating on her romantic aspirations, she risks further complicating her professional standing.
The Odds of Dismissal
Time Running Out for Diana
If Diana continues her current trajectory of insubordination and incompetence, Daisy may find herself left with no options but to terminate her employment. Diana’s inability to fulfill even basic duties, coupled with her aversion to necessary tasks like maintaining cleanliness and accommodating guest needs, reflects poorly on her commitment. In contrast, Daisy’s rise to Chief Stew was built on teamwork and dedication. If Diana fails to improve, it could be time for Daisy to consider letting her go from Below Deck Sailing Yacht.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht airs Mondays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo and is available for streaming the subsequent day on Peacock.