Shivangi Sinha
Family vacations are meant to be a time of joy and relaxation, an escape from the every day, filled with fun. Most people expect smooth sailing, good food, laughter, and maybe even a little adventure, all wrapped in a stress-free experience. Larry Poret shared those same hopes when he boarded the Carnival Triumph in February 2013 with his daughter, Rebekah Poret and was looking forward to quality time together. But what was supposed to be a dream getaway quickly turned into a nightmare as disaster struck the ship. In Netflix’s ‘Trainwreck: Poop Cruise,’ both Larry and Rebekah recount their experience and speak of the chaos, discomfort, and physical toll of the days stranded at sea.
Larry and Rebekah Poret Feared for Their Safety on the Carnival Triumph
Larry Poret had always been a fan of cruises. After separating from his wife, Mary Poret, he became even more committed to spending quality time with his children. Wanting to create special memories, he boarded the Carnival Triumph on February 10, 2013, with his 12-year-old daughter, Rebekah Poret. The trip began smoothly, and they had a wonderful time exploring Mexico, enjoying the excursions and the fun onboard. But on the way back, everything changed. When the ship’s engine caught fire and the vessel lost power, the cruise turned into a nightmare. With no phone reception and limited communication, they found themselves stuck at sea in worsening conditions.
Larry recalled how the toilets stopped working and passengers began sleeping on the deck, dragging mattresses outside for air and relief. The stench, heat, and lack of privacy created an overwhelming sense of discomfort and chaos. What affected Larry most was the feeling that he couldn’t protect his daughter. As people became drunk and tensions rose, he worried constantly for Rebekah’s safety. Meanwhile, the latter began documenting their experience and sent her mother pictures and videos whenever she could. Her updates became one of the first inside perspectives to reach the media. Looking back, she says she was just beyond grateful when it finally ended.
Larry Poret Finds His Vocation as a Priest Truly Fulfilling
Today, Larry Poret leads a peaceful and simple life as a Senior Priest in Lufkin, Texas. A man of deep faith and simple pleasures, he finds his greatest joy in his family. He is the proud father of four children—Michael, Zachary, Aaron, and his only daughter, Rebekah, with whom he shares an especially close bond. Whether it’s celebrating milestones or simply spending time together, he makes it a point to be present and supportive in all his children’s lives. The family remains at the center of everything he does. He is also a grandfather now and takes that role to heart. He makes sure to carve out time for his grandchildren and frequently plan special holidays and family gatherings.
Known for being hands-on, he enjoys everything from reading stories to taking the little ones on outings. He and his twin brother Barry are still very close and often seen together at family events, continuing a lifelong relationship that remains strong. Larry also stays engaged in his community and takes his civic responsibilities seriously. In September 2024, he proudly cast his vote and actively encouraged others to do the same. It reflected his belief in the importance of participating in democracy. When he’s not at the church or spending time with family, he likes to enjoy a local soccer match with his sons, a tradition they’ve kept up over the years. Despite all he has experienced, Larry remains humble and devoted. His life today reflects quiet perseverance and enduring love, shaped not by the challenges he’s faced but by the way he’s chosen to meet them.
Rebekah Poret Has Found Her Calling as a Nurse Today
Rebekah Poret has built a life centered around compassion and service. After graduating from Hudson High School, she attended Angelina College, where she became a licensed vocational nurse in 2019. Her passion for healthcare and learning led her to launch a crowdfunding campaign to join a study program in Costa Rica. It was an experience that broadened her horizons and deepened her commitment to nursing. She later enrolled at Texas Woman’s University in Houston, where she completed her studies in 2022 and became a certified OB nurse specializing in obstetrics.
Now living in Houston, Texas, Rebekah appears to be in a happy relationship with a man named Chance. While she maintains a warm and supportive relationship with her mother, it’s her bond with her father, Larry Poret, that remains especially strong. The two share meaningful rituals, including regular visits to Café Du Monde in New Orleans for beignets. Rebekah’s family is immensely proud of both her professional achievements and the individual she has become. Whether it’s through her work as a nurse or the way she maintains close ties with her loved ones, she continues to be a source of pride and joy for those who know her best.
Read More: Jen Baxter: Where is the Carnival Triumph Cruise Director Now?
