Cruisin' for a Bruisin'

Plot
The episode opens with an uncomfortable silence lingering over first class. Lauren and Beyla sit at the mini-bar, sipping drinks through a straw. Their slurps are the only sounds perforating the silence.

Lauren (CONF): Wow a great first challenge to win...so glad this isn’t the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever done

Wilson and Rourke sit in one set of chairs, extremely satisfied with the outcome of the elimination ceremony but careful not to gloat. Rourke breaks the silence, telling Wilson at a whisper that he can’t believe that his plan actually worked. Wilson says he is honestly also surprised.

Rourke (CONF): The rush of that plan working...*shivers* that was *in a high pitched voice* exciting

Abbey and Annie are in the other set of chairs, sitting in silence. Annie is unhappy with Abbey for exposing her at last night’s elimination ceremony.

Annie (CONF): Way to drag me down with you, who the hell is going to trust me now

Abbey (CONF): Look I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking, but at least I can play an honest game now

Helina and Ranjitha are sitting on the couch. Helina is angrily whispering how she plans on destroying Wilson’s alliance.

Ranjitha (CONF): This is scary

She has a list of names: Townes, Wilson, Grant and Kelsey. She is deciding which order she wants to decimate the alliance. She knows Rourke is in it too, but given he's one of her best friends she still wants to make sure he's protected. At least for now.

The scene transitions to economy class, still also reeling from the results of the last elimination ceremony.

Vani (CONF): *sighs*

Mary is sitting with Vani in economy class, and is apologizing that Garrett ended up getting the short end of the stick at last night's elimination ceremony, knowing how close the two are from their time on Team Waka. Vani looks pissed, grumbling about how the gloves are off now.

Mary (CONF): Vani does not look pleased, and if I were anyone involved in this last vote, I’d be scared as hell man

Vani (CONF): Look losing Brian back in December was upsetting and all…but this fucking sucks man, and I want Wilson and them out of here

Also in economy class, Miller talks to Colby about how relieved he is to have avoided elimination.

Miller (CONF): I have no idea what I’m going to do about Annie…I mean Abbey was just in the more broad alliance, but Annie was in our final five pact

*flashback to him, Nico, Alex, Beyla and Annie sitting in the bedroom of the luxury cabin, followed by the five joyfully jumping on the bed*

Kelsey, Grant and Townes eat in the mess hall, all three shifting uncomfortably as a clear source of ire in the room. Duncan, Clayton, Nico, Alex and Sofia sit at the table over talking and intermittently shooting them dirty looks.

Duncan (CONF): Not only was that really fucking shady, but Garrett of all people?

Clayton (CONF): Honestly, I just don't see how I can realistically trust Annie and Abbey anymore

Alex asks the five what they are going to do about the betrayal Helina revealed, and Duncan immediately defends Annie, saying she was trying to help a friend. His quick and adamant defense arouses suspicion from the four.

Sofia pauses, then hesitantly agrees, saying maybe their move is to vote out Abbey to ensure they still have Annie’s loyalty to which Alex nods along. Nico counters saying Annie is a bigger threat than Abbey, so this could potentially be a good time to take her out, but Duncan opposes, with some support from Clayton as well.

Nico (CONF): I don’t know how much longer this alliance is going to last

Chris lands the plane in sunny Miami, Florida, leading some of the contestants to look scared.

Mary (CONF): Oh, hell no

Ranjitha (CONF): Miami is truly the armpit of America

Rourke (CONF): Honestly we need a good party right now

Chris loads the contestants onto a yellow school-bus, the same one that drove them to the film lot, and brings them to a pier where a giant cruise ship with Chris’s face plastered on the side awaits.

Kelsey (CONF): How did Chris get that gross bus down here? Do not tell me that thing is one the plane

Beyla (CONF): Where does Chris get all this money from? This cruise ship looks like the fucking Royal Caribbean “Oasis”

Chris dramatically tells them today’s challenge is going to take place…

...the scene shifts to all of them standing on the top deck…

on the Chris Cruise!

He is suddenly wearing a sailor’s outfit, prompting Grant and Kelsey to snicker. He also says he has a surprise. A cheer is heard and Emily from season one comes running out from around the corner. She is throwing her hands in the air and yelling "woo!" Alex excitedly greets her and she jumps into his arms. she begins to enthusiastically introduce herself to the other contestants, to which Chris rolls his eyes.

Chris then tells them instead of being randomly assigned roommates like last season, this time he chose them to keep things interesting.

Abbey (CONF): This just can’t be good

They’ll be staying on deck 14, and for the guys, the rooms are as follows.

1401: Wilson & Miller

1403: Rourke & Colby

1405: Grant & Alex

1407: Townes & Clayton

1409: Nico & Duncan

And for the girls:

1402: Abbey & Sofia

1404: Annie & Beyla

1406: Vani & Kelsey

1408: Helina & Mary

1410: Ranjitha & Lauren

Chris tells them that they’ll spend the first half of the morning in their room and the second exploring the ship, before preparing for the challenge that will begin that afternoon. He also tells them the cruise ship is their oyster, given it’s just them and the crew, so to explore to their heart's content during their second chunk of free time.

Things are extremely tense as Vani and Kelsey unpack. Kelsey awkwardly apologizes for how the last elimination ceremony went down, saying Wilson nearly bullied them into doing it, but Vani didn’t want to hear it.

Vani (CONF): You better watch your back

Kelsey (CONF): This sucks, I mean I would be equally mad if Grant was voted out so I get it, but rooming with her makes me the sole source of anger

Miller awkwardly skirts around the topic of almost being eliminated at the hands of Wilson, had Wilson not chosen to direct his alliance in a different direction, and asks how he’s doing. Wilson upfront says he should take the last elimination ceremony as a compliment – people think he’s playing a good enough game to be threatening.

Miller (CONF): That is just such a cop out

A montage shows Alex and Grant unpacking in silence, Sofia avoiding Abbey’s attempts to make eye contact, Townes and Clayton lying on their respective beds pretending to be asleep, Beyla and Annie making awkward small talk and Rourke brushing off Colby for consistently ignoring his attempts to form an alliance.

For a small few, things in the room are going great. Helina and Mary are using the time to catch up, both in silent agreement that it's sad they haven't gotten the chance to work together, and Nico and Duncan are excitedly talking as they unpack their things. Lauren laughs as Ranjitha playfully jumps back and forth between the two beds.

Once the time in the rooms are up, most of the contestants are dying to burst out of their awkward situations.

A montage follows, showing Colby, Emily, Alex and Ranjitha finding an awesome water slide, Abbey zip-lining over a beautiful atrium with breathtaking foliage, Sofia on Mary’s shoulders chicken-fighting with Beyla on Nico’s in the gorgeous and giant pool on the top deck, and Clayton and Vani feasting at one of the local eateries.

Wilson goes on a run on the ship’s track, while Rourke and Helina lounge by the pool with (non-alcoholic) drinks in hand and Grant, Townes and Kelsey play mini-golf on the top deck at the front of the ship.

Grant (CONF): This place is insane

The camera then shows the sun beating down on the contestants, as they gather on the top deck for Chris to announce the challenge. He tells them to kick off the challenge, they’ll need to compete to see who is the “captain” of the ship. This person doesn’t win immunity, but has an advantage that sets them up for success. He says it’s simple – whoever can hold their breath in the pool the longest wins. The contestants all change into their swimwear and submerge, and the competition is on.

Alex loses right away.

Alex (CONF): What was that? Like 15 seconds? Jesus

Emily laughs at Alex's poor performance, causing him to jokingly push her.

Nico is not far behind.

Nico (CONF): I hate this kind of thing

One by one, Mary, Rourke, Colby, Wilson and Ranjitha burst out of the water gasping. As time passes more heads bubble to the surface.

Clayton.

Abbey.

Grant.

Lauren.

One by one people rise. The scene shows those out sitting on the edge of the pool, with Kelsey appearing behind Grant, Townes appearing on the ground out of breath, Annie appearing next to Alex and Beyla appearing on the lounge chair behind them.

Helina gasps as she returns to the surface.

Helina (CONF): That was miserable

And Vani curses.

Vani (CONF): Come one I just want revenge in this challenge...just one elimination ceremony of revenge.

Miller and Sofia are the last to emerge at the surface, leaving Duncan as the winner of the day’s challenge. Chris dramatically hands him a captain hat and a little electronic device. Duncan toys with it as Chris turns to the contestants. He explains that today’s challenge will happen in three stages. At every stage, one winner will win immunity and the chance to fly first class to the next destination, while two more people will win safety albeit no luxury. The bottom two of the first two phases will give up their chance to compete in the following ones, and everyone who isn’t in the top three in the last phase will join them as eligible for elimination.

He adds one last thing – they are competing in pairs, but those pairs aren’t one another.

Beyla (CONF): Oh no

He says in the rooms on Deck 5 are the forty-four contestants that were tragically eliminated from the streets of Paris to the canals of Venice. From day one on the cliff to the most recent challenge leading them on a crazed treasure hunt throughout the island. Duncan will get to pick one eliminated contestant for each one still in the game – maybe someone they liked if he’s feeling nice, maybe someone who hated them and is bitter about their elimination if he's not – and that person will be handcuffed to the player for the entirety of the challenge. The person does not have to help them, and in fact can be detrimental if they so choose. In the background, Emily dramatically mouthes "oh my god."

Townes (CONF): The fact that Duncan won is not great for our alliance...

Chris tells him to begin choosing partners. He also tells them everyone who isn’t chosen from the pool of eliminated contestants won’t get to leave their room, and hence no one will get to see them.

Duncan starts and says he’d like to work with Sibu, pressing a little button on the electronic device. A click is heard off in the distance and footsteps come rushing up the stairs. The contestants laugh as Sibu enthusiastically jumps into Duncan’s arms, saying she can’t wait to play again.

Sibu (CONF): This is so exciting like holy shit, I could not be more glad I get to come and hang today

Duncan asks Chris if he can ask people who they want and Chris says no, and that reminds him to impose a talking-ban while Duncan assigns partners so people don’t cheat and shout names out. Emily says "ooh good one Chris," and Chris shushes her and says it applies to her too.

Duncan assigns Kirk to Colby.

Colby (CONF): Thank the lord

Kirk (CONF): Hell yeah

And Sierra to Mary.

Sierra (CONF): I’m back baby! I'm psyched

He presses the button to unlock Sammi’s room to work with Sofia, Ryan to work with Lauren and Gianna to work with Beyla. The scene flashes to Lauren crying tears of joy at seeing Ryan, Sammi jumping into Sofia's arms and Gianna and Beyla tightly hugging.

Townes and Wilson look nervous, as Duncan clearly assigns the fit and friendly people to those in his alliance.

Archer appears to help Nico out.

Nico (CONF): This challenge is mine

As does Frances to help Miller.

Frances (CONF): This is so exciting, I’ve missed this game this so much

A montage shows Yuri over-enthusiastically greet Annie, Clayton give the “bro” handshake to Dan, Alex jump into Hank’s arms and Helina and Ranjitha look annoyed as Abbey and Rice jump up and down.

Wilson makes a comment that they’re clearly no longer trying to hide this “mystery alliance”, as it was clear by those left without partners now were the ones who weren’t in the alliance. Chris hushes him as he rolls his eyes. Duncan says he wants to reunite a beautiful pairing, and Vani tears up as Garrett rushes her and the two jump up and down. He also says, to keep things fair since Helina and Ranjitha got screwed over last time, he wants to help them out too. Yunah comes sprinting into Helina’s arms as Nick and Ranjitha hit a “drop.”

Knowing this could hinder her physically, but still not step on her toes, he pairs Kelsey with Chloe.

Kelsey (CONF): Honestly I’ll take it

Chloe rushes into Kelsey’s arms. He wants Wilson and Townes paired with people who potentially will resist their progress in the challenge, so he pairs Townes with Morgan.

*flashback to Morgan looking shocked after Townes pulls his idol after the dodgeball challenge*

And Wilson with Leigh.

*flashback to Wilson and Leigh bickering on the train to San Marino*

He studies Rourke and Grant, two people who didn’t make many enemies. He decides to help Rourke out too, wanting to minimize the negative feelings toward him thanks to this position of power, and Paige comes rushing out. She cheers causing Emily to cheer too and Chris to shush the two of them. Finally, Duncan brings out Dani for Grant. Everyone looks extremely confused.

Duncan (CONF): I don’t know if these two have even talked, that awkwardness has got to be some sort of deterrent

That means Connor, Zack, Mahmoud, Karthik, Duma, Hailey, Kathryn, Cleo, Brian, Suzanne, Graham, Patrick, Clay, Erica, Eli, Phillippa, Izzy, Myra, Sam, Ani, Matt, Kirsten, Fiona and Zach would not be leaving their rooms for their duration of the cruise. The other eliminated contestants revel in the fact they get to explore this beautiful ship and take a break from the monotony of the losers resort, as well as get a first-hand glimpse of what's happening in the game and catch up with those still in it.

As interns walk around with handcuffs and the ship halts in the middle of the open water, Chris explains the first phase. The contestants will run and dive over the top of Deck 17, the highest point of the ship, and into the water below. In the water are hundreds of weighted life rings, each with one letter on them. The first team to get enough life rings to be able to spell a four-letter word in the English alphabet will win, with the following two teams winning immunity. The last two to accomplish the mission will be eliminated from the challenge.

A twist though, as always, is once the contestants resurface, they cannot dive back down and go for a different letter or try again if they've missed. They have to swim to the ship, climb twenty-two flights of stairs (coming in from Deck B5), and tag their mat before they can dive back off. It’s gleefully reminiscent of the first challenge.

Nick (CONF): That feels like it was so long ago...

Emily secures Sofia and Sammi together, marking the last of the couples, and Chris screams "Go!", startling everyone. They climb up to Deck 17, something proving to be difficult while handcuffed together, and begin the challenge. Almost immediately, Morgan holds Townes back.

Morgan (CONF): This isn’t even revenge it’s just kind of fun

Townes (CONF): Damn it

Whereas Grant and Dani seem to be working a lot better together than Duncan would have hoped. They are the first to reach the jump point, and dive over the deck.

Dani (CONF): Grant was always really nice to me. Now if it was Izzy, that'd be a different story...

*flashback to Izzy handing the last pair of Mickey Ears in Epcot to Nick, with everyone on Team Glory looking shocked*

The scene shows them scream as they fall into the water below and begin the search for buoys.

A montage of the pairs falling shows Alex and Hank clutching each other, Rice cheering with joy as Abbey screams with fear, Beyla and Gianna hollering excitedly, Helina and Yunah yelling “look out below” and Lauren and Ryan laughing at the situation.

It then transitions to Paige grabbing two life-rings and handing one to Rourke, Chloe having to surface for air and dragging Kelsey back up with her, Ranjitha and Nick swimming around underwater and Archer and Nico going as deep as they can, then reaching for life rings on the way up.

The next montage shows Kirk and Colby bounding up the flights of steps, Dani panting with her hands on her knees, meaning Grant needs to wait, and Annie struggling to keep up with an energetic Yuri who is bounding up the stairs, two life rings in hand.

The last montage shows Rourke and Paige putting a “P” and a “Z” on a little pole with a picture of his face at the base by the jump point, Sammi tossing on a “D” the girls received, and Vani and Garrett high-fiving after noticing they have an “A” and a “T”, two letters easy to form words with.

Vani (CONF): Damn...it's going to be hard not having him in this game

Wilson and Leigh are doing better than expected, with Leigh agreeing to work with him after Wilson apologized for her elimination and told her he only targeted her because she was such a strong competitor.

Leigh (CONF): Trust me, I'm definitely not happy about what happened but hey, he managed to get me before I got him, respect

Contestants frantically work to collect life rings, with Sofia and Sammi exhausted before jumping off the jump point and Duncan and Sibu only manage to collect one “Z” ring before having to begin the climb up the stairs. Clayton and Dan jog past a tired Rourke and Paige, and begin to work on a word with “A”, “O” and “L” next to Alex and Hank trying to work with a “V” and an “L” as Vani and Garrett dive off again.

The scene shows Abbey and Rice soaking wet and sprinting up the stairs, Colby and Kirk leaping over the side, Annie and Yuri swimming around in the ocean and finally a “G” being thrown on top of a pole, making the word “GOAT.” The camera pans out, showing Vani’s face at the base of the pool and her and Garrett jumping up and down.

Not far after, Archer and Nico are staring at “C”, “I”, “D”, “K” when Archer giggles and arranges them to form the word “DICK.” Chris says he has half a mind to eliminate them, but concludes Nico has also won safety from the night’s elimination ceremony. Nico squeezes Archer into a huge hug, thanking him for helping him stay through to the final nineteen.

Archer (CONF): I mean yeah I'm still a little bitter about my friends voting me out...but I still want them to do well

As Alex and Hank go to dive off and Townes pulls Morgan up the stairs, Wilson and Leigh high-five and jump up and down after forming “COOL.”

Wilson (CONF): Maybe Leigh’s not so bad after all

Now that Wilson has secured the final immunity, people race to not be in the bottom two. Lauren and Ryan high-five after spelling “DUMB” and Hank kisses Alex on the cheek after spelling “LOVE”, locking in the first two spots in phase two.

Helina curses after her and Yunah spell “THIC” but Chris doesn’t count it.

Yunah (CONF): Ugh *rolls eyes*

Colby and Kirk spell “DUDE”, with Kirk jokingly saying “frat” and Beyla and Gianna spell “BEER.”

Gianna (CONF): *out of breath* Damn it do I miss this game...and also could use a beer right about now

Townes and Morgan spell “DOPE” as Abbey and Rice lock in a spot with “TEAM.” The challenge races on, as Miller curses when he realizes him and Frances will have to dive over again given their five letters don't form a word and Grant drags Dani up the stairs.

A montage shows Sammi and Sofia proudly standing next to “BUTT”, Nick and Ranjitha tossing “B” on together to spell “BOAT”, Mary and Sierra securing a spot in phase two with “DRUG”, Helina switching the C with an N to successfully make “THIN”, and finally Duncan and Sibu hugging after “HELL” is completed.

Annie, Clayton, Grant, Kelsey, Miller, and Rourke are the only six left to complete the challenge, with Yuri, Dan, Dani, Chloe, Frances and Paige working tirelessly to help their partner avoid the bottom two. Dani and Grant prove again to be a strong pair when they hug after spelling the word “SING.”

Suddenly, Clayton, Chloe and Annie all simultaneously yell “done!”, with “SAFE”, “LEAF” and “DEER” on their poles. This knocks Miller/Frances and Rourke/Paige out of the challenge, leaving Miller and Rourke vulnerable at elimination that night.

Miller (CONF): After what happened last night, this makes me nervous

Chris brings all of the contestants to Deck B3 for the second part of the challenge. Emily and those who have won, are safe or got eliminated are sitting with Chris in a room filled with monitors, control panels and other random equipment. Chris tells them they’re lucky they’re missing part two, as the camera zooms in on one of the monitors showing Beyla and Gianna in what looks to be a regular guest room like the ones they’re staying in. They sit on the bed, curious as to what is going to happen. It flashes to Colby and Kirk jumping on the bed, Helina and Yunah looking around, Alex and Hank talking in a set of chairs and Abbey and Rice realizing they’re locked in, all in their own individual rooms.

Fifteen pairs remain, and Chris presses a giant red button that activates an intercom and he begins to explain the challenge. He tells them that three numbers are hidden throughout the room, and can be written on furniture, decorations or even just the walls. Once you find the three numbers you need, you run to the door and enter them into the simple combination lock and break out kind of like the challenge in Bora Bora.

Nick (CONF): Great, cause that went so well for me last time

The last two teams freed are eliminated from the challenge and the first three to get out are safe, with the first person winning a spot in first class.

Clayton (CONF): This feels…easy?

Chris says a twist: the room will be filling with water.

Abbey (CONF): Yep, there it is

Kirk (CONF): Why did I want to get chosen to help again?

*flashback to Kirk shivering atop the crate with Yuri, Helina and Wilson during the "staying up all night" challenge*

Sammi (CONF): Is it good to be back adventuring with everyone? Of course! Am I glad to be back competing? Hell no

*flashback to Sammi's face turning purple, shivering in the cold in Aspen with no tent*

He presses a little green button, and suddenly everyone's handcuffs pop off. He says that for this segment of the challenge, the legal department is not letting him keep them handcuffed together - something about "minimizing drowning."

Yunah (CONF): Did he just say minimizing drowning?

Mary (CONF): Really, of all the crazy shit we've had to do this far, this is what the legal team is worried about?

Chris abruptly yells “Go!”, and water starts pouring into all the rooms via small pipes in the bottom right-hand corner. The water is gushing, and within seconds there’s a layer up to everyone’s ankles, prompting them to kick it into high gear.

A montage shows contestants running about, splashing at every step, with Rice flipping over a chair, Annie and Yuri ripping the sheets off the bed, and Chloe pulling paintings off the wall. Water continues to rise, now at knee level.

Beyla (CONF): Honestly would not be shocked if Chris just let us die

Chloe (CONF): Yeah I don't remember signing up for giving my life to this show

Chris (CONF): *laughing maniacally and holding up a contract* And this is why you read the fine print

Beyla rips the pillow cover off one of the pillows, finding the number 1 followed by the number 23. She shouts the number to Gianna to make sure they remember it, as the water continues rising. Kirk is next, finding 2 – 55 behind one of the paintings, shouting it out to Colby. A montage shows Lauren finding a number underneath the mattress, Hank underneath one of the vases and Sibu underneath the bed.

By this point, the water is up to everyone’s waist.

Lauren (CONF): Are we going to drown right now? Couldn’t tell you

Townes and Morgan work on ripping some wallpaper off on the far side of the room, as Yunah takes a deep breath and dives down to flip over a rug, finding another number. She returns to the surface and shouts it to Helina, as Grant and Dani are both underwater searching under the bed and Abbey uses the water, now high enough to lift her off the ground, to her benefit to reach a higher up painting.

Nick (CONF): I really want to help Ranjitha, but this is scary as fuck

Ranjitha and Nick work to dive under the water and continue searching the bed, finding a number and increasing their total to two. Alex and Hank are frantically swimming around, finding a number underneath one of the lamps.

Suddenly, Colby finds a number on one of the parts of the ceiling fan, completing their combination and diving underwater to enter the code into the lock. It works, and the door pops open causing Colby and Kirk to flush out and start cheering. Kirk scoops Colby into a hug, extremely relieved for him. Colby freaks out, given it's his first win since the merge.

The stress begins to mount as a montage shows only a few feet between the surface of the water and the ceiling. Dan frantically swims to free Clayton, whose ankle got lodged behind one of the chairs, Sibu and Duncan continue to comb the room for numbers and Grant finds their second number on the bottom peg of a chair that is now floating by.

Grant (CONF): You know...when I pictured my death, I didn't picture it in a room on a cruise ship on a reality show with Miss UNC

Suddenly, another click is heard and water comes flushing out of a room to reveal Beyla and Gianna. Gianna begins hollering, and the two run around, scream and cheer, with Gianna lifting Beyla off the ground, excited she’s safe.

Gianna (CONF): *lets out a cheer* Bitch that's what I'm talking about

Beyla (CONF): Thank god, immunity is crucial at this point in the game

A montage shows Mary with barely enough room to surface and take a breath, Sierra breast-stroking through the water below, Yunah and Helina lifting the bed together and Sammi and Sofia frantically ripping off wallpaper. It then shows numbers behind the wallpaper, underneath the bed, on a ceiling fan, and on the roof. Four clicks are heard in a row, as people come gushing out.

In the hallway lie Alex, Hank, Townes, Morgan, Grant, Dani, Helina and Yunah in a big heap, all breathing extremely heavily. Chris walks up and congratulates all of them for at least making it to the next phase, but reveals the first team to break out was Alex and Hank, giving them the last safety for the round. Hank excitedly throws the pile of people off him and tackles Alex.

Hank (CONF): Love my buddy

A montage shows Sofia entering the code, Mary and Sierra flushing out, and Abbey and Rice in a relieved heap on the ground.

Chloe starts to freak out when she realizes they no longer have room to go up for air. She frantically clutches her throat and signals to the camera, with Chris popping open the door for them but eliminating Kelsey and Chloe from the challenge. Another click, Annie and Yuri are freed. Another click, Clayton and Dan come flushing out.

A side-by-side shows both Ranjitha and Nick and Lauren and Ryan swimming for the door. Ranjitha and Lauren frantically enter the codes, with both doors popping open nearly simultaneously. Chris tells them that it was a photo finish, but Ranjitha and Nick edged out Ryan and Lauren, eliminating them from the challenge.

Ryan (CONF): Honestly thank god, love you Lauren but thought we were going to die back there so don’t really want to know what’s next

That means Kelsey and Lauren are also eligible for elimination alongside Miller and Rourke. Chloe looks upset that she cost Kelsey immunity, but Kelsey hugs her and tells her it's ok.

Chris brings Emily and the remaining ten pairs to Deck 11, where a track goes around the outside of the ship. As Emily re-handcuffs the pairs of contestants, he states that this part is reminiscent of the cruise-challenge from season one, but this ship is bigger and henceforth so is the distance.

Annie (CONF): I just, like, hate him so much

The first hand-cuffed pair to run three laps will win the last part of the challenge, with second and third gaining immunity from the vote. He yells "Go!" alongside a super-loud blast from the airhorn, and the contestants, drenched and exhausted, begin the run. Grant and Dani take an early lead.

Grant (CONF): We’re too far in to go home now

Rice is encouraging Abbey, who looks so tired she’s about to pass out.

Abbey (CONF): I can’t waste this second shot, I’m not here for second place

Rice (CONF): Abbey girl I know you can do this

Morgan is keeping pace with Townes, and the two are close behind Dani and Grant.

Townes (CONF): It’s got to be me

A montage shows Helina and Yunah keeping a steady pace, Clayton dragging an exhausted Dan, Mary and Sierra with intense focus and Duncan and Sibu passing Ranjitha and Nick. In last is Annie and Yuri, the latter exhausted from the previous challenge.

After one lap, Grant begins to slow down. Surprisingly, it’s now Dani with the energy, trying to motivate him but not doing a great job given they aren’t too close. Townes and Morgan pass them, as do Sammi and Sofia. Sammi looks exhausted.

Sofia (CONF): Come on Sammi I need you

Townes and Morgan begin to pull ahead, but those in the middle of the pack are neck and neck. By the third lap, Townes and Morgan are half a lap ahead.

Morgan (CONF): Should I really be helping him? The guy who used an idol to send me home sixth?

Morgan looks deep in thought but looks over at Townes, the wear obvious, and swallows her pride, kicking it into high gear and helping him secure the final spot in first class. He scoops her into a hug, thanking her profusely for not holding a grudge for what happened between them.

The pack rounds the corner for the final straightaway. Sierra sees Clayton and Dan ahead, angering her after she thinks back to Hawaii, and begins to sprint, pulling Mary alongside her.

*flashback to Sierra trying to mess with Paige and Kirk during her climb, making her fall, then to Clayton and Dan targeting her at the team discussion in the Jumbo Jet's mess hall*

Sierra (CONF): I just still can't believe I went home so fucking early

The two pull ahead of the pack and become the second team to finish.

It looks like Abbey and Rice are going to secure that last spot, when an exhausted Abbey trips bringing Rice down with her, allowing Duncan and Sibu to pass and secure the last spot.

Rice (CONF): Ah, so close

The scene flashes to the top deck, where all forty-contestants stand. Chris congratulates them on a challenge well-done, and says the elimination will take place here on the ship, with the barfbags being substituted with life rings and the Drop of Shame begin substituted with the “Plank of Shame.” He reminds them the following nine that are safe: Vani, Nico, Wilson, Colby, Beyla, Alex, Townes, Mary and Duncan. The scene flashes to each of them smiling as he says their name. He also tells them to continue his day full of twists, there is no time to discuss and they are going straight into the elimination ceremony.

~*ELIMINATION CEREMONY*~

The twenty contestants sit on lounge-chairs, nervously chattering and trying to figure out who of the eleven vulnerable to send home. The twenty visiting contestants and Emily sit in what Chris deems the “peanut gallery”, a set of bleachers to his right, and watch intently. Chris tells them to go into the confessional, and stamp the passport of the contestant they want voted out, just like regular travel-phase elimination ceremonies.

Colby (CONF): I wanted to make a bigger move for this vote but…without time, sorry dude *stamps Grant’s passport*

Wilson (CONF): I’m so glad Townes is also safe, but I’m worried about the other three…I’ve talked to some people, and I think you’re our best bet right now *stamps Abbey’s passport*

Clayton (CONF): What Abbey did was super not cool…but is it too early to make a move?

Ranjitha (CONF): Sorry girlie *stamps Abbey’s passport*

Abbey (CONF): This vote is not a hard one *stamps Grant's passport*

Grant (CONF): Sorry, this is just hoping it's not me *stamps Abbey's passport*

Chris returns with nineteen life rings. He first tosses them to those immune.

Colby. Vani. Alex. Wilson. Beyla. Townes. Mary. Duncan. Nico.

Ryan (CONF): It's weird to think that none of those nine have ever felt the literally crushing feeling of not having your name called out at elimination

They all sigh with relief. Alex, Mary, Beyla and Nico embrace, as do Duncan and Colby and Wilson and Townes. Vani just smiles, happy to not be victim to this crazy elimination ceremony. Garrett shoots her a thumbs-up prompting her to smile. Chris proceeds with the life rings.

Helina. Clayton. Annie. Sofia.

Helina hits a whip as Clayton, Annie and Sofia are too exhausted to celebrate.

Sofia (CONF): Eliminations without prep are the scariest, because literally anything could happen

Lauren. Ranjitha. Kelsey.

Ranjitha is too tired to catch her life ring, but Kelsey and Lauren get a little burst of energy out of excitement. The scene flashes to Ryan and Chloe smiling and clapping that their friends are safe.

Miller. Rourke.

Wilson sighs with relief, as Paige lets out a “whoop” from the peanut gallery.

Paige (CONF): Honestly Rourke has the setup, that challenge looked like fucking hell and he got out early and is safe

That leaves Grant and Abbey as the bottom two. Abbey looks absolutely shocked, and Grant looks extremely nervous. Him and Kelsey eye each other nervously. The last life ring of the night ends up going to…

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

Abbey.

Grant looks extremely upset, not ready to go home. Annie tells him he is honestly too athletic to keep in the game for much longer, so it’s kind of a compliment. Kelsey also looks distraught, losing her number one ally left in the game. She angrily eyes Vani, who just sits there grinning. Grant and Kelsey embrace, as he continues to go down the line and hug the contestants. Grant wishes everyone left good luck, and goes to walk the “Plank of Shame.”

Grant (CONF): This game has been life changing…and it’s going to be hard to go, but I’m proud I made it as far as I did…man, this is a huge bummer

Chris tells the three winners to pick someone to join them in first class. Vani picks Helina, Colby picks Duncan and Townes picks Rourke.

Rourke (CONF): Being in first class with Colby is perfect...it's time to make a move

He also tells them he has a surprise: before the night's party, they're docking in the Carribean for a chance to unwind together.

Alex (CONF): Classic Chris with his odd acts of kindness after literally torturing us

He tells them that also, because he’s feeling nice (and hopes it will be awkward), Grant gets to stay too as does his partner for the day Dani.

A soaking wet Grant, having just come back from the "Plank of Shame", looks happy he gets to celebrate before having to go to Playa Des Losers for the first time.

The scene flashes to Alex, Clayton, Nick and Yunah parasailing, with Ranjitha, Helina, Vani and Rourke in the boat waiting to take a turn. On the beach nearby, Sierra, Leigh, Sofia and Mary lounge with tropical drinks, sipping at them and laughing. Grant and Kelsey build a sand-castle, next to Annie reading a book and Abbey, Ryan and Lauren getting a tan.

Ryan (CONF): I just want Laur to go all the way at this point

A boat going the other direction pulls a tube, and Kirk, Rice and Colby all try to stay on, laughing hysterically. The boat whizzes by Sammi, Morgan, Dani and Hank boogie-boarding next to Yuri, Dan, Archer and Paige wrestling in the water.

Nico and Emily play soccer-tennis against Wilson and Townes, with Duncan and Sibu reffing and providing satirical commentary.

Once the sun begins to set, the contestants load back onto the ship and go to their rooms to change. Chris tells them over the intercom that for the night’s cruise party, the eliminated contestants will get to stay. They erupt into cheers.

Rourke (CONF): This is literally exactly what we needed right now

Kirk (CONF): Wait, aren't the other eliminated contestants hearing all this from their rooms? The ones who didn't get picked? Man that blows

The scene shifts to Chef Hatchet, acting as the DJ for the night as the cruise lights up. The lights in the pool switch on, as do the ones along the waterslide, and interns begin to mill about with drinks. Emily enthusiastically sprints up to the water slide and goes down cheering without a tube.

Emily (CONF): Now this, this is the life

Beyla and Gianna race down the water-slide in a two-person tube against Leigh and Dani, jokingly ramming into each other.

Dani (CONF): These were good times, and damn is it good to be back

Beyla (CONF): I miss these people

Vani is on Garrett's shoulders, facing off in a chicken fight against Chloe who is on Kelsey's, Alex who is on Clayton's and Colby who is on Annie's. Nick swims around and tries to take people's legs out, periodically re-surfacing and giggling. Nearby at the bar, Helina, Yunah and Yuri pound back shots, with Yuri and Yunah telling her about life at Playa Des Losers.

Yuri (CONF): I want to be back in the game so bad

Sibu hits the dance floor with Ranjitha, Morgan, Sierra, Mary and Hank, all going insane. Mary laughs saying the game isn't the same without Hank and Gianna's dance battles, to which a dancing/drinking Ranjitha agrees. Sibu laughs and recounts the one in San Marino, and Sierra and Morgan both say they're bummed they missed those.

Morgan (CONF): It sucks so bad having gotten voted out so early

Rice, Kirk, Dan, Paige and Rourke sit in a circle and play a drinking game nearby. Kirk and Rice laugh as they watch Sibu try and teach a struggling Ranjitha and Hank how to "juju on that beat." Dan comments that it's sad Kirsten didn't get picked, to which Paige and Rourke ask him how things are going with thata.

Dan (CONF): Playa des Losers is fun, but nothing like being in the game

Abbey and Duncan show Sammi to the zip-line and all three go on it together, as Wilson, Miller, Nico and Archer explore the atrium down below with Lauren and Ryan.

Grant sits a little off to himself, pondering about his game and how he could have avoided the chopping block that night. Alex notices and shouts for him to join, and he smiles and comes crashing into the pool. "Dum Dee Dum" begins to play, and the contestants converge around the deck. The camera pans around the edge of the pool from the perspective of someone inside it, showing Emily, Sibu, Sammi, Alex, Dan, Mary, Lauren, Chloe, Ryan, Archer, Clayton, Rice, Abbey, Helina, Yunah, Nick, Gianna, Townes, Wilson then Vani, all doing their own dance on the outskirts.

The next morning, everyone arises early and converges at the deck they entered. Those eliminated all say their goodbyes, and board a bigger equivalent of the "Boat of Losers". The last to step on is Grant, and everyone gives him one last hug as the boat pulls him and the others into the distance leaving nineteen left as the scene fades to black.