Smoochies” Sets the Tone for a Love-Fueled Episode
Episode 15 of Below Deck Down Under Season 3 titled “Smoochies” dives into the tangled waters of romance, rivalry, and responsibility aboard the Northern Sun. From passionate kisses under the stars to mounting tensions in the galley, this episode blends the sweet and sour elements that make the Below Deck franchise so addictive. Let’s sail through all the steamy moments, awkward confrontations, and surprising twists that defined this latest chapter.
Boatmances Bloom Across Deck and Cabins
Harry and Bri Take Their Relationship Public
With disco lights flashing and spirits high, Harry and Bri share a long-awaited kiss on the dance floor. Still sporting the iconic disco ball helmet, Harry seizes the moment in true yachtie style. Their chemistry is undeniable and is reinforced as the two cuddle and discuss their post-filming travel plans back on the yacht. These two seem genuinely smitten—at least for now.
Nate and Alesia Share a Sunset Moment
Meanwhile, Nate and Alesia share their own sweet and slightly more subdued moment of intimacy. During the crew party, Alesia first kisses Nate on the cheek—subtle, yet sincere. Later, back on the boat, Nate texts Alesia asking her out for a private rendezvous on deck. The sunset date includes a homemade cheese board (courtesy of Alesia herself), laughter, and their first real kiss.
Marina and Nic: A Quiet Connection
Elsewhere, Marina and Nic continue building their quiet rapport. They share a bed, hold hands, and even cuddle without making a huge show of their relationship. Marina leaves Nic a sticky note love letter on his door, cementing her affection. While Nic doesn’t immediately bring it up, his decision to keep the note taped to his phone speaks volumes about how much it meant to him.
Tensions Simmer Between Lara and Tzarina
Communication Breakdown in the Galley
While love blossoms in some corners of the yacht, Lara and Tzarina’s icy standoff only grows more bitter. The two remain locked in a passive-aggressive silence that’s starting to affect the entire vibe of the interior team. Captain Jason notes the unprofessional energy during a preference sheet meeting and encourages them to sort things out.
An Attempt at Resolution Falls Flat
Lara finally attempts to initiate a conversation, telling Tzarina she was hurt by her lie about being late for work. Tzarina retorts that Lara’s presence is poisoning her relationship with Alesia. What begins as a potential resolution quickly devolves into a blame game. Lara says she’ll apologize—if Tzarina can point out specifically what she did wrong. Tzarina, unwilling to play ball, says nothing. Their interaction ends with an agreement to only communicate when strictly necessary.
The “Crew Mess” Becomes a Battlefield
The feud finds a new front: the crew mess. Lara believes Alesia should clean it. Tzarina disagrees. Lara’s frustration leads her to escalate the issue to Captain Jason, who calls the whole situation “absurd” and urges her to work it out directly with Tzarina.
Later, when Lara tells Alesia the mess is “everyone’s responsibility,” Alesia agrees—but only superficially. She later vents to Tzarina, who sighs in exhaustion, calling Lara “a broken record.”
Lara’s Leadership in Question
Positive Promotions, Negative Reactions
One of the more nuanced storylines this episode revolves around the interior department’s shifting dynamics. Alesia has been promoted to second stew, bypassing Marina. While Marina seems gracious and unbothered outwardly, her confessional reveals some feelings of disappointment—especially after all the hard work she’s put in.
To her credit, Alesia praises Marina for stepping up, especially with Bri and Lara also showing admiration for her commitment. However, the promotion causes a ripple effect within the team—adding more weight to the tension between Tzarina, Lara, and Alesia.
Captain Jason Pushes Back
Captain Jason overhears a casual conversation about Marina’s rank and realizes he hadn’t been officially informed about the promotion. He confronts Lara, who insists she did notify him. Jason disagrees but decides to uphold her decision nonetheless. Still, the incident further erodes his trust in Lara’s leadership.
Later, Lara privately asks Marina if she ever doubts Jason’s approval of her. Marina’s straightforward “No” answer contrasts sharply with Lara’s growing insecurity. It’s a telling moment.
Funny Moments and Memorable Lines
“Smoochies” Causes an Onboard Controversy
Perhaps the funniest theme of the episode is the crew’s reaction to Nate’s new favorite word: “Smoochies.” After his date with Alesia, Nate declares there are “smoochies all around,” much to her chagrin. Alesia later confesses she finds the word deeply cringey—even saying that her “vagina hates the word.” Nate, adorably oblivious, continues using it in private.
Galley Confessional Gold
Tzarina once again provides some of the most quotable lines of the night. Frustrated by Lara’s insistence on cleanliness, she lets loose in her confessional:
“Stop pretending you’re a perfectionist because, to be honest, you’re just a perfectional b*tch.”
Ouch. Brutal—but classic Tzarina.
Docking Drama and Disco Ball Helmet Glory
Harry Nails His First Docking
In a lighter subplot, Harry successfully handles his first docking, earning praise from both the crew and Captain Jason. It’s a rewarding milestone for Harry, who has grown steadily throughout the season and is now enjoying both professional and personal highs.
The Disco Ball Helmet Returns
At the crew meeting, Captain Jason awards the disco ball helmet to Lara, marking her “success” during the charter. Tzarina cracks a joke about how lovely it will look on her, thinly veiled sarcasm dripping from every word. Though it’s meant to be lighthearted, Lara is anything but thrilled.
Back in her cabin, Lara tears up, quietly questioning whether she still belongs on this yacht. The moment humanizes her, showing the mental toll that leadership conflict and interpersonal drama can take.
Shifting Alliances and Future Foreshadowing
Bri Pulls Away from Harry?
Although things seem peachy between Harry and Bri, there’s a subtle hint that trouble may be brewing. Harry gushes about her in conversations with Lara, but Bri seems to be having second thoughts. Could their post-show plans fall apart before they even leave the boat?
Marina’s Feelings Remain Unclear
Marina, for her part, is still unsure where she stands with Nic. While Nic’s silent nod to her sticky note offers some hope, his lack of verbal acknowledgment has left her feeling vulnerable. Their next few interactions will determine whether their connection has real potential or fizzles quietly.
Tzarina vs. Lara: A Fight with No Winner
The most glaring unresolved issue is, of course, Tzarina and Lara’s war of words. At this point, it’s less about the crew mess or kitchen etiquette—it’s about pride, ego, and miscommunication. Their continued inability to find common ground is holding the interior team hostage and could soon reach a boiling point.
Final Thoughts: “Smoochies” Is a Midseason Highlight
A Balanced Episode of Heart and Heat
“Smoochies” expertly juggles light-hearted romance with deepening interpersonal rifts. The love stories are a welcome reprieve from the galley warfare, and seeing genuine smiles and flirtations feels like a fresh breeze in an otherwise stressful charter season.
The Emotional Stakes Are Getting Higher
However, the crew’s emotional toll is beginning to show—especially for Lara, who now seems isolated, overwhelmed, and misunderstood. Whether she rebounds or makes a graceful exit remains to be seen.
At the same time, the flirtations have real consequences. Will Harry and Bri survive reality? Will Marina and Nic have an actual conversation about their feelings? And will Tzarina and Lara ever bury the hatchet?
What’s Next?
With tensions rising and romances evolving, Episode 16 promises even more fireworks. One thing’s for sure: the season is far from over, and we’re only just beginning to see how this crew’s personal dynamics will shape the rest of the journey.
Stay tuned, yachties. Smoochies all around (unless your vagina disagrees).
