This year Bravo premiered its reality series Below Deck Mediterranean, a new version of the Below Deck franchise. The series follows nine crew members as they live and work on a private luxury mega-yacht in the Mediterranean, providing service to elite clientele.

Deck hand Danny Zureikat talked to Jamie Ruby of SciFi Vision last month in an exclusive interview about his time on the Ionian Princess so far.

Photo © Tommy Garcia/Bravo

How did you get into such a job and why were you primarily interested in becoming a deckhand?

In 2014 I went on an international backpacking excursion which was a life changing and eye-opening experience. Immersing myself in the world’s different cultures changed my perspective on life. I asked myself, “How can I travel the world while making a living?” and that’s how I fell into yachting. I sold everything that I owned and dedicated myself to the industry. I chose to be a deckhand because you get to be outdoors and have the best office in the world.

How did you become involved in the series, and what made you decide to do it?

My goal in yachting was to work on a super-mega yacht in the Mediterranean. I was already in the industry working and gaining experience. In the process, Below Deck contacted me to be on the show, which I thought was an amazing opportunity.

Additionally, I met Ben by coincidence at the same time I was deciding if I would do the show. He provided me some really great insight and perspective which ultimately aided me in the decision making process.

What's either your favorite or the most exotic location you've gotten to see while working?

During filming the most exotic place we visited was Santorini. In general, my favorite place I have been while working is the Exumas, Staniel Cay.

What's the most difficult part of your job?

The long hours and lack of sleep are the most physically demanding. The most difficult aspect for me on the Ionian Princess was working with a crew that worked against me. On most yachts there is a trial period where you get to know your crew to see if personalities click. On the show we were all thrown into the same environment...it just so happened our personalities did not mesh well.

What's the best part for you about your job?

Having the ability to travel the word while getting paid to do so! Also, interacting with some of the most successful people in the world that you would never be able to meet otherwise.

Who are some of the celebrities if any have you met?

Mark Anthony and Shaq. I got to sit down and talk to Shaq for 30 minutes. He gave me some of the most valuable advice that I hold near and dear.

Photo © Heather Fore

I know on reality series things are often edited in a certain way for the purpose of drama, etc. Do you feel you were not shown in a true light? Is there a part that they didn't include in the series that you would have liked for people to have seen, or maybe something you wish they hadn't?

We shoot for hours and hours for weeks on end and each episode gets turned into about forty three minutes, so it’s impossible to see all sides to who I am and my personality. On the show, you definitely see me in a tough situation, as I did not get along with much of the cast, and I don’t enjoy having to watch that sort of tension. However, I am still glad I did the show, because it was always a dream of mine to work in the Med. Regardless of all the drama on the yacht, I still got to experience a culture I never would have otherwise. The Mediterranean is so beautiful and I’m lucky to have experienced that.

Do you regret acting on your feelings for Morgan with what happened after the fact, etc?

I do not regret acting on my feelings towards Morgan. It’s rare to meet a girl like her in a lifetime. I didn’t want to experience a “what if” moment with her and potentially miss out on a love of a lifetime. She and I are still in touch.

How do you want fans to see you; is there anything about you want them to know that really wasn't showcased on the series?

That there’s more to me than meets the eye. I’m not this one-dimensional person who's consistently unprofessional. Working on a yacht and being filmed working on one are two completely different things. The added drama and high stress levels can bring out the worst in people. If you ask any other individual I’ve ever worked for, they would tell you I work hard and I love what I do.

In a recent episode you were invited to go along with the guests to party, does that happen often? Any fun stories?

Photo © Heather Fore

That actually happens a lot. The majority of the yachts I have been on I have been invited out with the guests or owners. Last year I worked on Mark Anthony’s yacht and he invited me fishing with him and his family. Great guy and a great family. It was an awesome experience.

How has your job and your life changed since you joined the show?

I continue to work on yachts and travel. My personal life has changed drastically because I’m often recognized. I have gained a lot of support from other “yachties” who watch the show and fans who have gone through similar situations as myself in the workforce and in life.

Is there anything you can tease about coming up on the show?

In the near future you might see me being rebellious again.

What do you like to do when you're not working?

In my spare time I enjoy gaming, going to the gym, reading and broadcasting on social media to connect with my fans.

Also, are you a fan of reality television, and has being part of the show changed your perspective? Did you watch the original series?

Yes, I watched the original series and really enjoyed it. Since being on Below Deck Med, I have started watching more reality series. I particularly like Southern Charm. It’s more intriguing to watch different series now after being on a reality show myself. I can relate to the people on a whole new level, which is really neat!

To find out more about Zureikat, be sure to check out his website.

Also, be sure to tune in Tuesday to Bravo for the season finale of Below Deck Mediterranean.