Amber Portwood Says 'No' to Teen Mom Cruise Amid Personal Struggles

Amber Portwood Says 'No' to Teen Mom Cruise Amid Personal Struggles

Amber Portwood, the well-known former star of the reality series “Teen Mom,” has made it clear that she will not be attending the much-anticipated Teen Mom-themed cruise set for April 2026. During a candid TikTok Live session, she expressed her disinterest in participating, stating she would prefer to stay at home rather than sail on a cruise without Wi-Fi. Portwood emphasized that media reports suggesting her presence alongside former castmates, such as Jenelle Evans and Ashley Jones, were inaccurate. She humorously remarked on the chaos that would ensue on a boat with her estranged castmates, indicating that it would be a „bad idea“ for her to attend The Ashley’s Reality Roundup reports.

The cruise, which is scheduled to embark from Cape Canaveral, Florida, will take place on Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas and will feature stops at Coco Cay and the Bahamas. Confirmed cast members include Catelynn Lowell, Tyler Baltierra, Leah Messer, and several others. For fans eager to engage with their favorite stars, the cruise promises unique interactions through challenges and meet-and-greets. However, there’s also a business aspect to this event; cast members typically are not compensated unless a certain number of cabins are booked, though they do receive a complimentary cruise and are allowed to bring family along. Prices for the cruise range from $2,490 for basic interior cabins to $3,570 for deluxe ocean-view accommodations, all based on double occupancy.

A Struggle for Normalcy

While the cruise serves as an entertainment highlight, Amber’s life has been a whirlwind of personal struggles, especially recently. Loved ones have intervened due to her concerning behavior on TikTok, prompted by mental health challenges. After the turmoil surrounding her engagement to fiancé Gary Wayt, who went missing last summer but has since been found, Amber has been vocal about her struggles. In her TikTok streams, she has been seen crying, lashing out at fans, and even making serious allegations against her ex, Gary Shirley, labeling him as „not a good dad“ The Sun details.

Amber, who is 34, elaborated on her tumultuous emotional state during these live sessions, declaring, „I’ve cheated death multiple times.“ She voiced frustration toward followers criticizing her situation and recalled her ongoing battle for custody of her son, James, and daughter, Leah. A troubling point raised in recent discussions involves Leah expressing a desire to be adopted by her stepmother, Kristina Shirley, a notion Amber firmly opposed.

Heightened Emotional Turmoil

Amber’s distress has not gone unnoticed by her friends and family. Following her mental breakdown broadcasted live on TikTok, they have stepped in, concerned about her well-being. The emotional weight of her experiences, including losing custody of her children, has left her feeling raw and vulnerable. She has explicitly denied being under the influence during her rants, pointing out that she never „gave up“ her kids, despite having to navigate the overwhelming reality of losing custody TV Shows Ace reported.

Amber’s struggles highlight a painful narrative that resonates not just with her, but with viewers and fans who have followed her journey through various MTV shows, including “16 and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom.” Her candidness regarding her mental health challenges is a necessary reminder of the complexities that lurk behind the flashy veneer of reality TV, marking a stark contrast to the more glamorous moments of her televised life.