Cremation/Burial at sea ?

[Tobey 1968]

I was on the Oosterdam three weeks ago and chatted with one of the officers that was on the Lido deck. I was asking about people throwing things overboard and in the course of the conversation, it turned to cremated ashes. He has heard of it, but knew little about it.

Does anybody know if any cruise lines provide this service IE are there rules regarding which deck and time, etc ? Do they "lend" the chaplain for it ?

I know that years ago, another cruise line provided burial at sea.

[jtl513]

Yes, there have been a couple of threads describing very nice ceremonies provided by HAL for the scattering of ashes. They even give a certificate recording the lat/long coordinates of the event.

Here is one from a year ago:
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=996884

p.s. - Welcome to Cruise Critic :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Yes -- it is done on HAL -- arranged through Seattle -- and done very quietly.

[PathfinderEss]

As KK said it is done. Was on the Amsterdam about 7 years ago for that exact purpose, spreading a friends ashes off of a cruise ship. It was all arrange thru Seattle. She was a travel agent and that is what she wanted. We had a group of about 40 on board to celebrate her life. I don't know how quiet it was, we used the Father on board for two services, he was so gracious. One service was done on land in Stika, on a bridge on the way up to the Eagle sanctuary. The other was on board off the fantail well below decks where other passengers wouldn't be. Hal did a wonderful job, it could not have been done better.

[shelltherunner]

Interesting topic. I was under the impression that this was illegal. Nice to know I am wrong since that is where I want my ashes to go~!

[JDinWA]

Interesting topic. I was under the impression that this was illegal. Nice to know I am wrong since that is where I want my ashes to go~!

I thought it was illegal too. I remember some controversy when one of the Beach Boys died and they wanted to bury him at sea but it wasn't permitted.

However, according to wikipedia: "A funeral director is not required for the burial of cremated remains at sea however full body burials require specific preparation to ensure that the body or coffin sinks quickly. California is the only U.S. State that does not permit full body burials. The Environmental Protection Agency regulations for full body burials at sea in the United States require that the site of internment be three (3) nautical miles (3.5 mi / 5.6 km) from land and at a depth of at least 600 feet (180 m). In the northeastern United States this may require travel in excess of 30 miles (48 km) for a suitable site." Also, "Usually, either the captain (or commanding officer) of the ship or aircraft or a representative of the religion performs the ceremony. Legally, a captain can bury remains at sea, provided that environmental regulations are satisfied."

editing, because I found an article about the Beach Boy: "Dennis Wilson, the drummer for the Beach Boys, has been buried at sea by the Coast Guard as his widow and other relatives looked on. The sea burial was carried out Wednesday in accordance with his wishes and by President Reagan's intervention. This was necessary because, without cremation, burials at sea are illegal in California waters and are allowed only for Coast Guard or Navy veterans. Such burials must take place more than three miles offshore in at least 100 fathoms."

[Pam in CA]

I was on the Oosterdam three weeks ago and chatted with one of the officers that was on the Lido deck. I was asking about people throwing things overboard and in the course of the conversation, it turned to cremated ashes. He has heard of it, but knew little about it.

Does anybody know if any cruise lines provide this service IE are there rules regarding which deck and time, etc ? Do they "lend" the chaplain for it ?

I know that years ago, another cruise line provided burial at sea.Interesting topic. My sister, brother-in-law and I were on a Princess Panama Canal cruise from LA to FLL in January and the day before we were to disembark, he suffered a ruptured bowel from undiagnosed diverticulitis. We were too far from land to medivac him. Long story but we stayed in FL (in a hotel) for almost a month until he was stable enough to be medivaced to CA, where we live. A few days later, he passed away. He's been cremated and my sister is planning to take a cruise next year and arrange to have his ashes "buried" at sea. It's what he would have liked. So, any information on which cruiselines do this would be appreciated.

[m steve]

If I knew I was about to die, I would book a cruise and when I croaked, I could have a burial at sea and we could avoid all those expenses that the funeral companies charge like $4500 for just making arrangements. I wonder what the cruise line charges for slipping you over the side. No chaplain needed, just a quick down and out. Would we get credit for the days I'm not on board?

[seabourndt]

as my mum was cremated yesterday intersted to hear of ashes at sea
dave

[snowman]

If I knew I was about to die, I would book a cruise and when I croaked, I could have a burial at sea and we could avoid all those expenses that the funeral companies charge like $4500 for just making arrangements. I wonder what the cruise line charges for slipping you over the side. No chaplain needed, just a quick down and out. Would we get credit for the days I'm not on board?Send me the same way. DW says she will take the OBC.

[sail7seas]

<snip>
So, any information on which cruiselines do this would be appreciated.


Near the top of this thread, Jtl513 (John) posted a link to a very complete description writtin only about a year ago of a beautiful burial at sea conducted on Maasdam.

Here is the link he posted:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=996884 (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=996884)


"WeLoveCruising" went into great detail so you may wish to read it.

[Mary Ellen]

as my mum was cremated yesterday intersted to hear of ashes at sea
daveDave - My heart goes out to you and your family. My condolences.

[solocanadian]

As KK said it is done. Was on the Amsterdam about 7 years ago for that exact purpose, spreading a friends ashes off of a cruise ship. It was all arrange thru Seattle. She was a travel agent and that is what she wanted. We had a group of about 40 on board to celebrate her life. I don't know how quiet it was, we used the Father on board for two services, he was so gracious. One service was done on land in Stika, on a bridge on the way up to the Eagle sanctuary. The other was on board off the fantail well below decks where other passengers wouldn't be. Hal did a wonderful job, it could not have been done better.

Melodie: Can't believe it was 7 years ago that Nancy passed away. Bob shared all the info with me once he got home. HAL did a spectactular job. I was told by HAL I was the first with such a request in May 98 when I put Fred's ashes to sea. It ws simple, quiet and private. I too used the Priest on board, Father Fitz, as he wished to be called. He offered generic prayers since we are Protestant. I even sent roses petals over the stern from a boquet Fred's sister sent for that purpose. Now Fred lies off Bella Bella, BC on the Inside Passage. There was no certificate in those days and no invitations. but still memorable. I was so glad I was able to fulfill Fred's final request. Father Fitzgerald, ships Doctor, which is our family doctor, and the food & beverage manager attended along with a few friends I had met on board. Gail

[solocanadian]

as my mum was cremated yesterday intersted to hear of ashes at sea
dave
Dave: Sorry to hear about your Mum. Sincere condolenses.

[docksider21]

Seabourndt Dave

Your TA can contact Seattle to make arrangements. I had to contact my
TA on behalf of a client. I think it is the head person in Group Sales who
co-ordinates this. It is not the thing a reservationist would know just ringing up.

Sincere sympathy on your loss.

[shandryl]

My mom wants her ashes dumped in the alantic ocean. So her will says. Good to know that it is possible. Its fitting I think. I would want the same thing. :D

[Alain09]

I think cremation (http://www.cremation.net)is better option ...but in a greener way..means body liquefaction...

[Krazy Kruizers]

I think cremation (http://www.cremation.net)is better option ...but in a greener way..means body liquefaction...

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

I am one of those people who does not want to be cremated. JMO

[jtl513]

I think cremation (http://www.cremation.net)is better option ...but in a greener way..means body liquefaction...This thread is all about scattering ashes, not whole-body burial at sea.

[jkrislc]

Cremation is also not the same as body liquification. The results are nearly the same, but the later uses a chemical/enzymatic process wheres the former utilizes a furnace.

[cmdchiefthom]

I have always planned on cermation and internment at Arlington, but since begining to cruise with my kids in the mid-90's, and now their kids during the last decade, this might be just the thing for me?????:o

[cruisinjudy]

We plan on doing this in May with my mother's ashes as she loved to cruise. I have already started the arrangements and received a reply that they will take care of it. I will report back after the fact.

[artnak]

Another option for a sea burial


http://www.eternalreefs.com/


.

[Typhoon1]

A very peaceful and dignified service can be arranged by contacting ships services. The biggest problem is transporting the cremains to the ship, the TSA would interested in anything you are taking aboard a plane.

[cruisinjudy]

A very peaceful and dignified service can be arranged by contacting ships services. The biggest problem is transporting the cremains to the ship, the TSA would interested in anything you are taking aboard a plane.
That is why we are doing it on a cruise we can drive to!

[emlu82]

Great info...we set sail in 10 days on the NA and are currently planning this!

[Loucat]

Cremation is also not the same as body liquification. The results are nearly the same, but the later uses a chemical/enzymatic process wheres the former utilizes a furnace.
On that not so happy post I am moving on:eek:

[Boytjie]

A very peaceful and dignified service can be arranged by contacting ships services. The biggest problem is transporting the cremains to the ship, the TSA would interested in anything you are taking aboard a plane.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1296.shtm

[cobalt206]

We scattered my mom's ashes off Diamond Head on a chartered sailboat, it was beautiful and exactly what she wanted.

Extraordinary experience this week: My dad had a massive coronary arrest while driving Tuesday morning. He was clinically dead for over 20 minutes and the doctors told us there was no chance for survival and he would be brain dead. We were beginning to plan his memorial service and were discussing scattering his ashes on Wednesday. After putting him into an induced hypothermia, he came out yesterday and woke and is now speaking. It's an unbelievable miracle! He is actually conversing with us and we're telling him what he's been through. I've been at the hospital all week and I'm emotionally drained. Our network of prayers is the only thing I can explain how this is possible.

Thought I would share this incredible experience here. We are going to have the best Christmas ever!

[jkrislc]

On that not so happy post I am moving on:eek:

Sorry! It just happens to be something I heard about recently. :(

[Assateague Island Princes]

Cobalt - thanks for that uplifting post. I will add your dear Dad to my prayers, but obviously, he's got plenty of "angels" pulling for him. Lost my extra special Dad almost 5 years ago, and around the holidays is when we miss him most, if that is at all possible. You are very blessed to have such an amazing outcome. And you're SO right, you've got a miraculous and magical Christmas ahead! So happy for you all.

[DFD1]

Cobalt. Thanks for sharing your incredible and wonderful experience. Add me to those who will pray for your father's continued progress. Miracles do happen. All the best.

[bra1nchild]

We were able to "bury" the cremains of a great aunt and uncle who loved Europe [but not cruising] when we were on the Prinsendam in July 2010. The arrangements were made ahead of time simply by sending an email to Seattle. We were told to contact the Front Desk/Guest Services when we boarded to finalize the details.

I went on line and found biodegradeable cardboard-like containers designed specifically for this purpose. I was able to transfer the remains to the included plastic pouches, then sealed them in the biodegradable boxes.

We opted not to have any type of ceremony although the chaplain's services were offered. The "burial" had to take place when it was convenient for the captain as he is the only one permitted to throw anything overboard. We were in the Sea of Norway [international waters] when we descended to Dolphin Deck and made our way to the stern where we sent our two packets through one of the openings for the hawsers. The "urns" floated a bit before sinking. Later, we received a detailed certificate with ongitude and latitude to commemorate the event.

BTW, the captain made the point that he is not authorized to conduct burials at sea for passengers who cut their cruises short. Every body [literally] has to be accounted for [for security/TSA] although we have heard of land-based cremations during cruises. Still, the ashes were brought aboard for the trip home. There must be allowances for burials ashore prior to disembarkation day, but the paperwork must be horrific.

[cobalt206]

Just got back from another day at the hospital, thank you for the prayers. Short term memory is improving but we still have a long way to go. It's truly remarkable that my father is alive, let alone talking, joking and flirting with the nurses.

I told him today we were prematurely planning his memorial and ash scattering in Hawaii. He teared up and reaffirmed that's how he wants to go ... but he's not ready yet!

[Typhoon1]

That is why we are doing it on a cruise we can drive to!

Another option would be to ship the cremains to a hotel or friend in the departure city.

[cruisinjudy]

Just got back from another day at the hospital, thank you for the prayers. Short term memory is improving but we still have a long way to go. It's truly remarkable that my father is alive, let alone talking, joking and flirting with the nurses.

I told him today we were prematurely planning his memorial and ash scattering in Hawaii. He teared up and reaffirmed that's how he wants to go ... but he's not ready yet!
I am so happy for you!

[DFD1]

Great news, Cobalt. Hang in there!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We scattered my mom's ashes off Diamond Head on a chartered sailboat, it was beautiful and exactly what she wanted.

Extraordinary experience this week: My dad had a massive coronary arrest while driving Tuesday morning. He was clinically dead for over 20 minutes and the doctors told us there was no chance for survival and he would be brain dead. We were beginning to plan his memorial service and were discussing scattering his ashes on Wednesday. After putting him into an induced hypothermia, he came out yesterday and woke and is now speaking. It's an unbelievable miracle! He is actually conversing with us and we're telling him what he's been through. I've been at the hospital all week and I'm emotionally drained. Our network of prayers is the only thing I can explain how this is possible.

Thought I would share this incredible experience here. We are going to have the best Christmas ever!

Just got back from another day at the hospital, thank you for the prayers. Short term memory is improving but we still have a long way to go. It's truly remarkable that my father is alive, let alone talking, joking and flirting with the nurses.

I told him today we were prematurely planning his memorial and ash scattering in Hawaii. He teared up and reaffirmed that's how he wants to go ... but he's not ready yet!

Miracles do happen!!

Now you all can enjoy the holidays instead of having to take care of a funeral.

[Randyk47]

Another option would be to ship the cremains to a hotel or friend in the departure city.

Having gone through this just recently I can tell you that very few shipping carriers will accept cremains. I know for a fact that FedEx and UPS will not but the US Post Office will. At the time we only checked one airline and that was American and, as it turned out, they had no issue. We could take the cremains on the flight in our carry-on luggage or they could be part of our checked luggage.

[cobalt206]

Miracles do happen!!

Now you all can enjoy the holidays instead of having to take care of a funeral.

KK, It will be the best Christmas ever. Not sure if he'll be home, hospital or rehab center but the party will come to him.

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses and prayers.

[Indycal]

Just got back from another day at the hospital, thank you for the prayers. Short term memory is improving but we still have a long way to go. It's truly remarkable that my father is alive, let alone talking, joking and flirting with the nurses.

I told him today we were prematurely planning his memorial and ash scattering in Hawaii. He teared up and reaffirmed that's how he wants to go ... but he's not ready yet!

What a Christmas Miracle for you and your family. I am glad he is improving!!

[andeesue]

Send me the same way. DW says she will take the OBC.

Too funny!

[babyher]

Just got back from another day at the hospital, thank you for the prayers. Short term memory is improving but we still have a long way to go. It's truly remarkable that my father is alive, let alone talking, joking and flirting with the nurses.

I told him today we were prematurely planning his memorial and ash scattering in Hawaii. He teared up and reaffirmed that's how he wants to go ... but he's not ready yet!


Very happy to hear. My prayers for his continued improvement.

[FoxyTerrier]

Having gone through this just recently I can tell you that very few shipping carriers will accept cremains. I know for a fact that FedEx and UPS will not but the US Post Office will. At the time we only checked one airline and that was American and, as it turned out, they had no issue. We could take the cremains on the flight in our carry-on luggage or they could be part of our checked luggage.

Last January when returning from a conference in Orlando, the TSA recognized that the man behind me in line had ashes in a small box. He asked that the man put a coin under the box and place it in one of those bins. I was totally clueless and ask the reason for the coin. The TSA said the scanner can not detect the ashes and would just show a black void on the screen. The coin lets them know there is nothing in the box that can't be identified.

I told the traveler I was sorry for his loss. At the time I recalled I had never really thought about traveling with ashes before and filed it as a mental note until reading this thread.

The thought of spreading ashes at sea is one I'm interested in. I grew up in the Destin, Florida area and the Gulf of Mexico will always be home in my heart. But since Carnival is the only line that sails out of that area (Mobile, AL) I'll have to find another way as I don't really want to have my last cruise be on Carnival.

[wing2003]

My dh and I were to cruise on the Carnival Dream Oct 15, 2011. He passed away on October 5th. My adult daughters and I are planning to sail on the anniversary of his death and scatter his ashes. We can drive to the port. Does anyone know if we will have a problem getting on board with his cremains?

[RuthC]

My dh and I were to cruise on the Carnival Dream Oct 15, 2011. He passed away on October 5th. My adult daughters and I are planning to sail on the anniversary of his death and scatter his ashes. We can drive to the port. Does anyone know if we will have a problem getting on board with his cremains?
My deepest sympathies on your loss.

Since you asked about Carnival, you would be better off asking on that board---not the HAL board---as Carnival's policy might be different.

[ASIWISH]

When we were on the Solstice last year, Nancy and I were enjoying a quiet cocktail at the bar at the back of the ship, at a table by the railing. All of a sudden we were "showered" with ashes... it was horrible.

Apparently, a woman with her two grown children threw her husbands ashes overboard - either not realizing there was a graduated balcony below her, or not realizing the direction of the wind. We looked up at them, at first angry, but then quite sadly when we realized what they had done. Crying, while holding the urn...

We were quietly upset about it... not daring to say anything because it was CLEARLY not their intent... but, now we laugh at the story.

We were a mess!!!! I can't imagine what people thought as we were walking back to our rooms to clean up. It has become a terrific "Ship Happens" story!:)

[Boytjie]

When we were on the Solstice last year, Nancy and I were enjoying a quiet cocktail at the bar at the back of the ship, at a table by the railing. All of a sudden we were "showered" with ashes... it was horrible.

Apparently, a woman with her two grown children threw her husbands ashes overboard - either not realizing there was a graduated balcony below her, or not realizing the direction of the wind. We looked up at them, at first angry, but then quite sadly when we realized what they had done. Crying, while holding the urn...

We were quietly upset about it... not daring to say anything because it was CLEARLY not their intent... but, now we laugh at the story.

We were a mess!!!! I can't imagine what people thought as we were walking back to our rooms to clean up. It has become a terrific "Ship Happens" story!:)

Yikes! What an experience. So much for not throwing anything overboard...

[DFD1]

People do the darndest things...

[amster65]

When we were on the Solstice last year, Nancy and I were enjoying a quiet cocktail at the bar at the back of the ship, at a table by the railing. All of a sudden we were "showered" with ashes... it was horrible.

Apparently, a woman with her two grown children threw her husbands ashes overboard - either not realizing there was a graduated balcony below her, or not realizing the direction of the wind. We looked up at them, at first angry, but then quite sadly when we realized what they had done. Crying, while holding the urn...

We were quietly upset about it... not daring to say anything because it was CLEARLY not their intent... but, now we laugh at the story.

We were a mess!!!! I can't imagine what people thought as we were walking back to our rooms to clean up. It has become a terrific "Ship Happens" story!:)

Only Lebowski fans would understand this one.....:cool:

[cobalt206]

I've scattered ashes of my mother and also my father in law. In both cases, we were on private boats. We chartered a boat in Hawaii for my mother and we used my brother's boat in Puget Sound (Seattle) for my father in law. I also provided my boat for a friend to scatter ashes of her husband on Lake Washington. In all of these cases, wind is indeed a factor and I can't imagine doing this off a cruise ship. I have a very bad visual of what The Kuhn Family experienced. You really need to be low to the waterline to do this ceremony properly. If you must do this on a cruise ship, my advice would be to charter a private boat at one of the island destinations. I think the experience will be a lot more personal and you will not have to share your ashes with other cruise guests.

Update on my father. He received a difibrulator (sp) implant on Friday and was moved to a rehab facility. I brought him home for Christmas dinner and he's walking, talking and pretty well on his way to making a full recovery. It's just amazing that two weeks ago we were talking about spreading his ashes. The best Christmas gift ever :)

[RuthC]

In all of these cases, wind is indeed a factor and I can't imagine doing this off a cruise ship.
My understanding is that, when done off the cruise ship, it is done from a low deck. The ashes are left in a biodegradable container, so there is little to no danger of blow-back. The ship is slowed, and the officers make sure the wind speed/direction is favorable.

[cruisinjudy]

The requirement is to have a biodegradable container. That family probably didn't consult anybody.

Oops repeat. I wrote this earlier but never posted.

[cobalt206]

Ah, the past two posts makes sense. Glad to hear there are environmental options available. I still think chartering a private boat at one of the islands is a great way to do the ceremony, especially on a sailboat. It is so serene and peaceful and we added flower leis and Gardenias before and after the ashes were scattered on the Pacific ... I know my Mom looked down with a smile :)