Carnival burials at sea

[summersigh]

My father passed away recently. A week later there was a lovely service at a military cemetery where 1/2 of his ashes were interred.

 

Later this summer there will be a gathering of the family to release the rest of his ashes in a favorite spot in the mountains.... celebrating his life.

 

The actual funeral does not need to occur on a cruise ship for the release at sea of the ashes to occur on the cruise ship.

 

I can see where, in some cases, if the actual funerals themselves took place onboard those onboard funeral would be a real celebration of life ... but ... on the other hand, I can see where if the actual funeral was held aboard the cruise ship the result may be a whole lot of drama that would leave other guests feeling very uncomfortable.

 

Cruises are supposed to be fun and having onboard funerals does not jibe with that aim for non-participants.

 

Just MHO:rolleyes:

[You Me & the Sea]

Please take the time you need my friend, my father passed in 1998 and we did this in 2006. It was time by then to complete his wishes, but you must heal first!! It was lovely and I am sure they will not try and capitalize on this. There are people that will see money making opportunity everywhere, and then there are those that have hearts, hopefully Carnival continues having a heart.

 

Thank you kyrisong1. As I'm sure you already know, I'm finding that healing is an ongoing process. There will always be things that trigger sadness, but at this point there are more that invoke laughter. We're all (me & my kids) at a place now where we can look back, reminisce and smile...as she would want! :) Here's hoping that CCL does indeed continue to do the right thing.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

I am not suggesting that Carnival charge for what they are currently doing. What I am suggesting is that they offer families a choice to do more, like maybe a service where family and friends can share stories, maybe have a video tribute, and a reception. Of course there may be some kind of fee for these additional services, and there would be cabins booked. Some people may attend that would never even dream of going on a cruise and realize they love it. Carnival is always looking for a way to get someone on the ship for the first time. I'm not suggesting they disturb anyone else's cruise, or make any kind of scene over it. I know people get upset that anyone makes any type of profit from death. Many states offer free options. You probably wouldn't like them.

 

For those of you that have experienced loss, I am truly sorry. I lost my brother and father within 2 days of each other not much more than a year ago. I understand grief. For the poster that wanted to scatter their loved ones ashes at sea, but didn't want to let go, they do have pendants that hold a small portion of the ashes that you can keep with you always.

[eponym]

I am not suggesting that Carnival charge for what they are currently doing. What I am suggesting is that they offer families a choice to do more, like maybe a service where family and friends can share stories, maybe have a video tribute, and a reception. Of course there may be some kind of fee for these additional services, and there would be cabins booked. Some people may attend that would never even dream of going on a cruise and realize they love it. Carnival is always looking for a way to get someone on the ship for the first time. I'm not suggesting they disturb anyone else's cruise, or make any kind of scene over it. I know people get upset that anyone makes any type of profit from death. Many states offer free options. You probably wouldn't like them.

 

For those of you that have experienced loss, I am truly sorry. I lost my brother and father within 2 days of each other not much more than a year ago. I understand grief. For the poster that wanted to scatter their loved ones ashes at sea, but didn't want to let go, they do have pendants that hold a small portion of the ashes that you can keep with you always.

 

Post numbered 3 in your thread your first sentence is, "In actuality, this could be a big revenue stream for Carnival." I guess you mean for video setups and playback, and other such ceremonial things.

 

Either way, I am glad you shared your thoughts and it is being discussed.

Edited July 1, 2015 by eponym

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

Post numbered 3 in your thread your first sentence is, "In actuality, this could be a big revenue stream for Carnival." I guess you mean for video setups and playback, and other such ceremonial things.

 

Either way, I am glad you shared your thoughts and it is being discussed.

 

I meant for coordinating a service and reception, like they do with weddings, and the bookings for people that would like to be there.

[eponym]

I meant for coordinating a service and reception, like they do with weddings, and the bookings for people that would like to be there.

 

Sounds good.

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

My father passed away recently. A week later there was a lovely service at a military cemetery where 1/2 of his ashes were interred.

 

Later this summer there will be a gathering of the family to release the rest of his ashes in a favorite spot in the mountains.... celebrating his life.

 

The actual funeral does not need to occur on a cruise ship for the release at sea of the ashes to occur on the cruise ship.

 

I can see where, in some cases, if the actual funerals themselves took place onboard those onboard funeral would be a real celebration of life ... but ... on the other hand, I can see where if the actual funeral was held aboard the cruise ship the result may be a whole lot of drama that would leave other guests feeling very uncomfortable.

 

Cruises are supposed to be fun and having onboard funerals does not jibe with that aim for non-participants.

 

Just MHO:rolleyes:

 

A service on a cruise ship would not be a funeral in the essence of those held at a funeral home, church, or cemetery. It would be more of a celebration. There is a demand for this. Major hotels and resorts offer these types of services.

[eponym]

A service on a cruise ship would not be a funeral in the essence of those held at a funeral home, church, or cemetery. It would be more of a celebration. There is a demand for this. Major hotels and resorts offer these types of services.

 

Here is a set of official remarks just published today on Facebook by John Heald from Carnival.

 

[cantthinkofanythingfun]

Here is a set of official remarks just published today on Facebook by John Heald from Carnival.

 

 

Thank you for sharing that. His response was directed at someone who had the free service and wanted something more and was willing to pay. The individual was actually complaining about the free service. I agree with John Heald. They should not charge for that service. They also can't make it where you won't hear music from the Lido deck. It is a cruise ship. It seems like that individual wanted something somber, and obviously a Carnival cruise ship is not for that. Maybe he should have asked Celebrity.

 

For the record, I didn't see the article on John Heald's Facebook page. I saw it in a funeral director's blog. I then liked John Heald's page and left my comment.

[You Me & the Sea]

I am not suggesting that Carnival charge for what they are currently doing. What I am suggesting is that they offer families a choice to do more, like maybe a service where family and friends can share stories, maybe have a video tribute, and a reception. Of course there may be some kind of fee for these additional services, and there would be cabins booked. Some people may attend that would never even dream of going on a cruise and realize they love it. Carnival is always looking for a way to get someone on the ship for the first time. I'm not suggesting they disturb anyone else's cruise, or make any kind of scene over it. I know people get upset that anyone makes any type of profit from death. Many states offer free options. You probably wouldn't like them.

 

For those of you that have experienced loss, I am truly sorry. I lost my brother and father within 2 days of each other not much more than a year ago. I understand grief. For the poster that wanted to scatter their loved ones ashes at sea, but didn't want to let go, they do have pendants that hold a small portion of the ashes that you can keep with you always.

 

Yes! I will definitely get this done if and when I choose to let them go. My 'one step at a time' right now is my "commemorative" cruise. We'll be in Nassau on the anniversary. Good thread...thanks for starting.

[gemsm]

Wow...I don't understand some people at all. We are burying my dad at sea. We don't want any fanfare or readings or any of that. We just want a quiet place where we can throw his urn in with the dolphins (hopefully they will find him) and say goodbye.

[AHS123]

We just want a quiet place where we can throw his urn in with the dolphins (hopefully they will find him) and say goodbye.

 

From what I have read Carnival does scatterings with care for the environment in mind and urn disposals in the ocean are not permitted. Someone please correct me if you know different.

[skittl1321]

Wow...I don't understand some people at all. We are burying my dad at sea. We don't want any fanfare or readings or any of that. We just want a quiet place where we can throw his urn in with the dolphins (hopefully they will find him) and say goodbye.

 

 

You really should consider throwing just the ashes, and not the urn; unless you found a container that will dissolve.

[chengkp75]

From what I have read Carnival does scatterings with care for the environment in mind and urn disposals in the ocean are not permitted. Someone please correct me if you know different.

 

There are biodegradable urns designed for water burials. These will break down in sea water. $30-50 is about the average.

[AmazedByCruising]

Thank you for sharing that. His response was directed at someone who had the free service and wanted something more and was willing to pay. The individual was actually complaining about the free service. I agree with John Heald. They should not charge for that service. They also can't make it where you won't hear music from the Lido deck. It is a cruise ship. It seems like that individual wanted something somber, and obviously a Carnival cruise ship is not for that. Maybe he should have asked Celebrity.

 

For the record, I didn't see the article on John Heald's Facebook page. I saw it in a funeral director's blog. I then liked John Heald's page and left my comment.

 

I think charging some amount is probably the last thing people worry about, and it's totally reasonable for ships to charge for things that are not normally included in a vacation. My guess is that most if not all funeral directors would like to be paid for their services as well.

 

I find it very nice, actually a bit surprising, that the ships allow it. It will never be a major revenue stream because there is no capacity to scale up very much. There is not enough room, and a ship filled with 50% mourning people sitting next to 50% first time cruisers all excited about tonight's show and snorkeling tomorrow would lead to negative reviews from both.

 

One thing that would meet the demands of anonymous George on that Facebook page is to have a tender boat with all bells and whistles (like no music from the Lido deck, a priest, flowers, whatever).

[bigman01]

From what I have read Carnival does scatterings with care for the environment in mind and urn disposals in the ocean are not permitted. Someone please correct me if you know different.

 

 

As someone else has already mentioned, this is not correct. Carnival requires the ashes to be in a biodegradable urn, which is then placed into the ocean. We did this for my dad almost 2 years ago, and I will say that Carnival was very helpful and accommodating. I'll do it again for my mother when her time on earth is over, and it's what I want done for myself when the time comes.

 

And, as gemsm said, I don't want fanfare, I want it simple. Have a party for me afterwards.

 

Also, it's been mentioned by some that scattering the ashes is better than placing an urn into the ocean. That would be fine except that you're on a cruise ship, and it gets windy. The last thing I'd want is my ashes blowing back up on my loved ones, or ever worse, blowing up on the decks above. A biodegradable urn is the way to go.

[bigman01]

Wow...I don't understand some people at all. We are burying my dad at sea. We don't want any fanfare or readings or any of that. We just want a quiet place where we can throw his urn in with the dolphins (hopefully they will find him) and say goodbye.

 

I agree with you 100%. It's going to be a solemn time for you and the family. We did this for my dad in Nov., 2013. Left him down off the coast of Cozumel. If you have any questions about the experience, feel free to email me crazyjdude01 @ gmail . com

 

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

[urbanhawk]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/06/24/carnival-cruise-line-ashes-burials-at-sea/29209833/

 

I saw this and thought it may interest some of you.

 

I'm a funeral director and I may have found a way to write my cruises off on my taxes, or maybe I can get a job with Carnival. (you have to have a sense of humor in this business)

 

I love what I do-I work in social services-will celebrate my 21st anniversary with the agency next month; BUT;) when I go on vacation, I don't want to talk to people about my job, so I tell them, when they ask, that I work in the morgue, and suddenly, they're no longer interested :eek: I met with a couple last week, and the husband interested that if he dies 1st (I work with the terminally ill). that his wife buries him face down this way the world can kiss his a$$!!!!:D

[luckycruzer]

http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/06/24/carnival-cruise-line-ashes-burials-at-sea/29209833/

 

I saw this and thought it may interest some of you.

 

I'm a funeral director and I may have found a way to write my cruises off on my taxes, or maybe I can get a job with Carnival. (you have to have a sense of humor in this business)

 

 

a sense of humour was pinnacle to keep ones head about ones self.

[luckycruzer]

have submitted all the certs to Carnival...and we have all the print out rules completed. We will put the sealed box in a carry on...and follow through with the desk, and let them finish the details. The diseased was an avid cruzer, had a sail boat, and loved the gulf...per the request in the will..the last action will soon take place.

[Surfwench]

From what I have read Carnival does scatterings with care for the environment in mind and urn disposals in the ocean are not permitted. Someone please correct me if you know different.

 

There are so many really lovely biodegradeable urns available now. Ask your funeral director, they'll arrange to transfer the ashes to the urn after the cremation. These urns float for a few minutes then sink gently and break apart. No need to worry about ashes being caught up in the wind.

[Briitini]

I work for a very large funeral/cremation company, so this peaks my interest. Very cool!! Thanks for sharing.

[SHayesShip]

My Mom passed away March 21st of this year and I granted her wish to be cremated. Her ashes have put interned in a biodegradable bag which is in a biodegradable urn (Decorative box). I have the legal papers with her urn. She wanted the urn to be disposed of at sea.

We or working with Carnival on this to dispose of her ashes in the urn on the Valor Oct. 31st cruise. It will probably be the day after boarding when we are at sea. Carnival is being absolutely wonderful about this and I cannot say enough.

[mabones]

HAHA!! It's part of an old nickname my DH gave my when we were in High School many moons ago!!

[CruisingAmazona]

Most of the major cruise lines have been doing this for years. It is a request through guest services, arranged in advance of the cruise. They will arrange a day and time where an officer will meet the family and escort them to normally the after mooring deck. There is generally no ceremony, just whatever the family wants to do. The ashes have to have been brought in a biodegradable urn, and flowers can be arranged, but again, these have to be completely biodegradable (no metal or plastic). They will not announce anything about this to the ship in general, allowing the family to have their private time.

 

For US cruisers, as long as the urn meets government standards, and there are biodegradable urns on the market, transportation only requires a little paperwork, and once onboard, it is a matter for the flag state, not any US regulations regarding transportation or disposal. This happens fairly regularly with long time cruisers.

 

This is 100% correct. I lost my parents within six months of each other, one in November 2013 the other in May 2014. During Thanksgiving week 2014 I scattered their ashes at sea on Thanksgiving morning. The protocol and requirements were handled and scheduled way in advance. It was a Celebrity ship. They needed to be in biodegradable urns/boxes, I needed to send them both by email, and bring them with me Official Death Certificates and Cremation Certificates. On the Sunday after we left, Guest Services Contacted me and told me how it would be done and asked me what my preferred date during the cruise was. I told them Thanksgiving morning. They were unable to promise it would be that day but said they would try (it all depends on weather and wind direction and where we would be, etc.) On Wednesday afternoon they called me and asked me to bring the urns and meet them at Guest Services the next morning at 10:00am. When I arrived, two Officers and a lady officer walked us over to a private area and explained that they would leave and would leave us to do the ceremony privately. That is exactly how it was and it was beautiful.

 

There was no fee charged, and I did ask ahead of time, but Celebrity told me cruises lines did this at no charge to guest. They also told me it was much more common in Caribbean cruises then in European cruises, and that they did at the very least, one or two, per week during Caribbean sailings.