Scattering Ashes at Sea

[shofer]

Has anyone had the experience of scattering their loved one's ashes at sea? Several years ago, DH & I saw an elderly lady being assisted by uniformed staff in doing this and placing a wreath. This was on Celebrity and it was in the Caribbean.

 

We are talking about doing a TA and DH would like to scatter his parents' cremains during the crossing.

 

Sue

[cluso]

Do a lot of checking. Sounds simple, but not really. Our friend took his wife's remains from Atlanta to Los Angeles on the airlines, and taking them through inspection with TSA was pretty intensive/and very insensitive. :(

[Algebralovr]

It can be done, but not as a scatter. You'll need to contact the cruise line during daytime business hours in Miami. You'll need a biodegradable urn, and the entire urn is buried at sea. I've not done it, but remember reading on it. I believe they may provide you a certificate with the location.

[wrk2cruise]

I inquired about this while chatting with Bosco who at the time was Guest Relations manager on Reflection and has since been promoted to HD. He said it was completely possible and as someone else said you have to inquire via Miami. They will then arrange for it to be done when at sea in international waters.

[shofer]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I knew we had to use a container, probably should have said "burial of ashes" rather than "scattering". The next obstacle will be the airlines.

 

We would be flying to England to get on the ship so this might cause problems. Lucky for us, we have a great TA so we'll see how she can help us with this.

 

Sue

[raudacruise]

TSA opened and visually inspected the contents of the urn (made for scattering). They said they had to make sure it wasn’t something else that the scanner couldn’t differentiate. It was stressful, but they were considerate and respectful.

 

Chartered a sailboat for a sunset cruise/scattering off of St Johns. It was what DH wanted.

[mom says]

You would also be wise to contact the British embassy if you're taking the ashes into another country. There are likely Customs regulations and documentation required.

[G.M.T.]

You might find this site helpful:

 

https://www.scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/travelling-with-ashes/

[gerelmx]

This thread does teach something new, very helpful. On one occasion I mentioned to my DW : My wish is that my ashes were thrown into the sea at Chankanaab.

[G.M.T.]

Dear MiL said she wanted to dance on my grave, I said good I'm going to be buried at sea.

[DYKWIA]

You might find this site helpful:

 

https://www.scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/travelling-with-ashes/

 

Technically illegal to scatter or dispose of ashes in UK waters (inc rivers and streams) - I believe the authorities have an enforcement position that if it is done with due consideration of other users of the waters and done in a way not to impact on fish and so on the matter is ignored - no one wants to take enforcement action in these situations.

[jkgourmet]

My American father's ashes traveled from Asheville NC to The Lake District, England in a cardboard box with a plastic liner. No trouble at all.

 

His ashes were spread at a fairly remote location, accompanied by his friends from England and a few family members.

 

I hope my 'end' is as lovely as his.

[dkjretired]

One thing that should be remembered is not to scatter the ashes yourself. Many stories over the years of people having the ashes blow back on them.

 

My brother’s ashes were scattered at the Jersey shore and my SIL, his wife who passed away last week will have hers scattered in July, also at Jersey shore.

[jkgourmet]

One thing that should be remembered is not to scatter the ashes yourself. Many stories over the years of people having the ashes blow back on them.

 

My brother’s ashes were scattered at the Jersey shore and my SIL, his wife who passed away last week will have hers scattered in July, also at Jersey shore.

 

We have photos of my father's ashes doing exactly that! We all thought it added to the charm of it. Suited his personality quite well.

 

Condolences on your SIL.

[Skipper's Mom]

One thing that should be remembered is not to scatter the ashes yourself. Many stories over the years of people having the ashes blow back on them.

 

My brother’s ashes were scattered at the Jersey shore and my SIL, his wife who passed away last week will have hers scattered in July, also at Jersey shore.

See the movie "The Big Lebowski". It's a classic.

 

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

[DrKoob]

It can be done, but not as a scatter. You'll need to contact the cruise line during daytime business hours in Miami. You'll need a biodegradable urn, and the entire urn is buried at sea. I've not done it, but remember reading on it. I believe they may provide you a certificate with the location.

 

When my brother passed away and wanted to have his ashes put into Lake Michigan in Chicago, we were supplied with the ashes in a beautiful box that when thrown in water, sank and dissolved. This way there was no scattering but the ashes were guaranteed to scatter as they sank into the water. Much preferable (at least to me) to actually scattering the ashes. If I had the same container/box on a cruise ship, I could probably toss it from just about any verandah, (not that I would) but certainly that would make it easier when assisted by the crew.

[gerelmx]

Dear MiL said she wanted to dance on my grave, I said good I'm going to be buried at sea.

Where is the like button?

[G.M.T.]

Where is the like button?

For the joke or dear MiL?:evilsmile:

[seashell]

Celebrity has let ashes be scattered. Good friend has scattered her DH's ashes a few times. It varies from ship to ship. Most times the ship has no idea and has not been contacted by Miami. Her TA has contacted and gotten a "permission" letter from Miami. She takes it to guest relations to arrange a time. Some staff is baffled and have never done this and some are very understanding and helpful. They do this on a sea day (of which you will have several). One of the staff who had never done this before did not pick the best place and we ended up scattering some ashes on us. (definitely DH enjoying that time). On a HAL we had a priest on board who read some script, said some prayers and a blessing. It was wonderful. Be prepared for anything. there is no set way of handling the scattering of ashes. Hopefully you will have an understanding and helpful staff member. Get your clearance from Celebrity and be persistent with the staff. It may take a few visits to get everything set up.

[wendychloecruiser]

Royal Caribbean was incredibly wonderful with my family when we had a ceremony at sea for my sister in 2006. I had no problem with her “being in my suitcase” regarding the airline nor anywhere else. They gave my mom a bouquet of roses. We were escorted to essentially the water’s edge and a lovely member of staff read “Footprints.” The captain repositioned The Enchantment soley for us in order to be far enough off shore. We received a signed certificate with the coordinates of the ceremony and picture of the ship in a lovely folder. I cannot be more grateful to Royal Caribbean.

[K12Guy]

Dear MiL said she wanted to dance on my grave, I said good I'm going to be buried at sea.

 

Unfortunately for you the old bat can probably walk on water. So, the last dance may really be on you! :cool:

[shofer]

Thanks to everyone for the stories and the information. Now that I know how to proceed, I can get the ball rolling. We have until November but hate to leave anything to the last minute.

 

Sue

[cruise kitty]

Dear MiL said she wanted to dance on my grave, I said good I'm going to be buried at sea.

 

Now that's funny :D

[Jim_Iain]

Traveling with cremains by air and TSA aren't really that difficult. I took my father's urn (in my suitcase) and his cremains (hand carry). Many airlines prohibit cremains from being placed in your luggage. I believe this is more to prevent the possibility of your loved one being lost in transit.

 

The agent at TSA was very respectful and indicated he had to swab the outside of the plastic cremains box with an explosive monitor. That took but a minute and we were on our way.

[Slugsta]

Technically illegal to scatter or dispose of ashes in UK waters (inc rivers and streams) - I believe the authorities have an enforcement position that if it is done with due consideration of other users of the waters and done in a way not to impact on fish and so on the matter is ignored - no one wants to take enforcement action in these situations.

 

From what I have been able to find (and I have looked into this previously) your information is incorrect

 

https://www.scattering-ashes.co.uk/help-advice/law/