Burial at Sea

On talking to a client recently, they asked if they could could bury their relatives ashes at sea as this was a last request from the relative.

As I have not been asked this before I had to do a little homework.  Yes it can be done, but it is not as straight forward as you may think.

Firstly you if you are flying to meet the ship you would have to inform the airline.  With increased security now at airports you have to inform the airline that you are taking ashes on a plane. The ashes would be treated as hand luggage and need to be in a biodegradable container.

You will need to inform the ship too.  The Captain will need to be informed as the ashes cannot just be scattered overboard, there are rules and maritime regulations to adhere to.The Captain or an officer would accompany you to a lower deck, he can perform a ceremony if you requested but you would again have to inform the cruise line before you go.

Below is an extract from Cunard -

'The ceremony is not a formal one and time may be restricted due to weather conditions or time between ports. The Captain or one of his officers will accompany the guests to an area away from the rest of the guests, normally on a lower deck, and if requested they will say a prayer. Flowers for the occasion can be purchased in the florists on board, or brought on board from ashore.

Once the scattering has taken place, the Captain normally gives the guests details from the entry in ship's log.'

So the ship will perform a respectful non formal ceremony, only if you wanted to.