Is There a Morgue on Every Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

Most of us know what a morgue is and why it is important to have one on a cruise ship, but not everyone may be aware that all cruise ships have morgues. All cruise ships, regardless of size or type, must have a morgue in order to comply with maritime laws. A morgue is essentially a refrigerated room used to store dead bodies until they can be taken ashore for burial or cremation.

The importance of having a morgue on board cannot be overstated. It ensures that the deceased are handled with respect and dignity, and that they can be preserved with as little deterioration as possible until they reach their final destination.

Furthermore, it allows the crew to conduct any necessary medical examinations in order to determine the cause of death. This is particularly important if the death appears suspicious or if the deceased was travelling alone.

A morgue on board also serves another important purpose – it provides additional storage space for medical supplies such as drugs and oxygen tanks. In an emergency situation, having these supplies accessible and ready can mean the difference between life and death.

So while we may not want to think about death while we’re on vacation, having a morgue on board provides an extra layer of safety and security for passengers should something unfortunate happen during their voyage.

Conclusion:

In summary, all cruise ships must have a morgue in order to comply with maritime laws. The importance of having this facility cannot be overstated as it ensures that the deceased are handled with respect and dignity, allows for necessary medical examinations to take place, and provides additional storage space for medical supplies in an emergency situation. Therefore, there is indeed a morgue on every cruise ship.