What Happens to a Dead Body on a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships transport millions of people around the world every year, so what happens when a passenger dies while on board? Cruise ships are generally very well-equipped to deal with a death and the process that follows.

When someone dies onboard a cruise ship, the captain will be immediately notified. The captain will then make the decision as to whether or not to continue the voyage, depending on the circumstances of the death.

If the death was caused by an illness or injury, then it is likely that the voyage will continue and the body will be taken with it until it reaches its destination.

Once a body is taken off a ship, there are a few different options for what can happen next. The body can either be buried at sea, sent back to their home country for burial, or cremated at sea. Burial at sea is usually only done if it was requested by the deceased, or if there was no family available to make arrangements for transport back home.

If burial at sea is not feasible, then it is usually up to family members or friends of the deceased to arrange for transportation of their remains back home for burial. In these cases, cruise lines typically work with funeral homes and airlines in order to ensure that everything is handled properly and with respect.

The process of dealing with a death onboard a cruise ship can be complicated and emotionally difficult. However, most cruise lines have staff members who are trained and experienced in handling such situations with sensitivity and respect.

Conclusion:

When someone dies onboard a cruise ship, various options exist for dealing with their remains including burial at sea or transportation back home for burial. Cruise lines typically have staff members who are trained in handling such circumstances respectfully and sensitively.