What Happens to Bodies on a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

Cruise ships are becoming increasingly popular for holidays and vacations, with the number of passengers growing each year. But what happens to the dead bodies of people who pass away while aboard the ship?

Cruise ships are legally required to have a morgue on board, so that a body can be stored if someone dies on the voyage. These morgues are usually located in a lower deck of the ship, and are equipped with refrigeration units to preserve the body until it can be returned home or buried at sea.

If a passenger passes away while on board, their family will be notified as soon as possible. The cruise line will arrange for repatriation of the body by air or sea, depending on where they are travelling from. If requested by the family, burial at sea can also be arranged.

What Happens Once The Body Is Repatriated?

Once the body is repatriated, it is up to the family to decide what happens next. Generally speaking, funerals take place a few days after death and burial or cremation follow shortly after. The cruise line will typically help with any arrangements that need to be made in order to repatriate and bury or cremate the body.

What Happens To Unclaimed Bodies?

In some cases, families may not claim a deceased passenger’s body for various reasons. In such cases, cruise lines usually have an arrangement with local authorities in port cities where unclaimed bodies can be taken for further investigation or burial. Cruise lines typically cover all associated costs.

Conclusion

When someone passes away on board a cruise ship, their family will be notified and arrangements made to repatriate and bury or cremate their body. If not claimed by family members, cruise lines typically have an arrangement with local authorities in port cities where unclaimed bodies can be taken for further investigation or burial.