Why Is There a Morgue at the Cruise Ship?

By Alice Nichols

A morgue is a facility used to store bodies awaiting autopsy or burial. Unfortunately, they are still necessary in the modern world, even on cruise ships. There are several reasons why a morgue is essential on board a vessel.

Safety: One of the main reasons why there is a morgue at the cruise ship is for safety. In the event of an emergency, it ensures that any bodies can be safely stored away from the public and crew until they can be retrieved safely by land. Additionally, it reduces the risk of cross-contamination between passengers and crew members from any infectious diseases that may have been present on board.

Health Regulations: Cruise ships are subject to various health regulations that must be adhered to in order to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members. A morgue allows for bodies to be kept out of sight from other passengers, which helps maintain these regulations. It also serves as a place where medical personnel can conduct autopsies if necessary.

Preservation: Cruise ships often travel long distances and can be away from civilization for long periods of time. As such, it is important to have a place where bodies can be preserved until they can reach land and receive proper burial or cremation services. Additionally, if a body needs to be identified by DNA or other forms of identification, having them preserved in a morgue ensures that this process can occur without further delay or degradation of evidence.

Respect: Most importantly, having a morgue on board shows respect for those who have passed away while aboard a cruise ship. It allows their families some peace of mind knowing that their loved ones are being cared for with dignity and respect until they can receive proper burial services.

In conclusion, having a morgue on board cruise ships serves many purposes including safety regulations, preservation of evidence and bodies, as well as providing respect for those who have passed away.