For many families, a cruise provides a beautiful and meaningful way to honor a loved one's final wishes. While most major cruise lines permit the scattering of cremated remains at sea, they all require advance approval and have strict environmental and legal requirements.
✅ Royal Caribbean International
✅ Celebrity Cruises
✅ Carnival Cruise Line
✅ Norwegian Cruise Line
✅ Princess Cruises
✅ Holland America Line
✅ Disney Cruise Line
✅ MSC Cruises
✅ Virgin Voyages
Most premium and luxury cruise lines also permit ash-scattering ceremonies with advance arrangements.
Typically Complimentary
Most cruise lines do not charge for allowing a burial-at-sea ceremony.
Possible additional costs may include:
• Memorial gathering in a private venue (if available)
• Flowers ordered through the cruise line
• Purchase of a biodegradable urn
• Travel expenses
There is generally no fee simply to scatter ashes.
Nearly every cruise line requires:
✅ Death Certificate
✅ Cremation Certificate
✅ Advance notification before sailing
✅ Check in with Guest Services once onboard
Some cruise lines request documentation several weeks before departure.
Nearly every cruise line requires:
• Biodegradable scattering urn
OR
• Approved biodegradable scattering container
The urn must generally:
✔ Be free of metal or wire
✔ Contain no plastic components if it will enter the ocean
✔ Be environmentally safe
Many cruise lines require that the entire biodegradable urn be committed to the sea, not just the ashes. (Royal Caribbean)
Federal law generally requires cruise ships to be:
At least 3 nautical miles from shore in U.S. waters under the Clean Water Act. Many cruise lines conduct ceremonies even farther offshore based on operational and environmental policies. (Cruise Critic)
Ashes may never be scattered:
❌ In port
❌ While docked
❌ Near beaches
❌ Near marine preserves or restricted areas
The Captain determines the appropriate location.
Most cruise lines prohibit:
❌ Throwing loose ashes from a balcony
❌ Tossing plastic urns
❌ Glass containers
❌ Metal containers
❌ Artificial flowers
❌ Balloons
❌ Wreaths containing ribbon or plastic
Only biodegradable items may enter the ocean. (Carnival Cruise Line)
Most cruise lines allow:
✔ Fresh flower petals
✔ Fresh flowers
provided they contain:
• No ribbon
• No wire
• No plastic wrapping
Carnival, for example, requires onboard-purchased commemorative flowers if flowers are used, and all non-biodegradable decorations must be removed. (Carnival Cruise Line)
Usually No.
Most cruise lines:
• Escort the family to a private crew-access area
• Allow private time for remembrance
• Coordinate the ceremony through Guest Services
Some ships provide the GPS coordinates of the location after the ceremony, while a formal officiated service is generally not included. (Cruise Critic)
Carnival has one of the most detailed memorial procedures.
Requirements include:
• Death Certificate
• Cremation Certificate
• Guest Services appointment
• Approved urn
• Environmental Officer supervision
• Ceremony held in a private crew area
On many ships, attendance is limited (often around 12 guests), and families may receive the coordinates of the burial location afterward. (Carnival Cruise Line)
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity allow:
✔ Biodegradable urns
✔ Ash-scattering ceremonies
✔ Guest Services coordination
✔ Advance approval
Required:
• Death Certificate
• Cremation Certificate
• Approved biodegradable urn
• Front Desk appointment after boarding (Royal Caribbean)
If flying to your cruise:
• Carry cremated remains in your carry-on luggage.
• Ensure the container can be screened by airport security.
• Check your airline's specific requirements before travel.
Do not plan to take cremated remains ashore in foreign ports, as many countries have strict import regulations. (Carnival Cruise Line)
✔ Contact the cruise line several weeks before sailing.
✔ Bring multiple copies of the required documents.
✔ Purchase a biodegradable scattering urn before departure.
✔ Inform Guest Services immediately after boarding.
✔ Keep the ceremony small, as access areas are often limited.
✔ Never attempt to scatter ashes without the cruise line's approval.
A burial at sea can be a peaceful and memorable way to honor a loved one. While procedures vary slightly by cruise line, the process is generally straightforward when planned in advance. Working with your travel advisor and notifying the cruise line early will help ensure the ceremony is handled respectfully, safely, and in compliance with maritime and environmental regulations.
