Monday, April 1, 2024

Cruise Ship Morgues: Where Do Passengers Go When They Die? Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

cruise ship morgue

A study shows over 600 people died on cruise ships from 2000 to 2019. Prior to arriving at the next port, the ship’s staff will contact relevant authorities such as customs officials and the local morgue to arrange for body disembarkation. For storage, there are stainless steel refrigerated compartments or pull-out cold drawers to contain bodies.

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It gets its name from the Interstate 95 highway running along the United States east coast. It’s a crew corridor that runs along almost the entire ship’s length, but it is not accessible to the passengers. Yes, cruise ships have medical facilities that can handle minor surgeries like wound suturing.

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The remains are generally required to be in a biodegradable urn and some cruise lines require the entire urn to be tossed into the sea. For example, 50 non-sailing guests can take part in weddings aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships before the cruise sails from the port of embarkation. But there are some lesser-known accommodations available on most cruise ships. Cruise ship morgues are big enough to accommodate three to four deceased, which varies between smaller and larger ships.

What Are the Protocols Surrounding a Death?

For example, many cruise ships have a small jail, called a brig. The brig is generally located on one of the bottom decks. From joyous occasions to celebrations of life, here are some extraordinary services cruise ships offer. These well-structured measures ensure that your journey remains as pleasant as possible, focused on creating beautiful memories rather than worrying about the unseen realms of cruise ship operations. Keep sailing and exploring the sea with the peace of mind that every detail is taken care of, even those you’d never thought of. The crew can use the I-95 to access various cruise ship areas, like the engine control room, the laundry facilities, and their cabins. You’ll find everything stored there, from alcohol, food, and shipping equipment.

What Happens When a Passenger Dies on a Cruise Ship?

It’s important for cruise lines to respect and accommodate these beliefs while still fulfilling their duties. Cruise ship vacations are meant to be a time for fun and relaxation, however, they can sometimes be met with a medley of worst-case scenarios. A 2018 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) report found that 50% of cruise ship passengers were over the age of 50, and almost a third of that 50% were over 70 years old. Whether you die on a ship or on land, cruise lines don’t offer a burial at sea. However, many do offer services that allow ashes to be scattered at sea.

Is there a morgue on cruise ships?

Basic embalming tools, cleaning supplies, body bags, and personal protective equipment are also kept for handling deceased persons. The morgue facilities are located in an area that is inaccessible to passengers, ensuring their privacy and respecting their grief. The capacity of these facilities is regulated by international procedures and regulations, ensuring that they meet strict standards for sanitation and safety.

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cruise ship morgue

It could be worth finding out how they assist in the event of needing repatriation, as this can be quite an involved process and overwhelming at this emotional time. I’ve heard it reported many times that some older folk spend their last days cruising rather than go to a care home because it works out cheaper. Without insurance, the costs may have to be covered by the passenger’s family.

Most vessels are required to have a morgue and additional body bags in the event of an emergency. As the ship reaches its next port, arrangements are made for the body to be unloaded and transferred to local authorities. Cruise lines have established procedures in place to coordinate with these authorities and ensure a smooth transition. It is important to note that the responsibility for further procedures, such as determining the cause of death or arranging for a funeral, usually falls under the jurisdiction of local authorities. According to a study published in the International Journal of Travel Medicine and Global Health, there were 623 reported deaths on cruise ships between 2000 and 2019. This statistic may come as a surprise, as the cruise lines typically strive to avoid negative publicity surrounding such incidents.

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Cheaper than a Care Home or Hospice

When a cruise ship passenger dies, the staff places the body in the onboard morgue until the ship reaches a suitable port to disembark it, where it will be flown home. The cruise line will inform the next of kin if they’re not already sailing with the passenger. When someone dies at sea, a trained crisis team will help the deceased’s companions make decisions regarding the logistics of returning the person’s body to the home country so it can be buried. Therefore, it is essential to purchase travel insurance that covers repatriation. It’s typically estimated that 200 people a year die on cruise ships every year. However, the real figure is likely to be higher, especially if including deaths that occur at ports of call.

NCL permits up to 10 non-sailing guests free of charge, but a reception must be booked if you have up to 50 guests who are not sailing. I’m Bobby Pham, but you can call me “Bobby on Cruise.” I’ve been cruising the high seas and exploring the world for years, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with you. Some ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class vessels, have a Deck 13 because the vessels are used mainly for the company’s market in Asia, where the number is not considered unlucky.

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Several cruise lines allow for the scattering of cremated remains from their ships, provided the guest can produce the decedent's death and cremation certificates. Most people know cruises offer a great value and are nearly all-inclusive with good food, accommodations and entertainment. Add to that exotic ports of call and shore excursions that strike all fancies, from beach bums to adrenaline junkies. While the sea may be vast and the journey long, the presence of experienced medical personnel on board ensures that passengers are in safe hands, even in the face of life’s final destination.

cruise ship morgue

The Guest Care Team also gives free phone and internet while onboard, allowing loved ones to make arrangements. The morgue is usually found on the lowest ship deck, away from guests. It is a refrigerated room made of stainless steel with individual compartments. Generally, the bigger the ship, the more shelves are found in the morgue.

In a high profile example of one such incident, in September 2013, British journalist Sir David Frost died aboard the Cunard cruise liner the Queen Elizabeth, on which he was booked as a speaker. A source told The Telegraph that the ship's guests "were mostly British and took the sad news without emotion." Any death-related costs incurred should be covered by travel insurance but make sure any cover includes repatriation. The person filming opens the morgue door, and you can see the opening showing three layers to hold three bodies potentially. The morgue is temperature-controlled and has refrigeration units to preserve the bodies of the deceased until they can transport back to shore.

It’s rare for people to die from accidents, jumping overboard, or crime on cruise ships. In part, it depends on where the cruise ship is traveling; larger port cities are more likely to accept a body and deal with the issue, while a small island location may not. The onboard team is equipped to assist the deceased's travel companions with things like emotional support, notification of family members, and arrangements for early disembarkation and repatriation. "Our crew is proactive," says a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line. The line has procedures in place for dealing with these situations, including employees specifically trained to provide emotional and logistical support to grieving loved ones. While there are a lot of perks for traveling via cruise ship, there are some facilities available on most cruise ships that may surprise you.

Security measures are in place, keeping them off-limits to everyone except authorized crew members. Once the inevitable occurs, the cruise lines swiftly swing into action to manage the situation efficiently, ensuring minimal impact on other passengers’ experiences. They gathered data from 78 ocean cruise lines worldwide to analyze passenger and crew mortality from 2000 to 2019. Morgues form an important part of a cruise ship, allowing cruise lines to care for the deceased until the very end. Keep reading to learn more about how death is handled on the high seas.

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