Jail Cells? Morgues? Your Cruise Ship Has Some Surprises for You The New York Times
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Unfortunately, the cost will fall on the passenger’s family or travel companions, rather than the cruise line. Some travel insurance policies cover disembarkation and repatriation in the event of death on board, so travelers should be insured before going on their vacation. Around 200 people die on cruise ships annually, with most deaths caused by cardiac incidents.
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It ensures the safety of others on the cruise until the ship docks at the next port, where port authorities typically take over the situation. We’ll examine the regulations that mandate them, where they are typically located, how many bodies they can hold, and what happens when someone passes away at sea. With large populations comes the inevitability of accidents, medical emergencies, and, unfortunately, deaths. Having a morgue on board allows cruise ships to handle such situations discreetly and efficiently. Likewise, authorities in many small African and Asian ports with third-world infrastructures will often refuse to allow human remains off the ship. However, alternatives can be found, if necessary, such as when a ship won't be visiting a larger port anytime soon.
Passenger dies on Royal Caribbean's 9-month world cruise - Royal Caribbean Blog
Passenger dies on Royal Caribbean's 9-month world cruise.
Posted: Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise ship morgues have space for several bodies
Each vessel is required to carry body bags in addition to maintaining a morgue. While it is morbid to consider someone dying on a cruise ship, the crew is well-prepared to deal with such an event. They will also aid the family or friends of the deceased cruise passenger in returning the body home. While cruise ships are generally a haven of relaxation and fun, there have been rare and isolated incidents of serious crimes, including murder, occurring onboard. These unfortunate instances are diligently handled by the cruise lines and relevant authorities, ensuring the safety and well-being of the other passengers and crew members during the voyage. When sailing the seven seas, one would wonder if the ship’s morgue is just around the corner from the buffet.
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A morgue is a room or building where dead people’s bodies are kept before burial or cremation. If you're sure Carnival is your line, look for a travel agent who specializes in trips with the brand. You want someone who understands all the little quirks that are unique to Carnival's cabin categories and, preferably, has done ship inspections to see the cabins firsthand. One or two nights a cruise, there will be a more formal "cruise elegant" night where men are expected to turn out in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat, or even in a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses.

It is unpleasant to contemplate the possibility of a passenger death occurring on a cruise ship, but unfortunately, it is not an uncommon occurrence. It is important to be aware of what happens in such situations and to know your rights as a passenger. In the unfortunate event that you or a loved one may need assistance, it is important to stay vigilant and seek help as needed.
From there, it goes to a medical examiner and is then repatriated. However, each country contains its own specific regulations regarding accepting bodies, naming a cause of death, and repatriation of remains. Cruise ships are prepared to handle every situation that can arise, including death.
What Happens When a Passenger Dies on a Cruise Ship?
The morgue is staffed by the ship’s doctor and a nurse medical team, providing professional care and support during such unfortunate circumstances. If you’ve ever wondered about the presence of morgues on cruise ships, the answer may surprise you. These morgues are typically tucked away on the lower decks, away from the high-traffic passenger areas. In fact, the location of the morgue is not usually shown on the ship’s deck plans.
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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. Morgues tend to be small and can typically hold three to six bodies. While cruise ship deaths are tracked by federal governments, they may not publicize the statistics. However, if you are concerned about crime on cruise ships, these stats are published and nominal. Most deaths are from natural causes, but the staff on board are trained to deal with all eventualities and will do everything they can to support the deceased’s family.
What Happens to The Body When Someone Dies on a Cruise Ship?

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. In such cases, alternative arrangements had to be made to store the bodies, as reported by Ross A. Klein, a sociologist and author specializing in the cruise ship industry. Once a person passes away on a cruise ship, the crew will take appropriate measures to handle the body respectfully. This includes documentation, proper bagging, and securing the body to ensure its integrity during transportation off the ship. If a passenger or crew member passes away while onboard, the ship’s crew will respond promptly and provide immediate medical attention if needed.
They have the storage facilities to hold a body safely and respectfully and will support the family of a lost loved one as much as possible. If a passenger dies while on a shore excursion, shore excursion protocols are followed. The cruise line will assist with funeral arrangements, but the responsibility falls on the family. The ship’s morgue may be used until the ship reaches a suitable port. To participate in the ash scattering ceremony, families must book the cruise as normal and bring the urn containing their loved one’s ashes. It’s important to note that cruise ships don’t offer immediate burial at sea, and the family can’t request it.
Bodies can be stored in shipboard morgues as needed, though not for much longer than a week. Each oceangoing cruise ship is required to carry body bags and maintain a morgue. Separate from food storage areas, most morgues are small, with room for three to six bodies. When a passenger dies on a cruise ship, the family can’t request that the body is immediately buried at sea.
On the West Coast, sailings to Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska are the norm. Where you won't find Carnival ships, notably, is in Asia, South America or, for the most part, Europe. Unlike other big cruise brands such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises, Carnival doesn't spread its vessels around the world to draw a fly-in crowd. Aimed squarely at Americans, its trips are all about cruising close to home at a reasonable price.
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