Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues? Hidden Corners of the High Seas!

do cruise ships have a morgue

The lower deck location of the morgue facilities allows for easy access for the crew while maintaining privacy for the passengers. Cruise lines will also often employ dedicated staff to assist the on-board family of someone who has passed away. They are not usually trained counsellors, but they are available for support of administrative matters such as arranging the repatriation of the body and contacting a funeral home. Though large numbers of passengers cruise every year, deaths during cruises are actually quite rare events statistically.

Family Cruise Companion

Older people spending longer periods of time on cruises means an increased likelihood that some will die of natural causes during their trips. 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. As we’ve navigated the less-explored waters of cruising today, we’ve learned that, yes, cruise ships do indeed have morgues. While it’s a subject we might not often consider, it’s reassuring to know that cruise lines are prepared for all eventualities. However, the truth is, that most major cruise ships are indeed equipped with small morgues.

Norwegian Cruise Line Reminds Guests of Delayed Embarkation

Cruise itineraries are subject to change, and will be confirmed by your booking agent at the time of booking. These facilities play a crucial role in preserving the dignity of the deceased, complying with legal requirements, and maintaining a sense of normalcy for passengers. 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. When not cruising, I spend my time on growing my marketing agency. I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world. As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure!

How Do You Get Your Loved One Home?

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. 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 are trained to handle such situations and prioritize the well-being of all those onboard. 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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Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues?.

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How Do Cruise Lines Help Family and Friends?

U.S. consulates, for instance, will help the family of the deceased in making arrangements with local authorities for preparation and disposition of the remains. They'll even serve as provisional conservator of the person's estate if no one else is able to do it. The biggest concern many loved ones face is how to bring the body home from the ship for burial.

do cruise ships have a morgue

Misbehavior or breaking the law on a cruise ship can see you confined to your cabin or locked up in the brig. Cruise lines work with guests to determine burial time and place. Guests are usually taken to a more secluded part of the ship and given privacy for scattering the remains.

How Do People Die on Cruise Ships?

The presence of morgues and the streamlined process for handling such unfortunate events showcase the cruise lines’ preparedness and commitment to passenger welfare, even in the face of death. 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. Most deaths on cruises are caused by cardiac-related issues, such as heart attacks.

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It is much easier to bring the body back to the port of embarkation rather than fill out all the paper work and then making expensive transportation for body and anyone else accompany it. Cruise lines ensure these spaces are located discreetly, respecting both the deceased and the living passengers’ sensitivities. They are usually situated near medical facilities but are not a place one might accidentally discover while looking for the pool deck. Security measures are in place, keeping them off-limits to everyone except authorized crew members. Once the deceased and their loved one arrive at the closest port of call, the port’s country must be able to issue a death certificate recognized in the deceased’s home country.

do cruise ships have a morgue

They had won a contest for having the most grandchildren of any of the passengers, and their prize was dinner with the captain. Mom was in the laundromat ironing Dad's shirts for dinner and they couldn't find her for several hours after the incident. This blog helps over a million people to plan their cruises each month. The lighting is bright fluorescent to allow clear visibility when working.

Overall, while it’s never easy to deal with the death of a loved one, cruise ships are well equipped to handle these situations and offer support to families during this difficult time. In the event of a passenger’s death on board, the body is placed in the onboard morgue until the ship reaches a suitable port. The cruise line informs the next of kin if they’re not sailing with the passenger, and funeral arrangements are the responsibility of the family.

Approximately 200 people die across all cruises worldwide per year. Ship morgues are small sterile rooms with refrigerator units to store 1-2 bodies. They have stainless steel surfaces for easy cleaning and powerful ventilation.

The cruise ship will assist the deceased’s family as reasonably possible with travel, lodging or other logistics during this difficult time. Cruise ships are required by maritime law to have basic medical facilities, including a morgue. Cruise ships are like floating cities, with thousands of passengers enjoying amenities like restaurants, pools, casinos, and entertainment. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines.

The morgue is in the lowest part of the cruise ship, along the I-95. 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. Sailing along on a cruise ship is one of the most fulfilling adventures you have on a vacation. The draw of the ocean can be mysterious and intriguing, but remember that it’s not exempt from accidents or crime.

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