Key Aspects:
- John Heald has clarified that just 12 guests are permitted at Carnival’s onboard ashes scattering ceremonies.
- Ceremonies are arranged to be as private as possible, but there are limits to what can be offered.
- Carnival does not charge for these ceremonies, but they must be arranged in advance.
While a cruise vacation ought to be a happy getaway, there are times when it’s a more solemn occasion for remembrance. Many cruise guests arrange ashes scattering ceremonies for their loved ones, perhaps to remember the individual’s love of cruising or to share one last voyage with them.
Some recent disappointment aboard a Carnival ship, however, has the cruise line clarifying exactly what is needed for such a ceremony and what guests can expect at the event onboard.
Furthermore, there is a strict limit that guests might not expect when arranging that last goodbye to their loved one.
The details come from John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand ambassador, who arranges many such events for grieving guests each week. He notes, however, that not everyone can attend such events.
“I help to organise many of [these ceremonies] each week and do so I hope with humility and with genuine care for those who wish to say their final goodbye from a ship,” he explained. “This ceremony takes place in a small but quiet crew area of the ships. The maximum number of guests that can attend is twelve.”
Read Also: Do Cruise Ships Have Morgues? Find Out What Happens
It is that limit of 12 guests for each ashes scattering ceremony that has caused dismay to some guests.
“A lady was very angry with me and more importantly with my colleagues on the ship for refusing to allow all 30 people in her group of family and friends to attend,” he noted. “The words used included ‘cruel’ and that this decision was ‘inhuman.’”
Heald does acknowledge that he hasn’t been too clear on the capacity limit previously. While he doesn’t confirm why such a limit is in place, it likely concerns general logistics for large crowds in smaller crew spaces.
Bringing too many guests into the crew spaces might also present a security risk or require too many crew members to guide the group.
A very crowded ceremony would also be less respectful as it might require shouting or cramped standing to accommodate everyone, creating a situation where those in attendance would be unhappy at the event’s organization.
In an age when more large families may be sailing together or even cruising with family reunions or other celebrations, it’s important to know that bidding farewell to a loved one cannot be as large of an event.
As a matter of note, there is no charge for ashes scattering ceremonies onboard Carnival cruise ships.
What Guests Need to Know About Carnival’s Ashes Scattering Ceremonies
Heald goes on to outline exactly what guests need to know about arranging to scatter their loved one’s ashes from a Carnival ship, including what documentation is required and what to expect.
For example, a copy of the deceased’s death certificate must be brought along, and any container that will be going into the ocean (if applicable) must be biodegradable.
Heald can help make arrangements for these delicate ceremonies but guests must contact him via his popular Facebook page three days before setting sail.
Carnival’s website also offers more details, including noting that the location onboard may not be accessible and guests might need to be able to navigate steps safely in order to attend.
While Carnival Cruise Line will take into account a guest’s suggestions for the time and location of the scattering, the ship’s operational requirements and local regulations must also be taken into account. Ashes cannot be scattered while a ship is in port.
“The date and time will be based on environmental restrictions and must be performed beyond twelve nautical miles from land and outside any special areas,” the cruise line explains.
While there are limitations to how ashes scattering ceremonies can be performed, Carnival does try to accommodate religious preferences and the crew members coordinating the event step away to permit guests privacy during their last moments with their loved one.
Following the event, guests will be presented with a special commemorative folder with the coordinates of exactly where and when their loved one’s ashes were released, including the captain’s signature.
Scattering ashes at sea can be a fine way to enjoy one last voyage with someone special, but it’s important to understand exactly what is and is not possible so no one is disappointed.
