A Farewell at Sea: Scattering Ashes on a Cruise with Meaning and Presence

Some goodbyes take place on land. Others happen in the middle of the ocean, where the sky meets the horizon and the water carries both silence and memory. More and more families are choosing to scatter ashes at sea—especially during cruises—as a way of honoring the life of someone they love.

If you’ve never witnessed one of these ceremonies, it’s hard to describe the atmosphere. There’s something incredibly sacred about the wind, the water, the movement of the ship, and the stillness of that moment.

Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and others allow for scattering ashes at sea under specific guidelines. These ceremonies usually take place more than 12 nautical miles from shore, following maritime regulations. Families are typically asked to bring a biodegradable urn for sea burials, and present legal documentation such as death and cremation certificates.

Once aboard, you can request to coordinate the ceremony with guest services. Some cruise lines provide quiet moments away from the crowds, giving you the space to hold a private, meaningful farewell. In some cases, they also provide the GPS coordinates of the location where the ashes were released—a gesture that allows you to return in memory, again and again.

I find this incredibly moving. These aren’t rushed moments—they are full of intention. Whether you speak words, play music, hold each other in silence, or simply watch the waves carry your love outward, a cruise ceremony for scattering ashes becomes a ritual of connection.

When we created the Pachamama biodegradable urn kit, we thought of moments like these. Moments where grief meets presence. Where everything else fades and love becomes the only thing that matters. Our kits are designed to support families in letting go gently—so that you can focus on being there, together.

If you are considering scattering ashes during a cruise, I encourage you to contact the cruise line before your departure. Ask them about their policy, how to prepare, and what kind of ceremony is possible.

And if you're looking for a simple, sustainable way to carry your loved one's ashes to the sea, Pachamama offers biodegradable urn kits for water and land ceremonies, each crafted with care and intention.

Because saying goodbye deserves a space that feels like love.
Because even at sea, we can create something sacred.
Because when the water receives what we release, it carries more than ashes—it carries memory, legacy, and the soft echo of everything shared.

With love, always,
Virginia