When a family chooses a cruise to say goodbye, it’s often because the ocean held a special place in their loved one’s heart. A calm farewell surrounded by water and sky can be deeply healing—but before you pack your urn, it’s important to know what your cruise line requires.
This guide brings together policies from the major cruise companies, tips for flying with ashes, and step-by-step advice so you can board with confidence.
General Rules Across Cruise Lines
While details vary, most cruise lines share these basic requirements:
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Biodegradable urn required → No plastic, metal, or wire. The urn must fully dissolve in water.
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Biodegradability certificate → Some lines ask for proof (we include this with every Pachamama urn).
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Death & cremation certificates → Copies are fine, but keep them handy.
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Ceremonies on open decks only → Balcony releases are not permitted for safety and environmental reasons.
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EPA notification → If your cruise departs a U.S. port, families must file the Burial at Sea report within 30 days.
Cruise Line Policies (At a Glance)
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Royal Caribbean → Allows biodegradable urns. Certificate often requested. Ceremony arranged with Guest Services on an open deck.
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Carnival Cruise Line → Requires biodegradable urn + certificate. Guest Services must be notified before or during the trip.
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Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) → Permits ceremonies with biodegradable urns; guests should coordinate ahead of time.
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Princess Cruises → Supports scattering ceremonies at sea; biodegradable only. Advance notice recommended.
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Disney Cruise Line → Approves biodegradable urns, but requests must go through Guest Services before sailing.
👉 Policies can shift by region or itinerary—always confirm with your line before departure.
What to Bring in Your Carry-On
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Biodegradable urn (packed securely in carry-on).
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Temporary TSA-approved urn/container for ashes (biodegradable urns are fragile and should be used only at the ceremony).
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Biodegradability certificate (printed or digital).
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Death & cremation certificates.
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Optional: natural flower petals (biodegradable only).
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A small cloth and wipes for after the ceremony.
Flying With Ashes Before Your Cruise
If your cruise departs from a distant port, you’ll likely be flying with the ashes first. TSA rules are clear:
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Ashes must be in your carry-on, never checked.
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Urns must be x-ray–friendly (no metal or lead).
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TSA officers will not open the container.
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Our recommendation: travel with ashes in a simple, temporary container and transfer them into your biodegradable urn once onboard.
This ensures your Pachamama urn arrives safe and intact for the ceremony.
The Ceremony Onboard: What to Expect
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Coordinate early → Visit Guest Services soon after boarding.
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Choose a time → Ceremonies usually happen on sea days, in calm waters.
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Private space → A crew member may guide you to a quiet area of deck.
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The release → Set the urn gently on the water; it will float briefly before sinking and dissolving. Scatter petals if desired.
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Afterward → Pause for reflection, photos, or a reading. Many families describe this as one of the most peaceful moments of their journey.
Pro Tips for Families
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Bring extra copies of all certificates—having them on hand avoids stress.
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Check the weather—Guest Services may reschedule if seas are rough.
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Use natural flowers only—no ribbons, plastics, or confetti.
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Keep the moment simple—a name, a memory, a song. The ocean does the rest.
Guest Services Email Template
Subject: Ash-Scattering Ceremony at Sea – Reservation [#]
Hello Guest Services Team,
We are traveling on [Ship Name] on [Sail Date] and would like to arrange a brief ash-scattering ceremony at sea using a fully biodegradable urn. We will bring the biodegradability certificate and our death/cremation certificates. Could you please advise on an appropriate time and deck location, and any guidelines we should follow?
Thank you for helping us create a calm, respectful moment for our family.
Every cruise line understands the sacredness of this request. With a little preparation—your urn, your certificates, and advance coordination—you can create a moment of farewell that is both compliant and profoundly healing.
The sea holds memory well. When you stand on deck, surrounded by horizon, it becomes a space where grief can soften into peace.
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