Cruise-Approved Biodegradable Urns: How to Plan a Memorial at Sea

If you're reading this, it's probably because you're about to do something both brave and beautiful — bring your loved one's ashes aboard a cruise and return them to the sea. Maybe it's a place they loved. Maybe it's a journey you planned together. Or maybe the ocean simply feels like the right place for them to rest.

Whatever brought you here, I want you to know: this is possible, and we're here to walk you through every step.

At Pachamama, we've helped hundreds of families plan ash-scattering ceremonies on cruise ships — from Royal Caribbean and Carnival to Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, and Disney Cruise Line. Each cruise line has slightly different policies, but the heart of the process is the same: a biodegradable urn, a few documents, and a quiet moment on an open deck at sea.

Can You Bring Ashes on a Cruise Ship?

Yes. Most major cruise lines allow families to bring cremated remains on board and hold a brief ash-scattering ceremony at sea. This includes Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line.

Each line asks that you coordinate the ceremony with Guest Services once you're on board. They will help you find an appropriate time and a quiet open deck — ceremonies from stateroom balconies are not permitted for safety reasons.

The key requirement across all cruise lines is a biodegradable urn — no metal, no plastic, no wire parts. Our Pachamama urns meet this requirement, and every order includes a Certificate of Biodegradability, which most cruise lines ask to see.

What Documents Do You Need?

When planning a burial at sea from a cruise ship, keep these documents in your carry-on — Guest Services will ask for them:

A Certificate of Biodegradability for your urn — included free with every Pachamama Cruise Urn order.

A copy of the death certificate.

A copy of the cremation certificate.

Some cruise lines also appreciate a brief note or call ahead of your sailing date so they can prepare. We've created a Guest Services message template below to make this easy.

EPA Rules for Burial at Sea

In U.S. waters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates all burials at sea under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. The rules are straightforward:

The ceremony must take place at least 3 nautical miles from shore. This happens naturally on a cruise ship — most ceremonies are conducted while the ship is at sea between ports.

Only biodegradable materials may be released into the water. No plastics, metals, ribbons, or synthetic flowers. Our urns are made entirely from sustainable, biodegradable materials that dissolve completely — usually within a week — leaving nothing behind.

Within 30 days of the ceremony, you must submit a brief notification to the EPA. This is a simple online form — we include a direct link and step-by-step instructions with every order so you don't have to search for it. You can read our full EPA Burial at Sea guide for more details.

No advance permit is required for cremated remains in U.S. waters. The 30-day report is the only legal requirement.

How a Cruise Ship Ceremony Works

Before you sail, call your cruise line or add a note to your booking that you plan to hold an ash-scattering ceremony. Pack all documents in your carry-on. If you're flying to your port of departure, carry the ashes in a sturdy, TSA-approved travel container — our biodegradable urns are handcrafted and delicate, so we recommend saving them for the ceremony itself. Read our full TSA guide for traveling with ashes. Families typically transfer the ashes into the Pachamama urn once they arrive on the ship.

Once on board, visit Guest Services soon after embarkation. They'll help schedule a safe, private moment — usually on a quiet open deck while the ship is at sea. On the day, arrive a few minutes early with your documents, your urn, and anything else that feels meaningful — dried rose petals, a short reading, or music playing softly from your phone.

When the moment comes, place the urn gently on the water. It will float briefly — between 30 seconds and 2 minutes — while the handcrafted tissue paper flower rests on the surface. Then, slowly, it begins to sink. The biodegradable ashes bag dissolves within minutes, and the urn itself dissolves completely within a week.

If you'd like words for this moment, we've gathered gentle ceremony readings and blessings that families have found comforting. You can also find quotes, poems, and prayers for the moment of release. You don't need a speech — even silence, held with intention, is enough.

Cruise Line Policies at a Glance

Royal Caribbean allows ash-scattering ceremonies coordinated through Guest Services. They typically ask for a biodegradability certificate and cremation documents. Some families ask about the cost of a Royal Caribbean burial at sea — the ceremony coordination through Guest Services is generally included at no extra charge when you bring your own biodegradable urn.

Carnival Cruise Line also permits ceremonies at sea with Guest Services coordination. The process is similar: bring your biodegradable urn, your documents, and check in with their team once on board.

Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, MSC, and Disney Cruise Line follow similar policies. The common thread is: biodegradable urn, documentation, Guest Services coordination, and an open deck ceremony while at sea.

We've written a detailed guide on which cruise lines allow ash-scattering and what each one requires — it covers specific policies, tips from families who've done it, and what to expect line by line.

Guest Services Message Template

Here's a message you can send to your cruise line before sailing:

Subject: Ash-Scattering Ceremony at Sea — Reservation [Your Booking Number]

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 our biodegradability certificate along with the death and 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.

Cruise Ceremony Checklist

Before you pack, make sure you have everything:

Your Pachamama biodegradable urn — protected for travel, sealed, with no plastic or metal parts.

Certificate of Biodegradability — printed or saved on your phone (included with every order).

Death and cremation certificates — copies are fine.

Optional: dried rose petals or a small bouquet of natural flowers (no plastic décor, ribbons, or wire).

Optional: Ceremony Message Papers — biodegradable cards where family members can write a message and release it with the urn.

A small cloth and hand wipes for after the ceremony.

What Families Are Saying

Kelly shared after her ceremony: "Fantastic seller. This was beautifully packed and includes a biodegradable bag, dried petals, and a heartfelt message from the seller. It will be perfect for our memorial."

And crystalhartson wrote: "I needed this item in a timely manner, and the seller communicated and guaranteed it would be here in time. The quality of the item was beautiful. We did a burial at sea off of a cruise ship."

Mary needed special documentation for her cruise: "I needed proof of being biodegradable for the cruise line and they responded quickly!"

These families trusted Pachamama for one of the most important moments of their lives. That trust is something we hold with great care.

After the Ceremony

Within 30 days, submit the EPA's Burial at Sea notification — a short online form that takes a few minutes. We include the direct link and step-by-step instructions with every order. Save the confirmation for your family records.

And then — give yourself permission to feel whatever comes. Sometimes the ceremony brings a wave of peace. Sometimes it opens a new chapter of grief. Both are okay. You honored your loved one in a way that was beautiful, intentional, and kind to the earth. That matters.

Can I Scatter Ashes on a Cruise Without an Urn?

Technically, yes — the EPA does not require an urn. But scattering loose ashes from a cruise ship deck can be difficult and unpredictable, especially with wind. A biodegradable urn provides a dignified, contained way to release the ashes gently into the water, and the floating moment gives you and your family a peaceful visual to hold onto.

What If I Need My Order Urgently?

We understand that cruise dates don't wait. If you have a sailing coming up soon, email us at hello@pachamamatributes.com with your sail date and ship name — we prioritize time-sensitive orders and will do everything we can to get your urn to you in time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all cruise lines allow ash-scattering at sea? Most major cruise lines do, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, MSC, and Disney. Always confirm with Guest Services before sailing. Our cruise lines guide covers each line's specific policies.

Can you bring ashes on a cruise ship? Yes. Cremated remains are allowed on board. Pack them in a sturdy travel container for the journey and transfer to the biodegradable urn for the ceremony.

Can you scatter ashes from a cruise ship? Yes, with Guest Services coordination. Ceremonies take place on an open deck at sea — never from stateroom balconies.

How much does a burial at sea from a cruise ship cost? The ceremony coordination through Guest Services is typically included at no extra cost. Your main expense is the biodegradable urn and ceremony kit, which includes everything you need.

What if the weather is rough? Guest Services may reschedule the ceremony for safety and to preserve the dignity of the moment. Rough seas don't cancel — they simply adjust the timing.

Do I need an EPA permit? No advance permit is needed for cremated remains in U.S. waters. You only need to submit a brief burial at sea notification to the EPA within 30 days of the ceremony.

Can I include flowers or petals? Yes — natural flowers and biodegradable petals are welcome. Avoid anything that doesn't biodegrade quickly: ribbons, wire, balloons, or plastic.

Can I share ashes among family members and release some at sea? Yes. Many families keep a portion of ashes in a keepsake urn at home and release the rest at sea using a Water Tribute Urn. You can read more in our guide to sharing ashes among loved ones.

We are here if you need us — with empathy, care, and the urgency this moment deserves.

With love,

Virginia