Where on the ship does the ceremony take place?

Ceremonies usually take place on a quiet open deck while the ship is at sea. For safety and environmental reasons, ceremonies from stateroom balconies are generally not permitted.

Do I need a permit for an ash-scattering ceremony at sea?

In U.S. waters, no advance permit is required. However, the Environmental Protection Agency requires families to submit a Burial at Sea report within 30 days after the ceremony.

Cruise-Approved Biodegradable Urns: What to Expect

Q: Do all cruise lines allow ash-scattering?

Most cruise lines allow ash-scattering ceremonies when coordinated with Guest Services and with the use of a fully biodegradable urn. Policies vary, so it is always best to confirm before sailing.

Q: Can I bring flowers or petals?

Yes. Families may use natural biodegradable flowers or petals only. Cruise lines prohibit balloons, ribbons, plastics, or anything that does not decompose naturally.

Q: What documents should I carry?

Families should carry a biodegradability certificate for the urn, along with copies of the death and cremation certificates. Some cruise lines may request to see them before the ceremony.

Q: What if the weather is rough?

If the weather or sea conditions are unsafe, Guest Services may reschedule the ceremony to ensure safety and preserve the dignity of the farewell.

A calm, dignified farewell at sea is possible on most cruise lines when you use a fully biodegradable urn and coordinate the ceremony with Guest Services. Policies vary, but in general cruise lines will ask for a biodegradability certificate, copies of the death and cremation certificates, and a quick check-in with the Guest Services team once onboard.

In U.S. waters, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all burials at sea to take place at least 3 nautical miles from shore, followed by a simple online notification within 30 days. For flights to your port of departure, the TSA allows cremated remains in carry-on luggage if the container can be X-rayed. We recommend using a sturdy travel container and saving your Pachamama urn for the ceremony itself, as our urns are handcrafted and delicate.

👉 Download the Biodegradability Certificate (PDF)

What cruise lines typically ask for

A fully biodegradable urn (no plastic, metal, or wire parts).
Biodegradability certificate (printed or saved to your phone).
Death and cremation certificates (copies are fine).
Quick coordination with Guest Services once onboard.
Natural flowers or petals only (no ribbons, balloons, or plastics).

Cruise Ceremony Checklist for Families

Preparing for a memorial at sea during your cruise can feel overwhelming—but with the right checklist, it becomes calm and simple. We’ve created a family-friendly guide you can bring on board so nothing gets left behind.

Here’s what to carry:

✅ Biodegradable urn (protected for travel, sealed, no plastic or metal parts)
✅ Biodegradability certificate (printed or saved on your phone)
✅ Death & cremation certificates (copies are fine)
✅ Optional: fresh flower petals or a small bouquet (no plastic décor)
✅ Small cloth and hand wipes for after the ceremony

How it works: before, during, and after

Before you sail

Call your cruise line or note on your booking that you plan a ceremony.
Pack all documents in your carry-on.
If flying, carry ashes in a TSA-friendly travel container; keep your Pachamama urn separate for the ceremony.

On board

Visit Guest Services soon after embarkation.
They will help schedule a safe, private moment—typically on an open deck at sea.
On the day, arrive early with your documents.
Place the urn gently on the water, scatter petals if desired, and follow crew guidance.

After the ceremony (U.S. waters)

Submit the EPA’s Burial at Sea report within 30 days.
Save the confirmation for your family records.

Guest Services message 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all cruise lines allow ash-scattering?
Most do with Guest Services coordination and a biodegradable urn, but always confirm policies before sailing.

Where on the ship does it happen?
Usually on a quiet open deck at sea. Ceremonies from stateroom balconies are not permitted.

Can I bring flowers or petals?
Yes, but only natural biodegradable ones—no plastics, ribbons, or wire.

What documents should I carry?
Biodegradability certificate plus death & cremation certificates.

Do I need a permit?
No advance permit in U.S. waters, but you must submit the EPA burial-at-sea report within 30 days.

What if the weather is rough?
Guest Services may reschedule for safety and to preserve the dignity of the moment.

Respect for the Ocean

We design our urns to release gently and biodegrade completely. Please use only natural materials that return safely to the sea.

Need help fast? Email hello@pachamamatributes.com with your sail date and ship—our team prioritizes time-sensitive orders.

See our Cruise Memorial Kit — includes urn, certificate, and ceremony checklist.