Committal of ashes at sea

The ceremony

• The Captain or a senior officer will accompany you to an outside area, typically a lower deck. 
• If requested, the Captain or senior officer will say a prayer. Please note, the ceremony is not a formal or religious ceremony. 
• There is a charge of US$350 to conduct a committal of ashes ceremony on our ships. Find full details of what this includes below.
• Additional flowers for the occasion can be purchased from the on board florist. Alternatively, you can bring your own - as long as they are completely biodegradable (no artificial flowers). 
• Once the committal has taken place, the exact location details (latitude and longitude) from the entry in the ship's log will be shown on a ceremony certificate.

 

What's included?

The cost is US$350 and includes the following:

• The assistance of a dedicated ceremony planner before you sail, to help with details such as speeches and other additional elements.
• The assistance of an on board Event Manager.
• Captain or senior officer to conduct ceremony.
• Ceremony certificate.
• Floral token – Single roses for up to four guests.*
• Champagne for toasting (up to four guests).*
• While the cost includes four guests in attendance, we can accommodate up to 10 - subject to approval.

 

*Additional floral arrangements, more champagne, and photography can be arranged at an additional cost.

Please speak to our Customer Contact Centre at least 90 days prior to sailing to discuss a committal of ashes. Phone 0344 3388004 (local call charges apply) or email the Celebrations at Sea team: ceremonies@carnivalukgroup.com

Once confirmed, you will receive details via email. Times, dates, and any other details will be finalised on board.

How to prepare

• The Captain has final discretion to proceed with the committal of ashes, based on operational requirements, location, and weather conditions.  
• The ashes must be in a biodegradable container, and you'll need a certificate or equivalent proof that this container is biodegradable (this is because the ashes will be lowered into the water in their container). Please note that ashes cannot be lowered from Cunard ships in protected bodies of water such as the Norwegian fjords or Alaska state waters.
• You must bring the Certificate of Cremation on board. 
• You must bring the documentation that states the container is biodegradable on board
• The person wishing to commit the ashes must be booked on the voyage. 
• The ashes must be carried as part of your hand luggage. 

 

 * Approval is always subject to change. Times and dates may be restricted due to weather conditions.