Catastrophic Deaths on Cruise Ships: Fact vs. Fiction

When it comes to the perception of cruise ship safety, a common concern that often arises is the number of deaths that occur during sea voyages. Given the vast number of seniors who opt for long cruises, it is essential to distinguish between myth and reality.

Demographics Play a Crucial Role

During my tenure as a crew member on the Diamond Princess, I personally witnessed six deaths within the first two weeks of a 28-day cruise from Barcelona to Dubai. It's a statistic that underscores the importance of understanding the demographic profile of cruise passengers.

The majority of cruise passengers tend to be older due to their financial stability and leisure time. These demographics suggest that the risk of death can be higher among the elderly, simply because they are overrepresented. However, it is crucial to emphasize that the overall risk is not unacceptably high, and safety measures are in place to ensure passenger well-being.

Mortality on Long Cruise Ships

A 12-day cruise I was involved with recorded three fatalities, all of which were elderly passengers. This unexpected mortality rate highlights the need for comprehensive planning and preparedness on board.

Beyond the passenger demographics, cruise ships have their own unique facilities such as morgues to handle the remains of deceased passengers. These morgues are often equipped and ready for such situations, ensuring that the process is managed discreetly and with respect.

The Cremation Option: An Alternative to Burial at Sea

One lesser-known fact is the option for passengers to take the ashes of a loved one to scatter at sea. This practice, however, comes with its own set of precautions and considerations. I recall a conversation with the captain of Royal Caribbean International (RCI) regarding this. He emphasized the importance of informing the ship's purser or captain in advance to ensure a safe and thoughtful process.

The captain explained that the scattering process typically involves stopping the ship mid-ocean, turning it to face the prevailing winds, and then opening one of the side hatches closely to the water. This creates a somber yet respectful environment for spreading the ashes. In addition, they issue a certificate with the exact latitude and longitude of the location where the scattering takes place, enriching the experience with a sense of place.

Many cremation centers provide a paper container known as "turtles." These containers are specially sealed by the crematorium and then released into the ocean. They float for approximately two minutes before slowly sinking and biodegrading, allowing the ashes to disperse naturally.

Conclusion: Safety Measures and Measures of Care

In conclusion, while the occasional death on cruise ships is a reality, it is important to recognize that these ships cater primarily to older passengers due to their financial and leisure capabilities. The apparent higher mortality rate among the elderly is a direct result of their demographic presence, not an inherent risk of the cruise experience itself. Cruise lines have implemented comprehensive measures to ensure passenger well-being, including morgues to handle the remains and thoughtful alternatives for those wishing to scatter the ashes of a loved one at sea.

The safety and care of passengers are of paramount importance, and the industry continues to refine and improve its procedures to address these concerns.