How Cruise Ships Handle a Death at Sea

A report on cruise-ship deaths recorded 623 fatalities from 2000 through 2019, with passengers accounting for 89% of those reported deaths.

Maritime lawyer Adam Deitz said a body is generally held in a ship’s morgue until the vessel reaches port. Local authorities and a funeral home then assist with transportation and other arrangements.

According to Deitz, modern cruise ships can often retain a body until they return to the person’s country of origin, provided the death was not suspicious or traumatic. He said deaths involving suspicious or traumatic circumstances frequently lead to government investigations.

Maritime attorney Jason R. Margulies said ship morgues are typically located on lower decks, separate from passenger spaces and food-storage areas. A standard facility generally has refrigerated room for three to six bodies, he said.

Margulies also advised families to secure appropriate insurance coverage. He said cruise lines do not pay the related expenses, which can be costly.