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Can we scatter ashes at sea / can I carry ashes on board?

Scattering ashes at sea

It is possible to scatter ashes from our ships at sea but is dependent on certain factors and requires approval from the Captain in advance of the start of the cruise. In order for the scattering of ashes to take place, the ashes must be stored within a biodegradable container, with certificate or equivalent proof that this is a bio-degradable container also carried onboard, as the ashes will be lowered in to the water and not physically scattered. The Certificate of Cremation will also need to be brought on board. The Captain or a Senior Officer will accompany you to an outside area, typically a lower deck and if requested they will say a prayer. Please note, the ceremony is not formal or religious and there is no charge to arrange a scattering of ashes.

Flowers for the occasion can be purchased from the on board florist or brought on board from ashore as long as they are completely biodegradable. Once the scattering has taken place, the Captain will normally provide you with location details from the entry in ship's log.
 
Please speak to our Customer Contact Centre between 3 - 6 months prior to sailing (please visit our website for contact details).

Once confirmed, you will receive details via email / post. Times and dates may be restricted due to weather conditions and are finalised once on board. Scattering of ashes approval is always subject to change. Please note that the scattering of ashes cannot be performed on cruises of 5 nights duration or less. The scattering needs to be performed on a sea day and must be at least 12 nautical miles away from land.

Please note:

  • Iona does not conduct scatterings of ashes on cruises of 7 nights or less until further notice. 
  • We are not permitted to scatter the ashes of pets.
  • We will not be able to take requests for cruises cruises G408 – G431 inclusive.
  • Scattering of ashes cannot be performed on cruises of 5 nights or less. The scattering needs to be performed on a sea day and must be at least 12 nautical miles away from land, according to maritime law.
  • The person wishing to scatter the ashes must be booked on the cruise.
  • When we send confirmation to the guest, we will also advise that the ashes have to be carried as part of the hand luggage in a biodegradable container along with the Certificate of Cremation.
  • It is not possible to arrange if a short cruise or if a busy itinerary due to environmental restrictions.
  • Scatterings are not always possible in areas with protected bodies of water – example, the Fjords.
  • As with other events, scatterings cannot be confirmed if over 6 months in advance of the sail date. In addition, requests should not be sent later than 3 months prior to sailing.

Maximum number of attendees for a scattering of ashes:

Arcadia Arvia Aurora Azura Britannia Ventura
TBC 3  4 4 5 5

Scattering ashes ashore

Should a guest wish to bring ashes on board with the intention to scatter them ashore, they must check the local rules in the relevant country regarding the private scattering of ashes. Guests would also need to seek correct approvals from the respective country to do this. Please note, P&O Cruises would not be able to assist with this process and none of the ashes may be put over the side of the vessel either at sea or in port unless arranged prior. Please check this with the relevant Events team (email address below) by providing the guest's booking reference and the cruise code. The Events team will then notify the ship and Port Operations, in case there are issues joining at security.

Scattering of pets / Carrying pet's ashes on board

The legislative requirements are complicated and vary from country to country. Pet remains are classified as a waste material in many of the countries we visit and therefore carrying these items on board requires them to be handled and stored in a compliant way. Regulations within the EU (which includes Norway) require us to declare and offload waste when we visit their ports. Unfortunately, animal remains would have to be declared and offloaded as part of this legal requirement, to avoid this potential upset for our guests, we do not allow pet remains to be brought on board.

Bringing ashes on board (not to scatter)

Should a guest wish to bring ashes on board but does not intend to scatter them, please check this with the relevant Events team (email address below) by providing the guest's booking reference and the cruise code. The Events team will then notify the ship and Port Operations, in case there are issues joining at security.  An example of an instance where a guest wishes to bring ashes on board which are contained in a memory bear.

Additional Information

Please call the Customer Contact Centre for support with arranging ashes to be brought on board.

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