Would I be permitted to scatter my dead father's ashes at sea from a P&O liner whilst on a cruise?.?

Question

As an ex wartime Royal Navy gunner, his greatest wish was to have his ashes scattered on the sea.

Answer 1

There are far too many disguting things flung in the ocean on a daily basis. I think it's great that you want to carry out your father's wishes. You can feel safe in the knowledge that he will in no way contaminate anything. It's just nature!! Good luck on your trip, hope you manage to make some quality time for the event.

Answer 2

you could always enquire with p&o, i dont see a problem, but who would know anyway you could do it on a night when noone would see if they say no.

Answer 3

Yes,just make sure you do it down wind !

Answer 4

I dont see a problem with it, im sure its been done before. I was nervous about spreading my dads ashes, but at the end of the day do what you feel you must. also have you thought about contacting the Royal Navy ?

Answer 5

I would just do it, doubt anyone would stop you, and it would be too late if they tried.

Answer 6

ive found this link for you,but its not with p&o,depending on how many it starts from £50.00. now ive done a bit of snooping and what ive found out this ceremony has took place on a princess ship,also involving the captain.also ive found  that instead of scattering the ashes from a great height,where they could go anywhere,you can get bio-degradable urns. heres the first link.....http://www.mudefordferry.co.uk/ashes.htm...

now armed with this info heres p&o official site,give them a bell and ask them...http://www.pocruises.com/pocruising/Home...

Answer 7

Well I don't no about being permitted but from my point of view,I don't see any thing wrong with doing this at all,it was you fathers wishes & you just want to follow them through,I'm sorry for your lose & I hope that you are able to do this, bless you.x

Answer 8

You need to check with the cruise line. I was on a cruise and a Lady did that and she was arrested and fined $5,000.00 and asked to leave the ship. Many people have the same wish however it is illegal in most states and bodies of water.

Sorry for your loss and Best Wishes.

Answer 9

I always work on the policy that if you don't ask the question, they can't tell you no!  My Dad's ex-Navy too and he's asked for the same.  Go for it!

Answer 10

contact p&o cruises http://www.pocruises.com/pocruising/lear... they should be able to tell u

Answer 11

I think you and whoever you are travelling with should just get on with it.  Say a prayer, or whatever, and scatter your father's ashes when the moment seems right.  If this is what it takes to fulfil your father's greatest wish, then this is what you should do.  Who will stop you? Your father is lucky to have you to satisfy his dying wish.  Good luck and God's speed.

Answer 12

I dont want to sound negative but because you are so high up on one of those things and its generally windy out a sea there is a very good chance that your father may end blown across the deck or stuck to side of the boat or worse blown in some ones face and which point I would imagine you would be very upset, I dont know it you would be allowed, you would need permisson.  How about just doing it off the shore in a quiet scenic spot?

Answer 13

Just do it.

Answer 14

that depends on whether you are caught doing it or not.

Answer 15

Have you considered contacting the Royal Navy and having his ashes scattered from a warship?  I've been onboard for a number of such ceremonies and they are always carried out with diginity and respect.

Try contacting the Royal Naval Association, they may be able to help.  Likewise if you know of a particular ship your dad served on, they may have an association who can help.

02392 722351 is the number for HMNB Portsmouth, if you explain to the operator what you want they should be able to connect you to someone who can help.

01752 553740 is for HMNB Devonport if you are closer to Plymouth.

Other than that if you want to do it from the cruise ship I'd contact P&O first.  They may even organise a ceremony for you.

Answer 16

You'd have to check with P&O directly. Some people may have a problem with it, seen as they've probably paid a lot of money to be on a cruise and don't want to see someone throwing ashes over the side of a cruise ship while they're enjoying their 7 course dinner.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss but its best to check with the company directly.

Answer 17

I wouldn't ask, just go ahead and do it.

No seafarer would object anyhow, but might be bothered about p c passengers!

Choose the side where the wind is blowing away from you though.

Answer 18

You could just drop the Urn over the side, that way the ashes wont blow back in your face, it is always windy on cruises.

Answer 19

Yes

Answer 20

just do it and dont let anyone stop you its not a crime and they wont mind anyway its a nice contribute

Answer 21

Who's going to stop you? Scatter them over the stern when the wind is in the right direction.

Answer 22

Of course it would.Nobody can stop you.A good idea.Your lucky

he wasn't in the RAF.

Answer 23

Why would u think u would need permission.

Just do it!

That was his greatest wish, so let him have it.

Try not to make a big song and dance about it but do it!

Sometimes dont ask permission, otherwise some "uppity" person will find a regulation to say no.  My condolences by the way.

Answer 24

I have been on many cruises and they all always specifically state that passengers should not throw anything overboard.  That is because the wind currents on and around the ship can actually result in what you throw over the side being drawn back into/onto the ship.  That's how the Princess cruise liner caught fire a year or so ago; someone threw a lit cigarette butt over and it landed on a lower balcony and started a fire on a piece of clothing on the balcony.  So most of his ashes may end up on a lower deck or stuck to the ship rather than in the sea.   When you pour the ashes they will be caught by the wind.   I think the idea posed by the person above who said contact the Royal Navy is the best Idea.