Morgue On Ship?

[TXCruiser]

I was wondering if anyone could confirm if a morgue really does exist on the ship and if so where.

I heard that a man recently died while playing basketball on deck and that a morgue existed to bring him back home.

[atigeg]

When we were on Voyager of the Seas, a man collapsed in front of me while we were waiting in line to have our photos taken. He was a young man...I don't know what happened, but when I was chatting about it with a crew member later, he told me that it is not at all uncommon for people to pass away on cruise ship, particularly Alaskan cruises or others with an older crowd. I guess that, given the large number of people on a ship, it's just the law of averages, but it's still kind of creepy!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.*****************

[mmouse37]

I also understand that all cruise ships carry a few coffins onboard as well. Not trying to be morbid, but I am glad that cruise lines take these measures. You never know when your time is up.

MJ

[imgoingtodisney]

Now this was disgusting. Years ago DH worked a side job in the hospital morgue performing autopsies. Maybe they will need his services.

[doulasue]

eeeewwwwwwww. Gives me the willies. I have heard that cruising can really bring out some latent medical conditions. Why do you suppose that happens? Another great reason to have a physical before you go! -Sue

[4nana]

This is a depressing subject :(
I also have worked in a funeral home. Thanks for the info... but planning our maybe 'once in a lifetime' family trip I would like to try and think about our trip on a positive note and not wonder about their morgue ;)

[BeanoC]

Well...

I happen to be an embalmer. Maybe I should let them know that fact when I am on board? ;)

I could keep things from gettin' 'bad' if someone were to die.


'Beano':cool:

[tiggr33]

I can only speak from my experiences. I will disagree with the fact that all cruise ships have morgues. Maybe today some do, but in 1988 I know for a fact of one major lines did not. I do not want to name the line, nor will I name the ports. My father was the chief engineer for, and died on this particuliar cruise ship while at sea. There was no casket for him, there was no morgue for him. His body was removed at the next port of call, in a body bag. The ships doctor made the pronouncement in his cabin. His body was then held in a refrigirated non food storage part of the ship. Basically the back up refrigarator. He was autopsied and embalmed after being removed from the ship. We flew his body home in a rented casket from an airline.

Im sorry, but this is a very personal subject for me, and I felt my side needed to be told as well.

The ship did have a very nice memorial service for the crew the night of my fathers passing. They toled 7 bells and placed a wreath in the water. The Captian, other officers and crew sent pictures and letters. A year later I visited the ship, and meet many of the crew involved.
Stacey

[iluvorlando]

Stacey,

Maybe the sad passing of your father, an officer, made the cruise lines wake up to the unfortunate truth that these things happen. Sometimes I think it takes "one of our own" to make things hit home.

:( So sorry for your loss in that way!