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