It’s a practical necessity that comes with operating a marine city. After all, cruise ships host thousands of passengers, many of whom are elderly or have serious health conditions. You might not think about it while lounging by the pool or enjoying the buffet: Cruise ships have morgues. So, why don’t you ever hear about them?

We should give credit where credit’s due, right? Cruise lines handle such incidents with utmost discretion and sensitivity. The goal is to maintain a “pleasant and enjoyable” atmosphere for all guests, even in gloomy circumstances.

Each boat’s morgue is designed to hold a few bodies until the ship reaches a port where arrangements can be made to transfer the deceased. The crew is trained to manage these situations professionally and respectfully, ensuring that other passengers who aren’t related to the deceased remain as close to “unaware” as possible.

Cruise lines follow strict protocols when a death occurs. First, the ship’s medical team steps in, providing immediate care and confirming the passing. These folks are experienced postgraduate medical professionals. Next, they secure the body in the morgue, where it remains until the ship docks. The ship’s crew also assists with contacting the deceased’s family and making arrangements for repatriation. Administrative steps might also include notifying the CDC or complying with any investigative protocols.

You don’t hear about these incidents because they are, for the most part, uncommon and handled with quiet efficiency. The focus remains on providing a seamless vacation experience for everyone else onboard. This approach allows guests to continue enjoying their trip without unnecessary distress or disruption.

So, next time you’re on a cruise, you can relax knowing that the crew is prepared for everything…even death.