Summit to Bermuda

[Eileen07849]

Hi All, would anyone happen to know, when departing Bermuda on the Summit at this time of year on a Friday afternoon, how long it takes to reach international waters?

 

Or on the flip side, when arriving in Bermuda on Wednesday morning, approximately what time do you leave international waters?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Lady Arwen]

Depends on how fast the ship is going that particular day. We've sailed Summit to Bermuda, many, many, times and I don't think it was ever announced when we arrived or left "international waters". May I ask why you would ask this question?

[Eileen07849]

We are in the process of planning a burial at sea and would like to do so as close to Bermuda as possible.

[Lady Arwen]

You will need permission to do so from Celebrity. We tried to do this a few years ago with my mother's ashes and we were told that we could not. We waited until we docked in Barbados and had a local pastor help us find an appropriate spot. I would call Celebrity Cruiseline or your travel agent and inquire about this. Do not assume it will be okay without permission.

[CruisingChick]

Well the shops and casino generally open around 15-20 minutes after leaving the pier, but I assume they are going faster leaving Bermuda then they are when approaching. But generally I would say 30 minutes before / after arrival / departure time should be a safe bet.

[Cruisegoer]

Perhaps it's best that whatever time you decide to release your loved one to the sea that a part of them will wash up on the beautiful pink shores.

[wwcruisers]

Lady Arwen is right, OP -- you MUST arrange this, in advance, through Celebrity. They aren't kidding when they announce (at every lifeboat drill) that passengers are prohibited from throwing ANYTHING overboard! And, I did like the suggestion of contacting a local company in Bermuda, for this purpose. If Celebrity says 'no', you might be able to arrange a 'burial at sea, with the Captain of one of the local vessels. Best of luck...:)

Edited July 23, 2018 by wwcruisers

[Eileen07849]

We would never dream of doing it without permission. We are already in contact with Celebrity. We are just mulling over when to do it. It has to be done in international waters and we would like to do it as close to Bermuda as possible since it is a sentimental place. The burial will be for a family member who took over 30 cruises on Celebrity, many to Bermuda.

[wwcruisers]

We would never dream of doing it without permission. We are already in contact with Celebrity. We are just mulling over when to do it. It has to be done in international waters and we would like to do it as close to Bermuda as possible since it is a sentimental place. The burial will be for a family member who took over 30 cruises on Celebrity, many to Bermuda.

 

Sounds like a lovely idea. Although I have no personal experience in this area, over the years, I have read posts, here and on the RC boards, about 'burials at sea': The Captain (or another senior officer) sets the time and place, conducts a short, dignified service -- and, I believe I read that they give the family a certificate, showing the latitude/longitude of their loved one's 'final resting place'. Of course, they also are very strict about the container used to carry the cremains. It may have to be made of a biodegradable material. Hope that you hear something back from Celebrity, soon.

[warmwinds]

Are you talking the burial of an actual intact deceased body or ashes? I've never heard it called a burial but rather a scattering of ashes so I think it would be a whole different situation.

[Lady Arwen]

Are you talking the burial of an actual intact deceased body or ashes? I've never heard it called a burial but rather a scattering of ashes so I think it would be a whole different situation.

I would assume it's scattering of ashes. I cannot imagine that they would be able to bring a deceased person intact onboard a cruiseship.

[Eileen07849]

It will be the burial of the ashes. You can’t “scatter” them. They are put in a biodegradable urn and that is put into the sea. The urn will then sink and disintegrate in the ocean, releasing the ashes.

[Lady Arwen]

It will be the burial of the ashes. You can’t “scatter” them. They are put in a biodegradable urn and that is put into the sea. The urn will then sink and disintegrate in the ocean, releasing the ashes.

Thank you for clarifying this for us. I hope you are successful in your endeavors. It is a lovely way to say goodbye to a loved one.

[1025cruise]

When you get onboard, you will coordinate with guest services and the environmental officer. They will work with you to schedule an appropriate time. I'm sure if you ask, they will do this as close to Bermuda as possible.

 

While I have not needed this service, it seems that it is one the cruise lines are, for lack of a better word, happy to provide.