Final journey: scattering ashes on a cruise | Travel

I have a confession. On a dark night, no land in sight, I took a GT to the aft deck of one of Star Clippers’ ships. I made a toast and scattered a thimbleful of ashes into the wind, saying goodbye to a dear friend who had sailed with the line many times.

I should have asked to do this, but as it was just a token amount, I didn’t. I’m probably not alone: stories abound in cruising circles of bereaved passengers taking the ashes of a loved one to sea.

But opting for the DIY route doesn’t always end well (think tragicomic blowback of ashes into martini glasses). You may also be breaking the law, as maritime regulations about throwing things overboard are tight.