Bereavement cruises: What are they?
When someone dear to you passes away, it can feel like the whole world could cave in and you’d barely notice.
It is, in many cases, the hardest thing anyone will ever go through.
The journey to recovery will look different for everyone. However, many of the tips to help us cope with grief can apply to everyone, from being kind to yourself, connecting with others, and seeking support. For some people, that journey can even involve an unexpected journey – such as a bereavement cruise.
What is a bereavement cruise?
A bereavement cruise, also sometimes known as a grief cruise, is a program created specifically for grieving families designed to support with all types of loss.
Unlike standard cruises, this is no focus on partying, adventure, or celebrating. Instead, it is all about treating yourself with kindness, giving yourself the space and time to grieve, connecting with like minded people also dealing with grief, and accessing various support systems.
For example, The Grief Cruises offers regular trips for the bereaved. As well as traditional cruising attractions such as beautiful port stops and fine dining on board, these cruises include healing workshops, expert speakers, support groups, yoga sessions, panels, remembrance activities, and more.
Benefits of bereavement cruises
While they might not be right for everyone, a bereavement cruise could be the perfect option for some people dealing with grief.
One of the biggest benefits of a bereavement cruise is that it provides guests with professional support services. From workshops, Q&As and guest speakers, the variety of expert support on board may help someone navigate their grief in the short term, and provide long-term tools for their journey.
Helping through the grieving process
Additionally, taking a grief cruise can simply help by providing dedicated time away to grieve. When life is so busy, it can be hard to find the time to truly focus on the healing journey, so this can be a useful opportunity to step away from the demands of a busy lifestyle and truly make space for grief and recovery.
And of course, another major benefit of a bereavement cruise is that everyone is in the same boat – literally and figuratively. Talking to your own friends can be extremely helpful, but for those without existing social support, or for those who can’t quite connect with friends who haven’t dealt with bereavement, it may be helpful to meet a group of people going through similar journeys.
Finally, a bereavement cruise can also add opportunities to honour the deceased. The ‘Night of Remembrance’ event offers guests a chance to light a candle and take a stroll on the deck to remember their loved ones, and the grief art projects provide a way to express love and reflection through crafts.
Overall, a bereavement cruise can offer the kind of supportive environment that doesn’t quite exist anywhere else, as it combines expert support, mental space, and connections with those going through the same things as you.
Of course, the beautiful tropical locations may also offer some reprieve, or at the very least, a little relaxation.
Could Life Insurance help pay for a bereavement cruise?
Life Insurance money is not assigned to pay for anything specific. That means you or your loved ones could use it for whatever you need, whether that’s basic living expenses, funeral costs, mortgage repayments – or even a bereavement cruise.
Find out whether you’d be eligible for Life Insurance and consider requesting a quote to learn more about Seniors Term Life Insurance today.
21 Apr 2023