A Serene Tribute: Ash Scattering Services on the Freeport Gem

Honoring a Loved One with Grace on the Atlantic

When the time comes to say a final goodbye, many families seek a setting that offers peace, reflection, and beauty. Ash scattering at sea is a time-honored tradition for those who felt connected to the ocean, and for families who want a gentle, natural resting place for their loved ones. Freeport Charter Boats, operating from the heart of Long Island, NY, offers ash scattering services aboard the luxurious Freeport Gem — a vessel designed to turn this delicate moment into a meaningful celebration of life.

CALL US TO BOOK: (516) 369-1646

Why Choose a Burial at Sea?

Burials at sea provide a unique and tranquil alternative to traditional memorials. Whether the deceased was a lifelong seafarer, loved the water, or simply wanted something deeply peaceful and poetic, the Atlantic Ocean offers an eternal, serene resting place. This method:

Offers a natural, biodegradable tribute to the circle of life
Avoids land burials, appealing to those seeking eco-conscious options
Provides a private, spiritual environment for reflection and celebration

Choosing to scatter ashes at sea also allows family and friends to gather in a setting that feels removed from everyday life, helping them focus on love, remembrance, and healing.

In addition to the symbolic and emotional significance, there are also practical benefits. Sea burials often come with fewer legal requirements and logistical concerns than traditional interments. There’s no need to purchase cemetery plots or worry about ongoing maintenance. And, for those who may not have religious affiliations or specific cultural traditions, sea burials offer a neutral, respectful alternative that still carries deep meaning. Click here to learn more.

The Freeport Gem Experience

The Freeport Gem is more than just a boat — it is a floating sanctuary that combines elegance, comfort, and safety. As a U.S. Coast Guard Certified and Inspected Vessel, it ensures the highest standards of service and security. Here’s what sets it apart:

Capacity for up to 130 passengers
Large upper and lower decks for seamless ceremonies and celebrations
Dual 42″ TVs for personalized tributes and memorial presentations
Sound systems on both decks for music, speeches, or prayers
Full galley space to accommodate catering and refreshments
Air conditioning, heating, and Sirius/XM radio

Whether you’re honoring a single life or inviting extended family and friends, the Freeport Gem accommodates gatherings of all sizes while keeping the experience intimate, organized, and comforting.

Families can personalize the setting with memory tables, framed photos, flower arrangements, and even meaningful keepsakes that honor the life lived. The vessel’s design supports everything from quiet reflection to lively celebrations of life. Click here to book the Freeport Gem.

Ceremony Options: Attended and Unattended

Freeport Charter Boats understands that each family has unique needs. That’s why we offer two tailored experiences:

Attended Ash Scattering Ceremonies

These private charters allow family and friends to be part of the final goodbye. With personalized options available, you can:

Hold a ceremony aboard the boat with music, photos, speeches, and prayers
Scatter ashes directly from a custom urn or choose from EPA-approved biodegradable vessels
Add floral arrangements, petals, or symbolic items to float with the ashes
Enjoy catering and bar service during or after the service
Capture the moment with professional photography and albums
Invite a celebrant, religious figure, or family speaker for personalized reflections

These services often take on the tone of a joyful send-off. With the ocean as a backdrop, it becomes a shared journey of remembrance and closure. Families often bring meaningful music playlists, video slideshows, and personalized readings to enhance the experience.

Unattended Ash Scattering Services

If distance or circumstances prevent you from being present, Freeport Charter Boats offers unattended ash scattering services. This option includes:

Coordination directly with your funeral home or crematory
Scattering of cremains at sea in a dignified, respectful manner
Optional documentation and photos of the scattering site
Support with all necessary paperwork and permits

You may also request a certificate that includes GPS coordinates of where the scattering took place — a meaningful token for those who want to return to the location in the future or simply know where their loved one was laid to rest.

Working with Families Nationwide

Whether you’re local to Long Island or working from another state or country, Captain Mike Wasserman and the Freeport Charter Boats team are here to make this process seamless. We regularly coordinate with out-of-state clients and funeral homes to handle transport of remains and ensure every step is taken with care.

We have experience working with various cultural and religious backgrounds and strive to be as accommodating as possible. From New York residents to international families, our goal remains the same: to create a ceremony that is as unique and beautiful as the person being remembered.

Families can contact us for a consultation, or visit our online resources section to access paperwork and guidelines on transferring urns into our care.

Transparent and Flexible Pricing

We believe in providing families with honest, straightforward pricing, and we understand that costs are a concern during this time. Here is our pricing breakdown for ash scattering services aboard the Freeport Gem:

In-Season Summer Weekdays

$1,500 for up to the first 30 passengers
$15 per additional passenger beyond 30

Off-Season Weekdays

$1,250 for up to the first 30 passengers
$15 per additional passenger beyond 30

All Weekends Before 4 PM

$1,500 for up to the first 30 passengers
$15 per additional passenger beyond 30
20% gratuity added

All Weekends After 4 PM

$1,800 for up to the first 30 passengers
$15 per additional passenger beyond 30
20% gratuity added

All pricing includes the full use of the vessel, captain and crew, and your selected services. Custom packages can be arranged depending on ceremony needs and guest count.

A Thoughtful Journey from Start to Finish

From the moment you call, you’ll feel the difference in how we approach this delicate service. Our team is trained not just in boating and hospitality, but in grief sensitivity and customer care. We understand that this is a deeply emotional experience, and we take pride in guiding families through it with grace, patience, and flexibility.

Each ceremony is treated with the highest respect. We never rush services, and we never forget the significance of what our guests are experiencing. Our commitment is to provide a smooth, calming experience from beginning to end, ensuring that each family feels supported, heard, and uplifted.

Full Catering: A Flavorful Tribute on the Water

For families who wish to combine remembrance with heartfelt celebration, the Freeport Gem offers fully catered packages that transform your ceremony into a beautifully hosted event. With attention to detail and thoughtful presentation, our catering service adds warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your time on board. Click here to learn more about our catering options.

A Menu to Remember

Guests can enjoy a generous hot and cold buffet featuring seasonal salads, pastas, and chicken, with the option to upgrade entrées to pork, beef, or salmon. Every dish is carefully prepared to suit the occasion, whether your gathering is formal, casual, or somewhere in between.

Hot & cold buffet service with assorted sides and entrées
Optional entrée upgrades for enhanced dining experiences
Complimentary cookies and dessert offerings

Complete Beverage Service

Each catered package includes a full-service open bar with a wide selection of wine, beer, soda, coffee, tea, and premium spirits. Our onboard staff ensures guests are well cared for, with professionalism and sensitivity throughout the event.

An Enhanced Onboard Experience

In addition to the cuisine, our catered packages include access to all vessel amenities:

Private four-hour charter, including three hours of Atlantic cruising
Spacious indoor and outdoor seating areas
Dedicated upper-deck bar and dance floor
Flat-screen TVs, sound system, LED and laser lighting
Gender-specific restrooms and climate control

We also include thoughtful extras to elevate the occasion, such as a complimentary photo booth to capture candid memories and a professional onboard staff to oversee every detail. Bottle service and hookah packages are available upon request.

Flexible, Transparent Pricing

Our fully catered ash scattering cruises start at $5,100 for up to 50 guests, with additional guests priced per person. All packages can be customized based on the size of your party and the level of service you desire.

Adding a catered package to your ash scattering ceremony allows you to focus entirely on what matters most: honoring your loved one in the company of those who cared for them deeply. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate life with grace, warmth, and togetherness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book an ash scattering trip?

Simply call us at (516) 369-1646 or visit our website to submit a booking request. We’ll guide you through the process, discuss your preferences, and help you coordinate the right date, time, and ceremony type.

Is a sea burial legal?

Yes, ash scattering at sea is legal and regulated under EPA guidelines. All our services follow current federal laws and maritime practices for environmental protection.

Can we bring our own officiant or musician?

Absolutely. You are welcome to bring a celebrant, clergy member, or musician to help lead the ceremony. We can also help connect you with trusted local professionals if needed.

What if it rains or the weather is bad?

We monitor the marine forecast closely and will work with you to reschedule or adapt plans in the event of inclement weather. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.

How far out do we go?

Typically, ash scatterings take place at a respectful distance from shore, generally between 3 and 5 nautical miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. This ensures both privacy and compliance with environmental regulations.

Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Farewell

Choosing an ash scattering service aboard the Freeport Gem is more than a logistical decision — it is a gesture of love, remembrance, and peace. Surrounded by the Atlantic’s vast horizon, with sea breeze and the sound of waves accompanying your reflections, this experience becomes a lasting memory for all in attendance.

CALL US TO BOOK: (516) 369-1646

Let Freeport Charter Boats help you create a dignified, heartfelt ceremony that honors a life well-lived and brings comfort to those who carry their memory forward.