Our Story & Journey

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Death is a reality which we must all eventually face. As difficult as this can be for us to contemplate, there is no escaping this reality. Another reality is that after a person dies, where once there was a living person, there are now lifeless remains. In every culture and society, the practical consideration becomes how to dispose of the remains. Those left behind are tasked with many difficult decisions.

A body will decompose if left to nature, creating health risks for the living. Most cultures approach the issue in one of two ways: either the body is buried deep, so as to be outside of our senses as it decomposes; or, the body is burned such that the decomposition is very rapid. In either case, the physical process is about disposal – a sad and ignoble end.

We the living are left with the gamut of raw emotions. All societies have wrapped these events into ritual and ceremony, to help the living cope with these realities as they contemplate their own eventual disposal and the disposal of the wonderful people with whom they share their lives.

Some of us do not wish to go so quietly into disposal.

Our approach is to continue the journey in a romantic style on a sailing ship: a perpetual cruise, with beautiful sights, where even the ship itself is a majestic sight to all who see her. What we envision is a joyful continuing adventure around the world, visiting exotic ports of call, sailing along beautiful coasts, crossing oceans and seas, with laughter and parties along the way. We do not mean this metaphorically but literally.

The unique concept of Continuing Voyage began with a visit to a beautiful cemetery in Hawaii. I was with a couple from the old world, who were contemplating a very expensive plot in the cemetery for their own future use. Their chosen place had both a serene ocean and lush mountain view, making this particular cemetery very popular with those who can afford its hefty price tag. This cemetery is especially popular with many Chinese families because of the Chinese concept of Feng Shui. While the place was no doubt gorgeous, the price tag was shocking.

That day I began thinking about how a romantic setting could be made possible for more people and on terms far more economical. I also wanted to replace the “disposal” model, which is not, I think, in tune with human feelings or the human psyche. Indeed, many cultures believe death is the continuation of a spiritual journey.

All these ideas converged to form Continuing Voyage. Our vision is simple and, we believe, elegant. The cremated ashes are placed in urns, which are carried on a sailing ship. The beautiful ship, powered by wind and sail, is on a continuing perpetual voyage around the world, visiting exotic ports of call, remote islands and foreign countries. So, the journey does continue, spiritually and physically – a poetic continuation well-befitting the life celebrated.

Everyone who sees the ship sailing by, is made happy by its beautiful sight. There is something to be gained for the living in knowing the journey is about continuation, not disposal.

If this concept is not for you, we understand. There can be comfort in doing what is traditional. In the end, our belief is that the loved ones of the deceased should do that which provides emotional comfort for themselves. Hopefully that also conforms to treating the deceased with continuing respect.

Thank you for reading about our story. Perhaps you will remember us the next time you see a sailing ship with her majestic sails unfurled.

The Continuing Voyage Family