Cruises

[PhuturePriest]

My sister is sending my parents on a cruise next May. The thing is, I think it's a seven day cruise. They haven't been on a vacation in five years and really deserve it, but I am not sure they will be able to make it to Mass. Can we ask for a dispensation?

[cappie]

Weekly Sunday Mass (as distinguished from the reception of the Eucharist, which is not required here) is obligatory for all Catholics ( CIC 1247). There is, strictly speaking, no such thing as a “dispensation” from the Sunday obligation. There are instead some factors that might excuse Sunday Mass attendance.
In this case being on a cruse ship would certainly excuse attendance. If there was a priest on board (in Australia cruse liners offer free trips to priests so the act as chaplains) then there would be Mass so the rule applies. If there is no Mass a faithful Catholic is still expected to spend sometime in prayer. There maybe some other Catholics on board, and it's not uncommon for them to organise a Liturgy of the Word.