Stowaway Owls Took a Royal Caribbean Cruise from Miami to Europe

Cruise ships are used to carrying thousands of guests, but this Royal Caribbean sailing had two passengers no one expected. Somewhere between Miami and Europe, a routine transatlantic voyage turned into a wildlife story that caught the attention of experts on both sides of the ocean.

What happened next involved crew members, international authorities, and a surprisingly comfortable stay far from home.

How the Owls Ended Up on Allure of the Seas

The two burrowing owls are believed to have boarded Allure of the Seas while the ship was in Miami ahead of its transatlantic sailing. At some point before departure, they made their way into the ship’s Central Park neighborhood, an open-air space filled with plants and greenery.

Wildlife experts later suggested the landscaping may have felt familiar or comforting, which could explain why the owls stayed put once the ship left Florida.

Allure of the Seas spent 12 nights crossing the Atlantic, giving the owls plenty of time to settle into their unexpected surroundings. The pair remained in the Central Park area.

Because burrowing owls are ground-dwelling animals, experts believe the vast metal structure of the ship and limited food options likely caused confusion as the voyage continued.

Crew Intervention and Arrival in Spain

Once crew members became aware of the owls, Royal Caribbean followed expert guidance to handle the situation safely. The birds were captured using nets, then provided with food and water during the remainder of the voyage.

After Allure of the Seas arrived in Barcelona, the owls were handed over to Spanish officials to begin the next phase of their unexpected journey.

Where the Owls Have Been Living Since

After being transferred to Spanish authorities, the owls were moved to the CITES Wildlife Rescue Center in Murcia. The facility specializes in caring for protected species and provides the birds with professional oversight during their stay.

Since arriving, the owls have remained in quarantine, allowing experts to monitor their health and ensure they were fit for travel before returning home.

When the Owls Will Return to the United States

The owls’ quarantine period is expected to wrap up in January, clearing the way for their return to the United States around the middle of the month. Their flight back will be paid for by the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida, which works closely with state wildlife officials.

Once back in Florida, the owls will be transferred to a wildlife facility for further evaluation before any release plans move forward.

Once the owls arrive back in Florida, wildlife officials will conduct assessments to ensure they are healthy and ready to return to the wild. This includes checking their ability to hunt, adapt, and safely re-assimilate into a familiar environment.

Officials plan to release the owls in an urban area similar to where they are believed to have originated near Miami, making the transition less stressful.

This Isn’t the First Time Owls Have Boarded a Royal Caribbean Ship

This was not the first time a burrowing owl has been spotted aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. In 2023, passengers reported seeing a burrowing owl onboard Symphony of the Seas during a Caribbean sailing.

Royal Caribbean contacted local wildlife authorities, and a biologist boarded the ship in Florida on disembarkation day to safely capture the owl. With help from the crew and a very tight turnaround between sailings, the bird was successfully removed without incident.

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