Cruise Ship Stowaways: The Unexpected Story of Owls at Sea

Cruising across the Atlantic, my husband and I expected incredible sunsets, relaxing sea days, and the excitement of arriving in Spain. What we didn’t anticipate was becoming part of a ship-wide fascination with two stowaway owls.

The Owls That Took Over Allure of the Seas

Our transatlantic journey aboard Allure of the Seas turned into an unexpected wildlife adventure when two owls decided to hitch a ride. No one knew exactly when they boarded, but soon, word spread through the passengers: somewhere in the ship, two feathered guests were hiding out.

Most often, they perched in Central Park, the lush, open-air garden on Deck 8. It became a daily ritual for cruisers to wander through the space, hoping to spot the elusive birds among the trees. The curiosity spread fast, and soon, the ship’s unofficial Facebook group buzzed with daily updates. People posted sightings, speculated on their origins, and shared photos whenever someone managed to capture a glimpse.

Rumor had it that the crew member responsible for the ship’s plants ensured they had food. The concern for their well-being turned passengers into accidental caretakers, watching over the owls like they were part of the cruise family.

The Great Escape Before Spain

As we neared Spain, discussions shifted from finding the owls to what would happen upon arrival. Cruise ships must follow international wildlife policies, meaning the owls couldn’t simply stay onboard indefinitely.

A couple of days before we reached our first port of call, crew members carefully captured the owls and placed them in secure cages. The plan was to turn them over to officials, ensuring they could be safely transported back to the United States. However, in one final act of rebellion, one owl escaped before the handoff.

Passengers immediately rallied, eager for updates on whether the missing owl had been found. The ship’s Facebook group filled with anxious posts, tracking its whereabouts as the crew worked to recapture it before docking. Eventually, both owls were safely secured, placed in cardboard boxes with breathing holes, and transported off the ship in Spain.

The final farewell was bittersweet. As passengers watched them being carried away, many snapped pictures, marking the end of an unforgettable part of the journey.

How Often Do Animal Stowaways Board Cruise Ships?

This experience made me wonder—how often do animals stow away on ships? It turns out, this isn’t unheard of. Birds frequently land on cruise ships, especially on transatlantic voyages where they find refuge during long ocean crossings. Some creatures get onboard accidentally through cargo loading or ports.

Common Cruise Ship Stowaways

• Birds – Owls, pigeons, and seabirds often seek shelter onboard.
• Rodents – Ships work hard to prevent rats and mice, but they occasionally sneak in.
• Insects – Tropical insects can enter through plants, cargo, or food shipments.
• Marine Life – Small fish or crabs sometimes get trapped in onboard water filtration systems or pools.

The Rules for Handling Stowaway Animals

Cruise lines follow strict environmental and wildlife regulations when dealing with unexpected animal passengers. The process depends on the species, location, and maritime laws.

• International Wildlife Laws – Ships must report stowaway animals upon arrival in port.
• Quarantine Protocols – If an animal poses a health risk, it may be isolated before transfer.
• Environmental Protection Regulations – Cruise lines must prevent non-native species from entering new ecosystems.
• Crew Responsibilities – The ship’s environmental officers or veterinarians oversee stowaway handling and care.

Many cruise ships work with local wildlife organizations to ensure stowaways are transported safely. If a bird or small mammal is found onboard, the crew often provides food until the ship reaches a port where it can be released.

A Unique Memory from the Cruise

Looking back, our transatlantic journey wasn’t just about exploring new destinations—it was about sharing an experience that brought everyone on the ship together. Those owls became a symbol of curiosity, adventure, and community, creating memories far beyond the usual sea days and excursions.

Animal stowaways may not happen often, but when they do, they spark unexpected moments of excitement. Whether it’s birds seeking shelter or sea creatures hitching a ride, these encounters remind us that nature finds its way into every corner of the world—including cruise ships.