Royal Caribbean’s Unexpected Stowaways: A Pair of Owls and a Tiny Warbler Crash the Cruise!

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas is no stranger to adventure, but this latest voyage has been anything but typical, thanks to a few surprise passengers—a pair of burrowing owls and a tiny warbler.

These feathered stowaways managed to hitch a ride on the Oasis-class ship during its 12-night transatlantic cruise from Miami to Barcelona, Spain.

The owls, believed to be a monogamous pair, were likely already onboard when the ship set sail from PortMiami on February 10, 2025. They found refuge in the ship’s Central Park neighborhood, a lush garden area complete with shops and restaurants, but quickly became the stars of the voyage.

Passengers shared their excitement on social media, noting that one of the owls even explored the Solarium and the miniature golf course.

“It’s been exciting to see the owls,” one guest reported, “but they’ve drawn so much attention that they now need to be caught and quarantined when we dock in Spain.”

Though the tiny warbler’s whereabouts remain a mystery to many, it’s clear that the presence of these avian visitors has added an unexpected twist to the voyage.

The ship’s crew has been consulting with wildlife experts to ensure the safety and well-being of the birds, with reports suggesting the owls have even been treated to steak dinners during their temporary stay.

As entertaining as the sight of the birds may be, the crew is now focused on ensuring their safe return to the wild. One owl has already been captured and is being cared for, while the other has managed to evade capture and was last spotted in the Central Park area.

According to the latest updates, both owls will be safely offloaded in Cartagena, Spain, on February 20, 2025, where local authorities will handle the necessary paperwork for their return to Florida. From there, they will be flown back to their natural habitat, where they can continue their lives in peace.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time an owl has made itself at home on a Royal Caribbean ship. In January 2023, a burrowing owl stowed away on Symphony of the Seas during a similar sailing from Miami. That owl, too, was safely returned to the wild after receiving care from the cruise line’s crew and wildlife experts.

While the warbler’s fate remains unclear, Royal Caribbean is committed to ensuring its well-being as well, with plans in place to address the needs of any onboard wildlife.

This quirky stowaway story has certainly given passengers a tale to tell when they disembark in Barcelona on February 22, 2025, and will likely remain one of the most memorable moments of the Allure of the Seas transatlantic voyage.