Burrowing Owls Stow Away on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas recently had two unexpected (and adorable) passengers on its transatlantic voyage to Spain: a pair of burrowing owls! The stowaways were discovered after the ship departed Florida, delighting passengers and sparking a flurry of excitement onboard. 

The owls made their temporary home in the ship’s lush Central Park area, which features over 12,000 plants. Passengers reported seeing the owls exploring various parts of the ship, including the Solarium and even the miniature golf course. However, their presence posed a challenge, as the owls needed to be captured and quarantined before the ship docked in Spain. Burrowing owls are an endangered species, and their safe handling was a top priority. 

After some effort, the crew successfully captured the owls and ensured they were cared for according to expert guidelines. Updates shared by passengers revealed that the owls were being fed and hydrated while awaiting their fate in Spain. However, the adventure didn’t end there—one of the owls managed to escape and returned to Central Park, evading capture for several hours. The crew eventually recaptured the owl just before the ship docked in Cartagena on February 20, 2025. 

This isn’t the first time burrowing owls have hitched a ride on a Royal Caribbean ship. In 2023, another owl stowed away on the Symphony of the Seas, highlighting the unique challenges of blending wildlife with luxury cruising. The owl was taken to the South Florida Wildlife Center, where it was deemed to be in good health.