Feline Stowaway: Cruise Cat’s Quarantine and Surprise Adoption
Introduction
Amidst the strict regulations governing cruise ship passengers, an unexpected stowaway recently made headlines – a pet cat, secretly brought aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas. This seemingly whimsical incident took a serious turn as the feline was discovered during a routine inspection, leading to its quarantine and eventual adoption.
The Surprise Discovery
During a nearly three-week cruise from Hawaii to Sydney, New Zealand officials conducting routine inspections for prohibited items stumbled upon an unauthorized passenger – a cat. The feline had managed to elude security measures, raising questions about how it successfully made its way into a guest’s cabin.
Quarantine and Investigation
Promptly detected during the inspection, the cat triggered a biosecurity investigation. While the guest responsible for the feline and the specific details of its infiltration remain undisclosed, Royal Caribbean International covered the expenses associated with the cat’s care during the investigation.
Happy Ending
Despite the unconventional circumstances, Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO Michael Bayley revealed in a Facebook post that the cat has found a new home through adoption. The unexpected journey of the feline stowaway took an unexpectedly heartwarming turn.
Cruise Ship Policies
The incident sheds light on the stringent regulations governing cruise ship travel, where live animals, pets, and certain items like fruits are strictly prohibited. Service animals are the only exception to this rule. Cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, maintain policies to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and adhere to biosecurity standards.