A cat named Ovie embarked on a journey from the US to the Down Under, only to face the threat of euthanasia by biosecurity agents.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Royal Caribbean crews, the feline was successfully transported back to the U.S. after weeks of fighting for its life.
A recent passenger on board the Ovation of the Seas had smuggled Ovie on the cruise from Hawaii to Sydney, according to Royal Caribbean Cruises President and CEO Michael Bayley.
‘We believe that it was in the guest’s sweatshirt, and we assume he must have been sedated or something because he wouldn’t beep, since Ovie isn’t metal,’ Bayley mentioned in a social media post.
The cat was discovered during a routine inspection by officials from New Zealand and was not allowed off the ship throughout its nearly three-week voyage from Hawaii to Sydney.
But it was fortunate enough to be sent back to the U.S. and adopted by one of the Royal Caribbean guest service team members in Miami, Bayley said.
A cat named Ovie embarked on a journey from the US to the Down Under, only to face the threat of euthanasia by biosecurity agents
A passenger on board the Ovation of the Seas had smuggled Ovie on the cruise from Hawaii to Sydney, according to Royal Caribbean Cruises President and CEO Michael Bayley. The cat was discovered during a routine inspection by officials from New Zealand and was not allowed off the ship throughout its nearly three-week voyage from Hawaii to Sydney
Both New Zealand and have strict biosecurity laws governing what can and cannot be imported.
Pet owners are required to present various documents to clear through customs and have their pets quarantined for at least ten days. The whole process could take months, according to the government.
‘When discovered the cat was not allowed off the ship in or New Zealand by authorities and was supposed to be euthanized,’ Bayley wrote.
After the small feline was found during a routine inspection for banned plants, fruits and animals, biosecurity agents were called to investigate.
Royal Caribbean International picked up the expenses for the care of the cat, according to Travel Pulse.
Crew members stepped in to quarantine the cat and make sure it’s free of any potential disease.
The cat was discovered during a routine inspection by officials from New Zealand and was not allowed off the ship throughout its nearly three-week voyage from Hawaii to Sydney
Royal Caribbean Cruises does not allow any pets on board unless it’s an emotional support animal or service dog
After the small feline was found during a routine inspection for banned plants, fruits and animals, biosecurity agents were called to investigate. Royal Caribbean International picked up the expenses for the care of the cat
The team spent several weeks successfully bringing Ovie halfway around the world to Miami, where it was adopted by a crew member.
‘Ovie is now happily living in Miami,’ Bayley announced.
According to the company’s policy, live pets, other than service animals, are strictly prohibited on board.
‘Passengers who bring on board…are also subject to immediate disembarkation or denial of boarding,’ the company wrote on its website.
‘Passengers shall have no claim for refund, loss, damage, inconvenience, or compensation whatsoever under any of these circumstances,’ it continues.
Royal Caribbean declined to identify the traveler who smuggled Ovie on board, and it’s unclear what penalty they may face,’ as reported by the New York Post.