Among the many rules about what you can and can’t bring aboard a cruise ship, here's another one.
No pet cats are allowed.
A pet cat was smuggled aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas and had to be quarantined after it was discovered and detained. The story does have a happy ending, however.
According to a Facebook post from Royal Caribbean's President and CEO Michael Bayley, the cat has since been adopted.
The incident happened aboard a nearly three-week cruise from Hawaii to Sydney. The cat was discovered in the cabin of a guest, although the guest has not been identified. There is also no confirmation of how the feline made it through security.
The cat was discovered during a routine inspection by officials from New Zealand. The inspection was relatively routine as officials were looking for plants or fruit that were banned.
Imagine their surprise when they found a cat.
Biosecurity experts or later called in to investigate. Royal Caribbean International picked up the expenses for the care of the cat. Live animals, pets, and fruit, among other items, are not permitted on cruise ships.
Only service animals are allowed.
Animals on cruise ships aren't unheard of, but sometimes changes have to be made. Earlier this year, Carnival had to clarify its policy on service dogs.
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