Ben Squires
Cruising

Stowaway galah's crazy attempt to find family on cruise ship holiday

An inadvertently intrepid galah has become the subject of a remarkable (if at times confusing) story, escaping home as its family prepared for a cruise holiday, only to find itself aboard a different cruise ship bound for New Zealand.

Michelle and Brett Cozzi, and their four-year-old daughter Georgia, feared the worst when, as they were preparing for their own trip, their pet galah Harri escaped.

Remarkably, Harri ended up at Portside Wharf Cruise Ship Terminal, as though she’d been inspired by the family’s travel plans! Harri snuck aboard the next ship leaving, which was Carnival’s Sea Princess, and before long she was headed across the ditch.

Understandably distraught, the Cozzi’s thought they might never see Harri again and boarded their ship, Carnival’s Pacific Aria, which was headed around Queensland.

After a few days aboard the family received some news from staff.

The Sea Princess’ crew had found Harri on the vessel as it approached Milford, and after alerting New Zealand authorities they were told Harri could stay in a separate cabin.

The crew checked Harri’s microchip and found out her family were onboard the separate ship, and have been providing regular updates on the bird ever since.

Carnival Australia spokesman David Jones told News.com.au this was a first for the line.

“It’s a classic feel-good story with everyone in the two cruise lines and government authorities doing everything they can to achieve a great family reunion,” he said.

“Needless to say, the lines are running hot between Sea Princess and Pacific Aria to give the family regular updates on Harri’s progress.”

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Hero image credit: Facebook / 7 News Brisbane 

Tags:
travel, cruise, cruising, Galah