Celebrity Xcel has picked up an unexpected traveler on its transatlantic voyage: a wide-eyed owl apparently making the crossing without a reservation! A passenger reported spotting the feathered hitchhiker aboard the newest Celebrity cruise ship, which is currently sailing toward Bermuda on a 16-night voyage from Barcelona to Miami.
Photos shared in the Celebrity Xcel Cruisers Facebook group offer a close look at the unexpected guest. The owl is pictured being held, showing off its mottled brown feathers and striking yellow eyes.
“Spotted on Xcel this morning. Crew is taking good care of our hitchhiker,” passenger David Gilman wrote in the post.
According to the passenger, the owl may have joined the ship during its October 29 visit to Funchal, Madeira. The Portuguese island was Celebrity Xcel’s last scheduled stop before starting the long passage to Bermuda.
At this time, Celebrity Cruises has not confirmed the owl is onboard the ship. The brand-new Edge class ship departed Barcelona on October 23, 2026, with visits to Cartagena, Malaga, Gibraltar and Cadiz before continuing to Madeira.
Celebrity Xcel’s current itinerary includes six consecutive sea days after Funchal, followed by a stop at Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, on November 5. The crossing is scheduled to end in Miami on November 8.
What kind of owl is onboard Celebrity Xcel?
Based on the photos shared online, the bird appears to be a short-eared owl, although this hasn’t been confirmed by a wildlife specialist.
Its yellow eyes, dark patches around the eyes, pale facial disk and mottled brown plumage are consistent with the species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identifies the pale face and black coloring around yellow eyes among the short-eared owl’s distinguishing features.
Short-eared owls are regular winter visitors to Spain, with some also breeding in the country. Their numbers fluctuate considerably depending on the year and the availability of prey, particularly voles. They favor open landscapes such as grasslands, farmland and wetlands, where they hunt small mammals. Their presence in Spain during an autumn departure would not be unusual.
In Madeira, the species is recorded as an occasional visitor rather than an established resident breeding bird. If the owl photographed aboard Celebrity Xcel is confirmed to be a short-eared owl, it could have reached the island during its own travels before finding a convenient perch on the ship.
Previous owl stowaways took more than a year to get home
A similar incident aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas shows how complicated an accidental ocean crossing can become.
In February 2025, two Florida burrowing owls traveled from Miami to Spain aboard the ship, drawing passenger attention in its open-air Central Park neighborhood. Their adventure ultimately required a lengthy international effort to return them home after receiving quite the media attention.
The birds, named Benito and Concho, received care in Spain before flying from Madrid to Miami on February 10, 2026. Following quarantine, they were released at Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area in South Florida on March 12, which is more than a year after their accidental departure.
Their return was a complex operation that involved wildlife agencies, rescue organizations, permits, health checks, and financial support for transportation.
What happens to an owl found at sea?
Keeping an owl safe during a transatlantic crossing takes more than a sheltered perch. A distressed bird needs quiet surroundings and minimal handling, making space away from crowds especially important.
Food and water for the owl also require expert guidance. Owls have specialized dietary needs, and improper feeding or attempts to give water can cause harm. During a crossing lasting several days, advice from a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator will likely help the crew provide suitable nourishment and assess whether the bird needs treatment.
Reaching Bermuda would not automatically mean opening a box and letting the owl fly away. Wildlife authorities would need to consider its species, health, and likely origin before deciding on release, rehabilitation, or onward transport.
About Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Xcel debuted in November 2025 as the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, introducing seven new onboard experiences alongside the class’s established attractions. The ship began its inaugural season in the Caribbean before heading to Europe for summer 2026.
One of its most distinctive spaces is The Bazaar, a three-story venue that brings elements of the destinations aboard through food, live music, activities and artisan markets. Its programming changes throughout the voyage, with festivals inspired by the itinerary. Dining options within the space include Mosaic and the more casual Spice Café.
Elsewhere, Bora offers an outdoor rooftop setting for Mediterranean-inspired brunches and dinners with ocean views. Celebrity Pool Club features shaded seating, private cabanas and poolside service, while the expanded spa includes a Hydra Room water experience and an outdoor relaxation area called the Vitamin D Deck. One of the most elusive spaces onboard is Celebrity Xcel’s Speakeasy bar, called IYKYK.
The current 16-night voyage from Barcelona to Miami marks the ship’s return across the Atlantic following its first Mediterranean season. With six consecutive sea days between Madeira and Bermuda, passengers have ample time to explore the ship, although its unexpected owl visitor may prove one of the crossing’s most memorable sights!
