Now and then comes along a story that just makes your day when a Galah hits the high seas such as the unique story about

a Galah that went missing from family a home in Brisbane this month

Michelle and Brett Cozzi, with their four-year-old daughter Georgia were preparing for their cruise aboard P&O’s Pacific Aria around Queensland when they noticed Harri had escaped.

Unable to find her, heartbroken, the family departed on their cruise.

But true to its name it was not missing Harri the Galah also decided to take a cruise holiday but not the same ship as its family as they were already underway on their cruise

Harri the Australian galah was found on board The Sea Princess by staff last Thursday, four days into a 14-day cruise.

It's believed the pet bird left the family home and landed on the ship when it was docked in Brisbane on January 21.

New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) said the only way for the cruise ship to enter the country was for Harri to either be euthanased, or secured and bonded to the vessel.

The Sea Princess left Brisbane on January 21, 2018, for a 14 night trip around New Zealand and back.

So staff put Harri in an empty cabin.

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 on board 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.”

The stowaway galah was reunited with its family after it decided to take a cruise around New Zealand and Carnival Corporation are planning a party to reunite the bird with her family.

MyCruise Podcast

MyCruise PodcastBy Noel SadlerMay 18, 2020