That sounds pretty interesting, having a bird onboard. I intend to start cruising someday and a bird sounds like a great companion. Can birds be trained to be let free and return every time so that they can get fresh air? And how would they take to cooler weather, since they are tropical? Can they be potty trained?
You ask a lot of questions which is great. I wouldn't recommend letting your bird fly free unless you want some predator to get it. I would also be worried about the bird flu and other maladies that they could get. We keep our place about 24 degrees and wouldn't recommend it to be much cooler than that as that is the low end of their natural climate. Birds are wonderful companions, but they also require a lot of time with you. Before travelling with your bird, you would have to make sure that you have it DNA sexed (if you are getting a parrot) as it is the perfect way to let the customs people know that it is your bird as it has both your bird's name and your name on the certificate. You also have to have owned your bird for at least six months. You would have to be certain to check with the local authorities about cruising with your bird to see if it is okay to enter their country with one. It would be an adventure for the both of you!
Miriam