A voyage meant to be leisurely and relaxing turned unexpectedly tense for passengers aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne. The ship, navigating the Sulu-Celebes Sea between Darwin, Australia, and Manila, Philippines, as part of an ambitious 111-night journey from Germany, issued strict instructions that revealed a rarely discussed risk of cruise travel: piracy.
The captain announced over the loudspeaker that the vessel was operating under a “heightened level of security alertness” while passing through a region known for pirate activity. To minimize visibility and reduce risk, passengers were told that the external promenade decks would be closed and shuttered overnight, with only essential lights left on for navigation and safety. Guests were also asked to keep curtains drawn and interior lights off whenever possible.
The announcement quickly made its way onto social media, where reactions ranged from shock to reassurance. One TikTok user commented, “Well, that sounds terrifying,” while another explained that these measures are standard safety protocols and that the actual risk is very low. Others expressed amazement that modern piracy still exists, while cruise industry veterans confirmed that security teams are often onboard in regions with known risks.
Despite the precautions, experts emphasized that attacks on cruise ships are extremely rare, with pirates usually targeting commercial cargo vessels instead. However, the episode served as a stark reminder that even luxury liners must navigate real-world dangers…
