Cruise vacations are often associated with relaxation and luxury, offering passengers a chance to unwind while exploring various destinations. However, certain maritime routes necessitate heightened security measures due to potential piracy threats. A recent instance involving Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship underscores the protocols implemented to ensure passenger and crew safety.​

Enhanced Security Measures in Piracy-Prone Areas

In March 2025, during a segment of its 111-night maiden world voyage from Hamburg, Germany, the Queen Anne traversed the Sulu-Celebes Sea, situated between the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia—regions historically notorious for piracy incidents. To mitigate risks, the ship’s captain announced a “heightened level of security alertness,” implementing several precautionary measures:​

• Minimizing Visibility: Passengers were instructed to turn off unnecessary stateroom lights and draw curtains to reduce the ship’s external illumination, thereby decreasing its visibility to potential threats. ​

• Restricting Deck Access: The external promenade decks were closed overnight to limit exposure and ensure passenger safety. ​

• Deploying Defensive Equipment: The crew prepared non-lethal deterrents, such as water cannons and loudspeakers, as precautionary measures against potential pirate approaches. ​

Passenger Experiences and Reactions

The announcement and subsequent actions elicited varied responses from passengers. While some experienced initial anxiety, many understood the necessity of these measures. Passenger Lilly Mcginley noted that after the initial concern, the atmosphere shifted, with some guests viewing the situation as an unexpected adventure, even using binoculars to observe the surroundings.

Contextualizing the Piracy Threat

The waters of the Sulu-Celebes Sea have a history of piracy and kidnapping-for-ransom incidents, particularly between 2016 and 2022. However, as of January 2025, the threat level in this region was downgraded to “low,” with no abductions reported since January 2020. Despite this improvement, cruise lines continue to exercise caution, adhering to standard maritime procedures to ensure safety.​

Industry Standards and Safety Protocols

Implementing such security measures is a common practice among cruise lines when navigating areas with a history of piracy. A Cunard spokesperson emphasized that these actions are precautionary, stating, “There was no specific threat to the ship or its guests, and our onboard experience remained uninterrupted.” ​

Conclusion

While the notion of piracy may seem like a relic of the past, it remains a present concern in certain maritime regions. Cruise lines prioritize passenger and crew safety by proactively implementing security measures when traversing these areas. Passengers can take solace in the fact that such protocols are standard and reflect the industry’s commitment to ensuring a secure and enjoyable voyage for all aboard.​