Passengers aboard Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, received an unexpected announcement as the vessel navigated piracy-prone waters between Darwin, Australia, and Manila, Philippines, this weekend.
Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge informed guests that heightened security measures would be in place while crossing the Sulu and Celebes Seas, an area approximately 800 miles south of Manila known for piracy and kidnapping-for-ransom operations.
The precautionary steps included temporarily closing the promenade deck overnight between March 14 and 15, dimming external lights, and advising passengers to switch off stateroom lights and keep curtains closed.
“The safety and security of the ship, guests, and crew is my highest priority,” Captain Thorhauge reassured, emphasising that the likelihood of an attack on a large cruise vessel remains very low.
Passengers were instructed on emergency procedures, including remaining indoors or moving to protected corridors if necessary. However, no security incidents occurred during the ship’s passage through these high-risk waters.
An experienced deck officer, speaking anonymously, explained: “Cruise ships are extensively trained for such situations and come equipped with robust security measures far beyond basic defences. Pirates typically target smaller merchant or fishing vessels, not cruise ships carrying thousands of people.”
Security expert Jeroen van den Berg, based in Amsterdam, highlighted additional protections including water cannons, sound-based deterrents, enhanced surveillance, and sometimes even security escorts. He also pointed out that local military forces often patrol these high-risk maritime regions.
The last significant pirate attacks on cruise ships occurred in 2005 and 2009, both of which were successfully thwarted.
The Queen Anne, currently undertaking its maiden world voyage, has now safely left Manila and is heading towards Hong Kong.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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