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.
Related Posts
- Is Cunard Too Posh For Me? I Cruised on Queen Mary 2 To Find Out
- Best & Worst Cunard Line Ships (Ranked By Reviews)
- A Guide To What Clothes You Should Wear On A Cunard Cruise
Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings CEO Sues Company Over Alleged $18 Million Retirement Deal
Former Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings chief executive Frank Del Rio has filed a lawsuit against the cruise company he once led, claiming he was denied millions of dollars in compensation…
Royal Caribbean Sued After Passenger Trips Over Mobility Scooter In Ship Casino
A former Royal Caribbean passenger is seeking damages from the cruise line after allegedly suffering serious injuries when she tripped over a mobility scooter left in a walkway aboard Jewel…
Norwegian Star Overhauls 2027 Cruise With New Embarkation Port And Completely Revised Itinerary
Guests booked on a 9-night Norwegian Star cruise in November 2027 are facing a major itinerary shake-up after Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the sailing will now depart from a different…
Holland America Cruise Hit By Propulsion Failure As Alaska Itinerary And Glacier Bay Visit Are Scrapped
When you book an Alaskan cruise, you’re dreaming of glacier-carved fjords, charming frontier ports, and perhaps spotting a breaching whale or two from your balcony. What you’re certainly not expecting…
I don’t think it’s all that uncommon when sailing through areas where pirates may be to have extra security measures in place…..