A unique danger of travelling onboard a luxury cruise ship has been revealed, after passengers were instructed to turn off their lights and close their curtains due to a highly unusual threat. The Cunard Queen Anne ship, embarking on an 111-night 'maiden World voyage' from Hamburg, Germany, is visiting sights such as New York, Sydney, Hawaii, Penang, and Cape Town, alongside passing through the Sulu-Celebes sea. However, while picturesque, the nearly 3,000 travellers onboard the vessel appear to have more to fear than simply just seasickness or poor weather.
In a new video amassing more than 8 million views posted to the social media platform TikTok, passengers were seen to receive an announcement from the captain warning them of a 'heightened level of security alertness' as a result of possible 'piracy' threats. As a result of being at risk of attacks by pirates, travellers were instructed to close their stateroom curtains and turn off their lights. Furthermore, the announcement revealed that the external promenade would be closed from 9 PM to 5 PM for a two-day period, while only 'essential' lights would be on in the ship's communal external areas.
Despite possible anxieties the unusual bulletin may have prompted, the captain was quick to assure that 'measures to prevent any unlikely incident have been well-planned' and that the likelihood of a possible piracy attack occurring remains 'absolutely minimal'. This message was echoed by Stewart Chiron, a Miami-based cruise industry expert known as "The Cruise Guy," who stated, "It's rare for cruise ships to traverse pirate-infested areas and wouldn't do so if unsafe. Over the years, cruise ships have avoided these areas or sailed along with military escorts." This measure reassured some passenger, although social media flooded with comments reflecting varying degrees of concern.
In fact, TikTok commenters expressed their shock at the possible threat of pirates during a luxury cruise trip. One user reacted: 'People pay for this? That's crazy!' While another, who plans to take their first cruise trip this summer, exclaimed that the video had 'unlocked' a 'new fear.' Conversely, others appeared less phased, reassuringly recalling their experiences with past mysteries. One commenter noted, 'Been through it a good few times as well as the drills. On Queen Victoria, Andonia, Oriana and Arcadia. It's all part of the fun!'
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report recorded up to 116 incidents against ships in 2024, down from 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. Despite this decline, the ongoing threats to crew safety were highlighted, with 126 crew members taken hostage in 2024, compared to 73 in 2023, and 12 kidnaps reported compared to 14 in the previous year. The Sulu and Celebes Seas have gained a reputation for being hotspots for kidnapping-for-ransom incidents, linked to groups operating in the region, such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a violent Islamic separatist group based in the southern Philippines.
In 2019, the areas surrounding these waters had at least 12 recorded boardings, attacks, hijacks, and kidnapping incidents, raising concerns among passengers and prompting the crew to adopt strict security measures. A representative for Cunard clarified that there was no specific threat to the ship or its guests and that the onboard experience remained uninterrupted. They explained, 'As part of standard maritime procedures, our Captains may make precautionary announcements when sailing through certain regions.'
Throughout the voyage, passengers have access to luxurious facilities, with the Queen Anne described as a 'modern, yet timeless' ship offering exciting, novel experiences including multiple pools, restaurants, a promenade deck, spa, and luxury suites that boast personal butlers. Prices for this world voyage start at $16,379 per person, signifying that guests are willing to pay a premium for not just comfort but adventure as well.
The Queen Anne voyage is notably significant, as it sails across regions that cruise lines typically avoid or employ military escorts due to piracy threats. Passengers embarking on this journey may encounter additional tensions, but the crew's information and procedures aim to keep them secure. You might be wondering what safeguards exist aboard. Officials continuously assess security conditions, specifically in areas known for piracy, ensuring that vessels are operating safely.
As security remains paramount during cruise voyages, travelers are encouraged to remain knowledgeable about protocols and safety measures onboard. While a luxury cruise can promise an escape to exotic destinations, reminders of potential dangers exist, prompting travelers to consider both their comfort level and safety as they set sail.
Capturing this balance of adventure and safety is essential for cruise ships in accurately assessing risks and ensuring travel safety. The Queen Anne voyage, through stunning yet complex regions, demonstrates how modern cruising adapts to meet the challenges of today, ensuring superb experiences amidst heightened awareness of safety risks.
