In March 2025, passengers aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship experienced unexpected safety protocols as the vessel navigated the Sulu-Celebes Sea, a region historically associated with piracy. The incident highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by maritime operators when traversing areas known for security threats.
The Maiden Voyage of Queen Anne
The Queen Anne embarked on its inaugural 111-night world voyage from Hamburg, Germany, on January 7, 2025. The itinerary included stops in England, New York, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines, among other destinations. With a capacity of 2,996 guests and 1,225 crew members, the luxury liner promised an unparalleled cruising experience.
Heightened Security Measures Announced
As the ship approached the waters between Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the captain addressed passengers regarding the implementation of heightened security measures. These precautions included:
- Dimming or turning off external lighting to minimize visibility.
- Instructing passengers to turn off stateroom lights when not in use and to keep curtains drawn.
- Closing external decks during nighttime hours.
The captain emphasized that these steps were standard maritime procedures when navigating piracy-prone regions and assured passengers that there was no specific threat to the ship.
Passenger Reactions and Viral Attention
The announcement and subsequent measures garnered significant attention, particularly after a passenger, identified as @lillydapink on TikTok, recorded the captain’s address and shared it online. The video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and sparking widespread discussion about modern piracy threats and cruise ship safety protocols. Many viewers expressed surprise at the existence of such threats in contemporary times and commended the crew’s proactive approach to passenger safety.
Historical Context of Piracy in the Region
The Sulu-Celebes Sea has a history of piracy and kidnapping-for-ransom incidents, notably involving groups like Abu Sayyaf. Between late 2016 and mid-2022, ships were advised to avoid these waters due to high abduction risks. However, with no recorded abductions since January 2020, the threat level was officially downgraded to “low” in January 2025.
Standard Maritime Protocols
Implementing security measures in areas susceptible to piracy is a common practice among maritime operators. These protocols are designed to deter potential threats and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Similar measures have been adopted by other vessels in the past when traversing high-risk zones.
The Role of Modern Technology in Maritime Security
Modern cruise ships like the Queen Anne are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems designed to detect and deter potential threats. Surveillance cameras, radar technology, and advanced navigation tools allow ships to monitor surrounding waters and identify any suspicious activity.
Additionally, many vessels employ private security teams trained to handle potential pirate attacks. Some ships traveling through high-risk zones even use non-lethal deterrents such as high-powered water cannons and long-range acoustic devices (LRADs), which emit painful sound waves to discourage unauthorized approaches.
How Piracy Affects the Cruise Industry
Although cruise ships are rarely targeted by pirates compared to cargo vessels and fishing boats, the industry remains cautious when navigating regions with historical piracy activity. Any incident involving a major cruise line could severely impact its reputation and lead to costly security enhancements.
For this reason, companies invest heavily in risk assessments and route planning, sometimes altering itineraries to avoid problematic waters. While unexpected security measures like those implemented on the Queen Anne may surprise passengers, they are essential for maintaining safe operations in international waters.
Conclusion
The proactive steps taken by the Queen Anne’s crew underscore the importance of vigilance and preparedness in maritime travel. While the likelihood of piracy incidents affecting modern cruise ships remains low, such measures provide reassurance to passengers and contribute to the overall safety of maritime operations. This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in global navigation and the enduring necessity for security awareness in certain regions
