.jpg)
Pirate Threat Puts Cruise Ship on High Alert — Passengers Told to Shut Curtains and Lights for Safety
A luxury journey aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne took an unexpected twist when passengers were instructed to turn off their lights and close curtains—not for ambiance, but for their safety.
Setting sail from Germany in January, the Queen Anne recently navigated the Sulu-Celebes Sea, the stretch of water between Darwin and Manila. While usually tranquil, this area is known for occasional pirate activity, prompting swift precautionary action.
As the ship entered these higher-risk waters, the captain announced a “heightened level of security alertness.” Measures included closing external decks overnight, dimming all deck lighting, and asking passengers to switch off cabin lights and keep curtains drawn.
The announcement quickly made waves on social media, with a viral TikTok video sparking varied reactions—some viewers expressed concern, while others recognized these steps as standard procedure in piracy-prone regions.
Former cruise staff chimed in, confirming such protocols are routine and that armed security personnel often accompany vessels passing through known hotspots.
Though pirate attacks on cruise liners are extremely rare—cargo ships remain the more frequent targets—these precautions are common in sensitive areas like Southeast Asia and near the Somali coast.
Cunard reassured the public with a statement clarifying there was no immediate threat and that “onboard experiences remained uninterrupted.” They stressed these are precautionary measures designed to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.
This incident highlights the cruise industry’s unwavering commitment to passenger security—taking no chances, even in low-risk scenarios—so travelers can relax and enjoy their voyages with confidence.
