Pirate Alert Issued Aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne as It Sailed Through High-Risk Waters

On March 14th, 2025, Cunard’s Queen Anne issued a precautionary pirate alert as it sailed through the Sulu and Celebes Seas, areas known for piracy activities, as the ship made its way between Darwin, Australia, and Manila, Philippines.

The alert was given to passengers as a safety measure in the waters about 800 miles south of Manila, where piracy and ransom kidnappings are a known threat.

Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge informed guests of the increased security protocols in place for the duration of the ship’s passage through these high-risk maritime zones.

This included the temporary closure of the promenade deck for the night of March 14-15, the dimming of exterior lighting, and a recommendation for passengers to switch off their stateroom lights and keep curtains drawn for added discretion.

“The safety of everyone aboard is my highest priority,” Captain Thorhauge said, reassuring guests that, despite the increased vigilance, the likelihood of an attack on a cruise ship remained minimal.

In addition to the lighting measures, passengers were given detailed instructions on emergency procedures, such as remaining in their rooms or moving to protected areas in the event of any security issues. Fortunately, the ship passed through the high-risk waters without any incidents.

A seasoned deck officer, speaking anonymously, emphasized that cruise ships are well-prepared for these types of situations, equipped with advanced security features beyond basic defense systems. “Pirates typically focus on smaller vessels, such as merchant or fishing boats, rather than large ships with thousands of passengers,” the officer noted.

@lillydapink I am not worried at all. In fact, it's quite an interesting experience. The ship is safe and well protected, so I will sleep well tonight. Unless the pirate alarm goes off, of course 🙃 #cruisetok #fyp #cunard ♬ оригинальный звук – Music tour

Security expert Jeroen van den Berg, based in Amsterdam, further explained that cruise ships often utilize water cannons, sound deterrents, enhanced surveillance, and sometimes even naval escorts for additional protection.

Local military forces also patrol the area, offering another layer of security to ships navigating these dangerous waters.

While incidents of piracy targeting cruise ships are extremely rare, the most recent attacks occurred in 2005 and 2009, both of which were successfully prevented.

The Queen Anne, currently on its maiden world voyage, has since departed Manila and is continuing its journey to Hong Kong, with enhanced security measures still in place as it sails through other high-risk regions.