Passengers aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne, setting out on a luxurious 111-night voyage, were expecting a mix of relaxation and adventure. However, as the ship sailed through the Sulu-Celebes Sea—a region with a history of piracy—additional safety measures were introduced to protect travelers.
During the leg of the journey from Darwin, Australia, to Manila, Philippines, the captain issued a security alert, informing passengers of heightened precautions. To minimize the ship’s visibility at night, passengers were asked to close their cabin curtains and limit the amount of lighting. Furthermore, access to external decks was restricted after dark to reduce the risk of potential threats from piracy.
While some passengers initially felt uneasy, many understood the reasoning behind these safety measures. Lilly McGinley, a seasoned cruiser from the UK, shared her experience of the alert, explaining that although it was an unusual situation, the passengers adapted quickly. She noted that such precautions, though rare, are just part of the adventure when cruising in different parts of the world.
The Sulu-Celebes Sea is known for its history of piracy, with groups like Abu Sayyaf involved in kidnapping-for-ransom operations in the past. However, since 2020, the number of incidents has decreased significantly, and the current threat level is considered low. Still, cruise lines like Cunard follow standard maritime safety protocols in these regions to ensure the protection of their passengers.
Despite the historical piracy risks, Cunard’s focus on passenger safety ensured that the voyage could continue smoothly. For travelers, the added measures served as a reminder of the importance of safety while exploring the world, especially in areas with a complex security history.