Passengers aboard Cunard’s luxury cruise ship Queen Anne were startled when the captain announced new
safety measures: dimming unnecessary lights, closing curtains, and restricting access to exterior decks overnight.
The directive came as the ship entered the Sulu-Celebes Sea, a corridor between Australia and the Philippines historically linked to piracy.
Though seas were calm, the captain declared a security alert to reduce the vessel’s visibility. Exterior lighting was
minimized and promenade decks closed at night, standard precautions when transiting high-risk waters.
Videos of the announcement quickly circulated on social media, sparking curiosity and concern.
Reactions among passengers varied. Some were unnerved by the seriousness of the measures, while cruise veterans reassured
others that such protocols are common in certain regions. Experts noted that while piracy against cruise
ships is rare, maritime security guidelines require heightened vigilance in historically vulnerable areas.
Cunard emphasized that there was no immediate threat to guests and that daily activities onboard continued as normal.
For most travelers, the experience became a reminder of the unseen challenges of global travel. Even on luxury cruises,
security remains a top priority, and small precautions can help ensure safety while sailing through remote or sensitive waters.