Queen Anne Implements Security Measures in Piracy-Prone Waters

Passengers aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship experienced heightened security measures while navigating piracy-prone waters in Southeast Asia during the vessel’s maiden 111-night world voyage. Traveling between Darwin, Australia, and Manila, Philippines, last week, the ship sailed through the Sulu-Celebes Sea, a region with a historical reputation for maritime crime, including kidnapping-for-ransom and piracy.

Security Precautions Implemented Onboard

The ship’s captain issued a safety advisory informing passengers of increased security protocols during the transit. Through a loudspeaker announcement, guests were instructed to draw their curtains, turn off stateroom lights, and avoid accessing external decks overnight. These measures aimed to minimize the vessel’s visibility in low-light conditions.

Additional steps included closing the promenade deck, dimming external lighting, and installing pressurized fire hoses on open decks as deterrents against potential attackers. Cunard emphasized that these guidelines are standard procedures when navigating certain high-risk areas.

Why This Region Is Monitored for Piracy Threats

The Sulu-Celebes Sea, spanning waters between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, has a long history of piracy and maritime terrorism, particularly by groups such as Abu Sayyaf. Although pirate attacks and abductions were frequent until 2020, recent years have seen a significant decrease in incidents. International monitoring agencies, including ReCAAP, downgraded the region’s threat level to low as of January 2025.

Experts note that cruise ships are rarely targeted by pirates due to their large size and onboard security features. Instead, smaller cargo or oil vessels carrying valuable goods and featuring fewer security measures are more common targets. While notable cases like the 2009 attack on MSC Melody near the Seychelles have occurred, such incidents remain rare.

Cunard’s Response to Concerns

A spokesperson for Cunard reassured guests and the public that there were no direct threats to the Queen Anne or its passengers. They highlighted that heightened security practices, such as reducing visibility and closing outdoor access, are a routine precaution in certain maritime areas.

“The safety and security of the ship, its guests, and the crew remains our highest priority,” the spokesperson said. “These procedures are precautionary measures designed to ensure seamless travel experiences, even in regions that require additional vigilance.”

The Queen Anne’s Global Voyage

The Queen Anne, a 114,000-ton luxury liner, set sail on its inaugural world voyage from Hamburg, Germany, in January. Over the course of 111 nights, it features stops in destinations like New York, Australia, China, and South Africa. Accommodating nearly 3,000 passengers, the vessel offers premium amenities, including art installations, wellness activities, and unique recreational options such as archery.

The ship’s safe arrival in Manila, Philippines, over the weekend marked its successful navigation through the piracy-prone corridor. The vessel is scheduled to continue its extensive itinerary before returning to Hamburg in late April.

While rare, such moments highlight the complexities of maritime travel and the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially in regions historically associated with piracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Cunard implement heightened security on the Queen Anne?

The heightened security was a precautionary measure due to the ship’s route through the Sulu-Celebes Sea, a region historically known for piracy and maritime crime. Such protocols are standard when traversing waters with potential risks.

Were there any specific threats to the Queen Anne or its passengers?

No, Cunard confirmed there were no direct threats. The measures were taken purely as a precaution based on the region’s history and established maritime procedures.

Is the Sulu-Celebes Sea still dangerous for maritime travel?

While piracy incidents have decreased significantly in recent years, caution is still advised. Agencies monitoring the area downgraded the threat level to low as of 2025, and no new abduction cases have been reported since 2020.

Do cruise ships often travel through pirate-prone areas?

It is uncommon for cruise ships to navigate regions with piracy concerns. When they do, lines typically employ heightened security measures and, in some cases, may coordinate with military escorts.

What features and facilities are available on the Queen Anne?

The Queen Anne is a luxury liner designed for nearly 3,000 passengers. It showcases art installations, wellness centers, recreational activities like archery, and offers high-end dining options. The current world voyage covers various high-profile destinations across five continents.