Passengers aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship recently experienced a startling reminder that piracy remains a real threat in some parts of the world. While sailing through the Sulu-Celebes Sea on a long 111-night journey from Darwin, Australia, to Manila, Philippines, the ship’s captain made an important announcement instructing guests to turn off all lights, close curtains, and avoid being visible after dark.
The captain explained these security measures were necessary due to the known piracy risks in the region. Lights on the promenade deck were dimmed, its access restricted after sunset, and protocols were reviewed in case of emergency. He reassured passengers that attacks on luxury liners like the Queen Anne are rare and that extensive precautions were in place.
But the announcement created a tense atmosphere, with passengers feeling more like characters in a thriller than on holiday. A passenger’s TikTok video of the moment went viral, gaining more than 8.9 million views. Many viewers expressed surprise that modern piracy is still a concern. Comments ranged from amazement to jokes about hiding in cabins.
A former cruise ship employee explained that such safety steps are common in high-risk areas, with some ships even hiring armed guards when passing through piracy hotspots like near Somalia.
Other videos from the cruise showed darkened rooms and vigilant security staff patrolling the ship, earning praise for their professionalism from viewers.
Maritime experts confirmed that while pirates usually target cargo and fishing vessels rather than big cruise ships, companies won’t take chances in dangerous waters. Cunard later confirmed no direct threat occurred. The captain’s instructions were standard operating procedures in this region, which has a history of piracy and kidnappings, notably by the militant Abu Sayyaf Group.
Though the threat level has lowered since 2020, the reminder unsettled many passengers, who hadn’t expected to face piracy risks during a luxury voyage.
The Queen Anne, a massive ship over 1,000 feet long carrying nearly 3,000 guests, began this grand journey in early 2025 and will make stops worldwide. For most guests, piracy warnings were an unexpected reality check about the unpredictability of travel.
The incident sparked widespread interest online and highlighted the professionalism of the captain and crew in maintaining calm. It reminded everyone that even today, piracy remains a challenge on some sea routes.
