Queen Anne Cruise Takes Piracy Precautions
During its 111‐night maiden world voyage, passengers onboard the Queen Anne received a stark warning about piracy threats while sailing in Southeast Asia. The ship’s Captain Inger Klein alerted guests on March 13 that the region they were about to enter, encompassing the Sulu and Celebes Seas surrounding Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, is historically known for piracy. In her announcement, Captain Klein instructed passengers to turn off all cabin lights, close curtains and doors, and avoid gathering near windows, balconies, or open decks to minimize any potential risks. The captain further informed everyone that the external promenade deck would be closed on both sides from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. overnight, beginning on the night of March 14 into the early hours of March 15, with no guest access allowed during these hours. This heightened level of security was implemented as a precautionary measure during transit through the piracy-prone waters.
The crew had taken extensive steps to prepare the ship against any possible pirate activity. Passengers even captured video footage showing the pressurized fire hoses installed on the promenade deck, a setup that resembled modern-day cannons. Although such security measures are considered standard procedure for the cruise line when navigating these waters, the visual impact of the equipment quickly went viral on platforms like TikTok, with many travelers sharing their experiences and the unusual safety announcements. The social media buzz served as a vivid reminder of the ongoing concerns related to maritime piracy in the region, a challenge that has been part of the area’s history for centuries.
Experts and authorities have long noted that the Sulu and Celebes Seas are notorious for piracy, with some reports even suggesting that certain pirate groups operating in the region could be affiliated with or provide support to ISIS. These claims, made by the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, underscore the potential severity of the threat, although the ship’s management emphasized that their procedures were designed to ensure the utmost safety of everyone onboard. Despite the alarming nature of the warning, the security measures were routine for this area and were part of a broader strategy to protect passengers and crew during transit.
After two days navigating through the challenging waters, the Queen Anne safely reached Manila, providing a sigh of relief for both the passengers and the crew. The incident did not dampen the overall enthusiasm of the long-voyage travelers, many of whom expressed admiration for the proactive security steps taken by the cruise line. The world cruise, which remains well underway, is scheduled to conclude in Hamburg, Germany on April 29. In the meantime, the incident has sparked discussions among maritime experts and passengers alike about the importance of robust security protocols when traversing regions known for piracy threats.
Passengers have since reflected on the experience as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of international travel, where even luxury cruises must be prepared for unexpected challenges. The swift and professional handling of the situation by the ship’s captain and crew has reassured travelers that safety is the highest priority on this historic voyage. As the Queen Anne continues its journey around the globe, its experience serves as an important case study for other cruise operators facing similar security challenges in high-risk areas, ensuring that the world’s oceans remain navigable even in regions with a long-standing reputation for piracy.
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