For most travelers, a cruise is the ultimate luxurious escape—gliding across crystal-clear waters, soaking in breathtaking views, and indulging in world-class entertainment. But for passengers aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship, a recent voyage took an unexpected turn when they were ordered to turn off their lights, shut their curtains, and stay away from open decks. The reason? A chilling security alert in waters notorious for piracy.
A Sudden Announcement Leaves Passengers Stunned The 111-night cruise, which set sail from Germany in January, had been smooth sailing—until it entered the Sulu-Celebes Sea, a region between Darwin, Australia, and Manila, Philippines. As passengers settled into their evening routines, a sudden announcement from the captain over the loudspeakers sent a ripple of unease through the ship. Passengers were informed that the vessel was operating under a heightened level of security alertness due to the risks associated with piracy.
The message was clear: visibility needed to be minimized. The ship's external promenade decks were closed overnight, only essential open-deck lights were left on, and guests were asked to turn off their stateroom lights and keep their curtains drawn.119424336 Real-Life Pirates? Passengers React to the Unusual Protocol A video of the announcement quickly made its way onto social media, sparking a wave of reactions.
“Well, that sounds terrifying,” one TikTok user commented. “Not really, it’s just safety prec.
