Queen Anne Implements Heightened Security in Piracy-Prone Waters During Maiden World Voyage

Introduction
Cunard’s Queen Anne enforced heightened security measures during its maiden 111-night world voyage while transiting through the Sulu and Celebes seas, regions historically associated with piracy. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge informed passengers of the precautions, which included closing external decks at night, minimizing lighting, and advising guests to draw curtains and avoid open areas after dark. These measures were implemented between March 14 and 15, 2025, as the ship navigated waters between Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Although no specific threats were identified, the protocols underscored Cunard’s commitment to ensuring passenger safety in areas with a history of maritime crime.

Details of the Incident
The Queen Anne , on its inaugural world voyage, departed Southampton, UK, on January 10, 2025, embarking on an ambitious 111-night itinerary. As part of this journey, the vessel passed through the Sulu and Celebes seas, regions known for their historical association with piracy. While incidents of piracy have declined in recent years, with the last reported abduction occurring in 2020, these waters remain classified as high-risk zones by maritime authorities.

To mitigate potential risks, Captain Thorhauge implemented a series of precautionary measures:

• Closure of the promenade deck from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. between March 14 and 15, 2025.
• Minimization of external lighting to reduce the ship’s visibility at night.
• Passenger advisories to turn off unnecessary stateroom lights, close curtains, and avoid open decks during nighttime hours.

These precautions aimed to minimize the risk of attracting attention from potential threats in the region. The ship safely reached Manila, Philippines, on March 16, continuing its itinerary without incident.

Response and Impact
Cunard Line emphasized that the safety and security of passengers and crew are top priorities. The company assured travelers that the likelihood of piracy incidents on large ships like the Queen Anne is minimal, given modern security technologies and international naval patrols. However, the decision to implement heightened security measures reflects the cruise line’s proactive approach to addressing even remote risks.

Captain Thorhauge’s transparent communication with passengers helped maintain trust and calm aboard the vessel. By clearly explaining the rationale behind the precautions, Cunard ensured that guests understood the measures were precautionary rather than reactive to an immediate threat.

Industry experts note that while piracy incidents have decreased in recent years due to enhanced regional cooperation and anti-piracy initiatives, isolated risks remain in certain areas. This case highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness when operating in historically piracy-prone waters.

Key Takeaways:

• Cunard’s *Queen Anne* implemented heightened security measures while transiting the Sulu and Celebes seas, regions historically associated with piracy.
• Precautions included closing the promenade deck at night, minimizing lighting, and advising passengers to draw curtains and avoid open areas after dark.
• No specific threats were identified, but the measures were precautionary, reflecting Cunard’s commitment to passenger safety.
• The ship safely reached Manila, Philippines, on March 16, continuing its 111-night world voyage without incident.
• Piracy incidents in the region have declined in recent years, with the last reported abduction occurring in 2020.