During its first world voyage (111-night itinerary), Cunard's ship Queen Anne implemented heightened security protocols while transiting the Sulu and Celebes seas, regions historically associated with piracy.
Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge informed passengers of the increased security measures, advising them to turn off unnecessary stateroom lights, close curtains, and avoid open decks during nighttime hours.
The external promenade deck was closed from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. between March 14th and 15th, with essential lighting minimized to reduce visibility. These precautions aimed to mitigate potential piracy risks, though no specific threats were identified during the voyage.
The Sulu Sea and Celebes/Sulawesi Sea (between Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines) have a history of piracy and maritime crime. However, incidents have declined in recent years, with the last known abduction reported in 2020.
MS Queen Anne departed from Southampton on January 10th, for her inaugural global journey. The vessel safely reached Manila (Philippines) on March 16th, continuing her itinerary without incident.
Cunard Line emphasized that the safety and security of guests and crew are top priorities, and the likelihood of piracy incidents on large ships like the Queen Anne is minimal.