Passengers aboard Cunard’s luxury cruise ship, Queen Anne, were surprised when an announcement instructed them to turn off unnecessary lights and keep their cabin curtains closed. This directive, issued while sailing through certain waters in Southeast Asia, was not part of a themed event but a genuine safety measure due to increased security concerns in the area.

The ship had entered the Sulu-Celebes Sea a route between Australia and the Philippines known for past piracy incidents, although generally calm. To minimize visibility and reduce potential risks, the ship’s captain declared a security alert. Measures included closing exterior promenade decks overnight and dimming exterior lighting to make the vessel less visible in the dark.

Passengers had mixed reactions. Some were alarmed by the seriousness of the announcement, while others saw it as a standard precaution in certain regions. Videos shared on social media quickly drew attention, with experienced cruisers confirming that such protocols are routine when passing through areas known for higher risk.

While piracy targeting cruise ships is rare, maritime regulations require ships to follow strict security measures in regions historically associated with pirate activity. Cunard reassured passengers that there was no direct threat and that onboard services continued as usual. The incident highlights the vigilance cruise lines maintain to ensure guest safety, even in remote or generally low-risk locations.