A TikTok video from cruise influencer @lillydapink has gone viral, capturing an unexpected moment aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne. In the video, which has amassed millions of views, passengers were asked to turn off their cabin lights and close their curtains due to a potential threat from pirates.
The 1,050-foot-long Queen Anne was sailing from Darwin, Australia, to Manila in the Philippines as part of its 111-night world cruise when the ship entered the Sulu-Celebes Sea. This region, while beautiful, has a reputation for piracy and kidnapping-for-ransom activity, usually involving militant groups in the southern Philippines.
As the ship approached this stretch of water, the captain made a calm but serious announcement, informing guests that the vessel would be operating under heightened security.
@lillydapink The latest update from Cunard Queen Anne. In regards to the pirate protocol #cruisetok #fyp #cunard ♬ original sound – cruisegypsyuk@lillydapink
“This area is known for piracy threats,” the captain said. “We also request that you turn off your stateroom lights when not needed and close the curtains of your stateroom window or balcony.”
The safety protocols went further. Passengers were informed that the promenade deck would be off-limits overnight, from 9 PM to 5 AM. External lighting on the ship would be reduced to essential use only, to minimize visibility from outside during the hours of darkness.
Guests also noticed physical security changes around the ship. On Deck 3, pressurized fire hoses were laid out and connected to high-pressure nozzles aimed out over the sea.
“These are connected to high pressure nozzles over the ship’s sight as a safety precaution,” the captain explained. “Please be careful while walking around the promenade deck as these pose a trip hazard and must be stepped over carefully.”
While some were caught off guard by the announcement, there was no sense of panic. Crew members remained calm and professional, and passengers were repeatedly assured that these were precautionary measures only.
Cunard later confirmed there was no direct threat to the ship or its passengers. In a statement, the cruise line said, “As part of standard maritime procedures, our Captains may make precautionary announcements when sailing through certain regions.”
Passenger & Social Media Reactions
Not everyone aboard the Queen Anne felt entirely at ease when the pirate warning came through. Some parents reportedly chose not to tell their children what was going on to avoid scaring them. With curtains drawn and lights dimmed, the atmosphere was tense for a few passengers who weren’t sure what to expect during the overnight transit.
Still, others treated it like just another quirky part of the cruise experience. Some passengers brought out binoculars and gathered at the front of the ship, scanning the water for any signs of suspicious activity. It quickly became a light-hearted, shared moment — more curiosity than fear.
Social media exploded with reactions once the TikTok video of the announcement went viral. While some expressed shock that piracy was still a thing in 2025, others weren’t surprised at all.
“Standard procedure at sea passing through known pirate areas such as Malacca Strait,” commented Lee Schiller. “Nothing new, just maritime safety precautions.”
Others added their own memories of similar situations. Jessica Hamilton shared, “This happened years ago to my dad on a cruise. They ended up having guards with machine guns walking the decks.” And Nick Hawes added, “Happened to us when we were on QM2 through the Persian Gulf. We were on pirate alert. No drama.”
Of course, not all comments were serious. “As if a boat of pirates would be crazy enough to try and take over a monster cruise ship!! They would be too scared of the gastro,” joked one commenter, while another viewer was simply stunned: “Pirates are real!?!”
For experienced cruisers, though, this kind of event is familiar. As unexpected as it might seem to newcomers, it’s just another reminder that even on luxury cruises, the real world sometimes sneaks in — and becomes a story passengers won’t forget.
Piracy and Cruise Ships: Should You Be Worried?
Pirates might sound like a thing of the past, but modern piracy is still very real in some parts of the world. Regions like the Sulu-Celebes Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Singapore Strait remain hotspots for pirate activity.
That said, cruise ships are rarely the target of these attacks. Pirates are typically after cargo, smaller freighters or poorly protected yachts where a quick boarding and ransom are more feasible. Modern cruise ships are large, fast, and equipped with security protocols that make them difficult and risky targets.
Still, when sailing through certain areas, cruise lines don’t leave anything to chance. Ships often implement precautionary steps like dimmed lighting, restricted deck access, and visible defensive equipment like water cannons or long-range acoustic devices.
Cruise experts and security analysts agree that while these measures may feel dramatic to passengers, the actual risk is extremely low. Announcements like the one on Queen Anne are part of standard maritime safety procedures, especially on longer itineraries that pass through more dangerous waters.
There have been a couple of real incidents in the past, though. In 2009, the MSC Melody was attacked off the coast of Somalia. Pirates in a speedboat opened fire and tried to board using a hooked ladder. Security guards on board returned fire with pistols and used a high-pressure hose to drive them off. No one was hurt, and the pirates eventually gave up.
Another well-known case occurred in 2005 when the Seabourn Spirit was attacked in the Gulf of Aden. Pirates fired rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons at the ship. The crew responded with evasive maneuvers and deployed a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) to fend them off. One crew member was slightly injured, but again, passengers were unharmed and the ship escaped safely.
For most seasoned cruisers, these rare moments are just part of the broader experience of global travel. They’re not exactly expected, but when they do happen, they tend to become just another wild story to bring home — usually more surprising than dangerous.
