Many people dream of going on a relaxing cruise. Most plan their vacation days so they can go on the cruise of their dreams and relax and unwind.

But people aboard Cunard’s Queen Anne were in for a rude surprise when they learned that during a portion of their trip, they would have to abide by strict rules for a scary reason.

Keep reading to learn more.

Passengers aboard the maiden voyage for Cunard’s Queen Anne cruise ship were in for a bit of a surprise when they were told to turn off lights and close all curtains for their own safety.

The massive luxury vessel is sailing across the world. The 111-night journey started in Germany and was recently crossing the waters near Darwin, Australia, and Manila in the Philippines, passing through the Sulu-Celebes Sea.

The captain of the ship made an announcement, which was unexpected. The captain told passengers aboard the ship that they would be operating at a ‘heightened level of security alertness.’ This was because the ship was passing through an area known for piracy.

The external promenade decks were to be closed overnight, and only the lights that were essential for the open-deck would remain on to minimize the ship’s visibility to others. This is why guests were instructed to turn off lights for the stateroom when not in use and keep their curtains drawn to reduce chances of detection.

A video of the announcement went viral and people who saw it commented on how terrifying it sounded. In another TikTok video, a person aboard the ship showcased how the cruise ship also has security personnel and weapons on board to ward off any possible attacks.

As for whether there is a high risk of a pirate attack on a cruise ship, that is still debatable. However, a spokesperson for Cunard, the company behind the cruise said it was all standard protocol. They said, “As part of standard maritime procedures, our Captains may make precautionary announcements when sailing through certain regions.

“There was no specific threat to the ship or its guests, and our onboard experience remained uninterrupted,” they clarified.

This seems like an adventure of a lifetime! Would you go on a cruise knowing there are passages in the water known for piracy? Let us know in the comments section on Facebook. Share this with other friends who might enjoy this story.