Pirates remain a real threat in certain regions, posing challenges for cruise ships navigating these waters. Over the years, cruise lines have developed extensive measures to protect passengers and crew from potential pirate attacks, ensuring a safe and secure journey.

While there have been only a few reported incidents over the past decade, the cruise industry takes the risk seriously. Cruise ships implement rigorous safety procedures and deploy advanced technologies to mitigate threats and safeguard passengers.

Safety procedures on cruise ships

Cruise ships enact various safety protocols to enhance security when sailing through pirate-prone waters. These measures include:

  • Outer Deck Restrictions: Access to the outer decks is restricted to prevent unauthorised entry and minimise the risk of pirates boarding the ship.
  • Pirate Drills: Regular pirate drills are conducted for all guests, ensuring everyone is prepared to respond effectively in case of an emergency involving pirate activity.
  • Indoor Activities: Outdoor activities are moved indoors to minimise exposure to potential threats, providing a safer environment for passengers and crew.
  • Additional Military Support: Cruise ships may deploy additional military support on board, such as armed guards or naval escorts, to bolster security measures and deter pirate attacks.
  • Nighttime Precautions: All the ship’s lights are darkened at night, enhancing stealth and security during vulnerable periods to reduce visibility and avoid attracting unwanted attention.

These comprehensive precautions are essential for maintaining the safety and security of passengers and crew members, ensuring a safe voyage through potentially dangerous waters.

Real-life experiences: Sailing through pirate-prone waters

Passengers and crew members have shared their experiences sailing through pirate-infested waters. Carolyne Jasinski, a luxury cruise passenger, recounted her voyage through the Gulf of Aden, where the threat of piracy loomed. She described the seriousness with which the crew treated the situation, including dusk-to-dawn lockouts and constant vigilance.

“It was made very clear on the Sea Princess, very quickly, that this pirate threat was not something to be joked about.”

“Any remaining smirks soon disappeared as the pirate drill alarm sounded. The crew was instructed to move on to their designated muster stations.”

Ms Jasinski also said that 10 of the cruise’s 104 days at sea were spent in a dusk-to-dawn lockout as the ship sailed through the high-risk waters.

“The captain said we could outrun any pirate ships. But just in case, officers were on watch 24/7, and fire hoses were at the ready on Deck Seven. If the high-pressure spray didn’t stop wannabe intruders, the detergent solution should. No entry here for those slippery little suckers.

“If all else failed, there was the sonic boom. We were told it can knock pirates off their feet or ladders if they get too close.”

Keeping cruise passengers safe

Royal Caribbean crew member and Tiktok user ‘ericafromamerica’ also shared what her ship did to keep passengers safe while sailing through the pirate hotspot.

Advanced pirate defence technologies

Cruise lines are at the forefront of employing cutting-edge technologies to deter pirate attacks and ensure the safety of passengers and crew during voyages through high-risk areas. These innovative solutions encompass a range of sophisticated equipment and strategic measures designed to repel potential threats effectively.

LRAD (Long-Range Acoustic Device)

One of the primary defensive tools cruise ships employ is the LRAD or Long-Range Acoustic Device. This state-of-the-art technology emits a high-pitched, directional noise that can disorient and repel potential attackers. LRAD systems are strategically positioned on cruise ships to create a sonic barrier against pirate threats. The intensity of the sound emitted can be adjusted based on the proximity of the danger, providing a non-lethal yet highly effective means of deterring pirate attacks.

Nemesis 5000 Water Gun

Developed by the Security Alliance for Effective Solutions, the Nemesis 5000 represents a significant advancement in maritime security technology. This robust water cannon can shoot a 360-degree curtain of water at speeds of up to 128 km/h. Deployed as a non-lethal weapon, the Nemesis 5000 is a formidable deterrent against pirate activities, preventing unauthorised access to the ship. Its ability to deliver a high-pressure stream of water creates a formidable barrier that pirates are unlikely to overcome, further enhancing the vessel’s security measures.

Razor Wire Barriers

To fortify the physical defences of cruise ships, razor wire barriers may be installed around the outer edges of handrails. These sharp and densely packed wires act as physical deterrents, making it exceedingly difficult for pirates to use grappling hooks or other climbing mechanisms to board the vessel. Razor wire barriers effectively reinforce the ship’s perimeter, providing additional protection against unauthorised intrusions.

Covert Defence Measures

In addition to overt security measures, cruise ships may also employ covert defence tactics to discreetly detect and neutralise pirate threats. While specific details are often confidential for security reasons, reports suggest that cruise ships may utilise advanced surveillance systems, including night vision technology and thermal imaging cameras, to monitor and track suspicious activities near the vessel. 

Highly trained security personnel, including snipers positioned at strategic vantage points, serve as a formidable deterrent against potential pirate attacks.

Fighting piracy

Despite ongoing concerns about pirate attacks, cruise ships employ proactive safety measures and advanced technologies to ensure passengers’ peace of mind. Cruise lines prioritise passenger safety through robust security protocols, state-of-the-art defence systems, and collaborative efforts with international naval forces. While piracy remains a threat, the industry’s resilience and preparedness are evident in its ability to effectively repel attacks and navigate challenging waters.

Research before you book

Check out the rest of Cruise Passenger to learn more about cruise safety measures and confidently book your next voyage.