Cruise & Cruise Line

Cruise Lines Staying Prepared for Possible Pirate Attacks

Image: Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas. (photo via Royal Caribbean) (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Image: Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of the Seas. (photo via Royal Caribbean) (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:08 AM ET, Thu May 2, 2019

Pirate attacks may seem like an outdated relic of sailing, but two cruise lines have instituted preparation plans in case modern day pirates try to board one of the luxury ships.

According to CruiseRadio.net, Royal Caribbean's Spectrum of The Seas and Princess Cruises' Sun Princess have developed exercises to prepare passengers in case one of the ships is attacked while sailing through areas known for piracy.

The Sun Princess warned travelers in advance they would be working on pirate drills that called for passengers to take shelter in the interior corridors while cruise line officials worked to avoid the sailing criminals. The precautions come as the ship is on a 99-day World Cruise.

As for the Spectrum of The Seas, officials from Royal Caribbean are conducting Safe Haven drills to help prepare passengers for the unlikely possibility that pirates attack the ship. Travelers are asked to move toward the center of the vessel and avoid windows and outside areas.

When the massive new ship was en route to China, it passed through the Gulf of Aden, and officials closed the Promenade Deck and asked passengers to close the curtains and turn off the lights in their staterooms to avoid drawing any extra attention.

In addition, Royal Caribbean added armed security officers to ensure the safety of passengers.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Donald Wood

Donald Wood

Managing Editor

Donald Wood is TravelPulse’s Managing Editor, bringing nearly 15 years of experience to the desk. He currently lives outside Philadelphia with his wife and two children.

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...