Cruise Lines Staying Prepared for Possible Pirate Attacks

Pirate attacks may seem like an outdated relic of sailing, but two cruise lines have instituted preparation plans in case modern day pirates try to board one of the luxury ships.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