The Cruise Passenger publication says: There were only six reports of pirates attempting to attack cruise ships over the last 10 years – in fact there has never been a successful pirate attack on a cruise ship. However, this doesn't mean cruise ships aren't prepared for the worst.

Yes, though rare, pirates have targeted cruise ships in modern history. The most famous incident occurred in 2005 when the Seabourn Spirit was attacked by Somali pirates 100 miles off the coast of Somalia; they fired AK-47s and a rocket-propelled grenade, but the ship escaped using a Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) and speed. In 2009, the MSC Melody was also attacked near the Seychelles by pirates in a skiff who attempted to board the vessel using a ladder; passengers famously fought back by throwing deck chairs until security officers and the captain's evasive maneuvers forced the pirates to retreat. In 2026, cruise lines are extremely well-prepared for these threats, utilizing advanced risk mapping, blacked-out "quiet zones" in high-risk areas like the Gulf of Aden or the Sulu-Celebes Sea, and carrying specialized security personnel. Most modern "piracy" in 2026 involves smaller yachts or cargo vessels, as the sheer size, height, and speed of a modern cruise ship make it a nearly impossible target for a successful boarding.