Cruise ships ward off pirates by taking a variety of measures. They employ armed guards, use high-tech surveillance systems, and have water cannons to deter any potential attackers. Additionally, they often travel in convoys with other vessels for added protection and security.

While piracy is a real threat in specific regions like the Gulf of Aden or parts of Southeast Asia, cruise ships are rarely targeted because they are exceptionally difficult and unrewarding targets. Modern cruise ships are significantly faster than most pirate skiffs, allowing them to simply outrun potential attackers. They are also equipped with advanced surveillance, high-intensity spotlights, and non-lethal deterrents like Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD)—which emit a painful, disorienting sound—and high-pressure water cannons. Furthermore, many ships sailing through high-risk zones carry discreet armed security teams and coordinate closely with international naval task forces. From a pirate's perspective, trying to board a 20-story "floating fortress" with thousands of witnesses and professional security is a high-risk gamble compared to a slower, low-profile cargo ship with a skeleton crew. Consequently, while cruise lines take strict precautions, the actual incidence of attacks on passenger vessels remains extremely low.