Would You Take A Cruise in Pirate Attack Areas ??

[Darkwolfe]

Ya those were pretty funny Cruisebug in Canada. I like Zim's especially. But he can play with the machine. I'll take sniping.

 

Call me a redneck or a hawk or just some guy who doesn't like slime if you like, but I'll happily go cruising over there... with my SK in hand if those animals so much as sneeze in my direction. There's a 50 point bonus for shooting the pirate's helmsman. A 7.62mmx39 slug will do wonders for making them rethink that occupation.

 

Celle- Come up to the US and look me up. I'll show you what the average responsible gun owner in this country is like. If the politicians would quite being so liberal (dream on) you'd see huge numbers of armed citizens every day and very little crime.

 

It's called responsibility and too any politicos (worldwide) think they should be able to dictate who can be responsible and who can't. Problem is, they aren't qualified.

[Bran8778]

lol :D

[JLC@SD]

I think the cruise lines are missing a major revenue enhancement opportunity.

 

Can you imagine how much people would pay to be able to man actual machine gun turrets as an onboard activity? The promise of being able to blast away at these lowlkife suckers as they approach the ship would be hard to pass up.

 

To heck with shooting clay targets off the fantail.....

 

yeah.......imagine what they could charge for a rocket launcher.....instead of a shotgun....;)

[Mark]

Hey I would pay to be able to shoot twin 50 cals at those animals...50s should do some real nice damage to their wooden "attack boats" LOL!:cool:

[carabenz]

Yes! We are booked on Costa Victoria for a 21 day cruise departing Dubai on 4/18/2009. We will transit the Gulf of Aden on our way to Venice. If we get chased by pirates it will add some excitment to the cruise. I really don't know what a pirate boat is going to do with 2800 passengers and crew. Hey I can get killed just walking down the streets of our cities by one of our citizen pirates.

[rogerc1944]

We are booked on Star Clipper's trans-Indian Ocean cruise for October/November 2009. I understand that armed escort through the Somali pirate area was provided by a warship for this year's cruise. I also heard on BBC that the EU is stepping up efforts to protect freighters and tankers. However, there are no similar plans to protect cruise ships. Doesn't that make us all feel safer as passengers (NOT!)? I wonder what their strange reasoning might be.

 

Let's see.....rioting in Greece, Islamic terrorists in Egypt, Somali pirates off Africa and the Red Sea, more Islamic terrorists in India, Tamil Tigers in Scrilanka, and rioters in Thailand. Did I miss anybody in between Athens and Thailand?

 

If the cruise line doesn't cancel, I guess I'll have to add to my poetic lines about the joys of sailing (I yearn for the sound of the wind in the riging, the creak of the ship as it strains against the sea, and the sound of the ice tinkling in my glass). Maybe I should add: and "the whine of bullets past my head" or "the grenades detonating on the deck". Some how, that's not what I really have in mind when cruising! One would think that the world's navies could control some two bit pirates in a stupid speed boat.

[xpcdoojk]

As soon as RCL announced the Brilliance - Dubai repositioning to Spaind through Suez Canal I booked us. It's something we've wanted to do for ages. We have also booked the previous week Dubai/Dubai. This will be our first back to back. (April 2010). At this point, we are going along with friends.

 

I guess we will watch and see what the next year and half will bring but I have no intentions of cancelling in the near future.

 

It has been swell knowing you Marilyn! :D:D

 

Teasing, completely! Sounds like a great trip.

 

jc

[Lynnees]

It has been swell knowing you Marilyn! :D:D

 

Teasing, completely! Sounds like a great trip.

 

jc

 

hehe DH has a gun licence but here in Canada one cannot carry. However, we are so looking forward to this one - hopefully it won't get cancelled.

 

We will also be really sure to listen at the muster drill this time. :D

[GatorGal]

Thousands of us aren't "considering" booking a cruise that goes through the Gulf of Aden -- we are already booked to do so, for nearly a year. Mumbai is also on our world cruise (and Athens), plenty of unrest everywhere. We leave next month. Otherwise, probably wouldn't book it now.

[sunshinefan]

The problem is that people are focused on media sensationalism rather than the actual facts. How many on this thread are aware of current pirate attacks in the Caribbean?

 

This link will take you to a map showing the actual pirate attacks reported in 2008.

 

http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_fabrik&view=visualization&controller=visualization.googlemap&Itemid=89&phpMyAdmin=F5XY3CeBeymbElbQ8jr4qlxK1J3

 

I love the voice of reason. We did a world cruise last year on the QE2. As we approached the area of all of the red balloons on the map near SE Asia, an announcement was made to the effect that we were entering hostile waters and there would be around the clock watches at "sound cannons" on the upper deck until we reached - not sure of the port - maybe Hong Kong, maybe Shanghai. Having no idea there had been so many piracy events in the area, we wondered what made the waters so hostile.

 

I am not a brave person in the face of probable danger, not in the face of all danger - just probable danger. We are taking another cruise in through the Indian Ocean and I have to agree that we have a much greater risk of a car accident on the way to the ship than of a pirate attack. Fear may be why there was such a great price on our cruise. Fear for the economy, fear of terrorists, fear of piracy. Keep being afraid and we contrarians will keep sailing for less money.

[Druke I]

We have sailed the Gulf of Aden, on the same ship Nautica, but our trip was Dec 06.

 

The pirates had been active in the area, and there were some passengers aboard our trip who were a bit nervous. There was one lady who was sure that the fish held up by one of the fishermen was a launcher for a rocket propelled grenade!

 

We have also sailed in Indonesian waters, where there are also pirates.

 

Few places in the world, if any, are totally safe and free from crime, terrorism, etc.

[MargnGrah]

This is one area I would avoid. :eek:.....at least at the moment, maybe it will be safer if the UN proposals are accepted...maybe!!!:(

[FritzG]

Does anyone know how fast a big cruise ship can travel if it needs to run? Also, how many weapons are onboard and what is the crew training like?

[oavcech95]

I will not do it. just wait.

[dvrail]

I've been planning on the 2009 QV world cruise for over a year. While I realize that piracy is a definite possibility, I will not let that "possibility" overcome my desire to see Petra, Eqypt and to cruise the Suez. If our valiant President, is so desirous of fighting terrorism, why not go after these pirates that pose a threat to commerce.

[slotl]

On Nov 23rd, we just returned from the 65 day Grand Adventure of Asia and Australia.

 

We sailed right thru the "problem" areas in the South China Sea. Our room was in the back of the cruise ship so we could "see" some of the crew activies as we sailed thru the area. On the Prominade Deck, the crew "quietly" mounted speakers from the ceilings around the deck and firehoses were laid on the deck in the evening. The hoses were removed during the day. This "preparation" was done without the knowledge of the passengers, unless the passenger was astute enough to understand the precautions being taken because of the location they were in.

 

Everything went fine, no pirates, but.....a "rescue at sea". In the South China Sea there was a very small fishing boat waving a red T-shirt. The captain turned the ship around to "investigate". A tender was lowered to check out the boat. I am sure there were armed security guards, a doctor, and the necessary engineers to fix any problems with the boat. Nothing was wrong with the small boat, they were just waving at us when we went by. Were the passengers in danger? I doubt it, but rules of the sea demand "rescue" of small boats in distress. I don't think the Captain would put the passengers in any danger.

 

Of course, as rumors always do, some passengers said that this "small" boat was going to ram the Amsterdam and the fishermen were actually "pirates". I am sure that the Captain was mad about having to turn the ship around and investigate, but.............

 

Our next cruise is a back to back on the HAL Volendam from Auckland to Singapore in March, then 3 days in Singapore and board the Azamara Quest in April. The Quest goes to Mumbai, thru the Sea of Aden to Dubai and thru the Suez Canal. It ends in Rome. As of today, three hugh "hotspots". Will we cancel. Hell, NO! My jusband and I decided to take a private tour to the Taj Mahal on our 3 day layover in Singapore. That way if the Quest does not stop in Cochin and Mumbai, we will not have missed the Taj Mahal. As far as the Gulf of Aden, I agree that driving your car to the grocery store is more dangerous. I am sure the cruise ship industry will do everything it can to keep the passengers safe.

 

I'm going!!

[Terpnut]

If our valiant President, is so desirous of fighting terrorism, why not go after these pirates that pose a threat to commerce.

Beyond being crimes, terrorism and piracy have absolutely nothing in common. Terrorism seeks political change by creating significant destruction and fear amongst a target (and usually large) number of people. Piracy on the other hand is basically robbery at sea (i.e. show me the money). You are far more likely to suffer personal injury, death or financial harm with the former than the latter.

[wsk3]

I'd fear for the pirates as soon as passengers learn that their itienrary is being upset. I've seen how dangerous passengers get in instances of inconvenience, pirates wouldn't stand a chance.

[Cuizer2]

I'd fear for the pirates as soon as passengers learn that their itienrary is being upset. I've seen how dangerous passengers get in instances of inconvenience, pirates wouldn't stand a chance.

I have to admit, I enjoyed your insight into this issue. :)

[Cuizer2]

Does anyone know how fast a big cruise ship can travel if it needs to run? Also, how many weapons are onboard and what is the crew training like?

Modern cruise ships are capable of going 20 to 25 knots (about 23 to 29 MPH). An ocean liner, such as the QM2 is capable of exceeding 30 knots (about 34.5 MPH).

 

As for crew training and/or weapons on board, you are not likely to find such information in a publicly accessible area.

[UPCrawfish]

officers were armed with WWII era British manufactured Enfield bolt action singe shot rifles...

 

Minor point of correction... The WWII Enfield rifle is a bolt action rifle that, while it fires one shot at a time, has a 10 round box magazine. It is no match for a semi-automatic or automatic rifle such as the AK47. In the hands of a skilled marksman, one shot is all you would need.

 

In the case of the Mumbi police force, so many things went wrong from the get go. No training, poorly armed, no leadership, no communications, no logistics to respond quickly....

 

As far as "arming the passengers"... A few things come to mind..

1) If the attacker had half a plan, would they not attack the bridge first?? This is where some posters would rely upon "armed response training". Take out the threat and then where are you? There is no ability to resist a bunch of teenagers with automatic weapons.

 

2) Given the general makeup of the passenger list.. I would venture a guess that a good perentage of the passengers have military or LEO training and are familiar, if not proficient, with firearms. We are not talking about lining up all the passengers and handing out M-60's and belts of ammo here. A discreet inquiry by the Capt. or his emmisary could determine who might be of assistance in a conflict. I feel confidant that a good 'screening process' would be in place to weed out the "trigger happy rednecks". (I am sure no insult was meant..;))

 

3) I am sure that cruise lines have different levels of security plans in place which we will never be aware of. Those in the "security section" are not going to be those who were hired off the streets - they will have a strong background in those things 'security related'.

 

4) A M-2 off the fan tail - 72" of belt fed, tracer mix at night ??? I'd pay to do it again.. :D:D

[taschr]

What is your point? The map clearly shows where the greatest danger is. Six incidents in our hemisphere, only 4 on the Atlantic side of the canal, and 2 of those were off the coasts of Columbia and Venezuela, countries much further south than most cruise ships' itineraries. And one of the other two was a yacht. Meanwhile, I can't count the incidents in the Gulf of Aden area without enlarging the map by at 100x. The rationale that it could happen anywhere, so why not go, sounds a lot like cigarette smokers excuse that you have to die of something, so why worry about quitting smoking? Yeah. It can happen anywhere, but I like my chances of living a lot longer by sailing in the Caribbean. Why not volunteer with Blackwater security for a stint in Iraq too if you can't control your adventure fantasies. A dose of reality that is 180 degrees opposite of your assumptions can be a mind changing experience. For example, they say a conservative is a liberal who's been mugged. Likewise, Bravado usually retrenches after it is placed in harm's way or confronted by deadly force.

 

The problem is that people are focused on media sensationalism rather than the actual facts. How many on this thread are aware of current pirate attacks in the Caribbean?

 

Here is a map showing areas of attacks throughout the world.

 

 

 

This link will take you to a map showing the actual pirate attacks reported in 2008.

 

http://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php?option=com_fabrik&view=visualization&controller=visualization.googlemap&Itemid=89&phpMyAdmin=F5XY3CeBeymbElbQ8jr4qlxK1J3

[stan1]

There are too few Naval vessels in the Gulf of Aden to accompany passsenger ships, and the area is too large for the Navy patrols to detect all pirates. Although cruise ships are taller and faster than tankers and heavy container vessels, the pirates are learning all of the time and realize the potential ransome value of a cruise ship. Remember that a RPG (rocket propelled grenade) can be fired from the shoulder of one man at a considerable distance from a ship and inflict substantial damage. Two could do more. I think the risk is substantially greater than a potential traffic accident in a large city, and so do the marine insurance companies which now have a significant premium for ships travelling in the Gulf of Aden.

[timetraveler9]

What is your point? The map clearly shows where the greatest danger is. Six incidents in our hemisphere, only 4 on the Atlantic side of the canal, and 2 of those were off the coasts of Columbia and Venezuela, countries much further south than most cruise ships' itineraries. And one of the other two was a yacht. Meanwhile, I can't count the incidents in the Gulf of Aden area without enlarging the map by at 100x. The rationale that it could happen anywhere, so why not go, sounds a lot like cigarette smokers excuse that you have to die of something, so why worry about quitting smoking? Yeah. It can happen anywhere, but I like my chances of living a lot longer by sailing in the Caribbean. Why not volunteer with Blackwater security for a stint in Iraq too if you can't control your adventure fantasies. A dose of reality that is 180 degrees opposite of your assumptions can be a mind changing experience. For example, they say a conservative is a liberal who's been mugged. Likewise, Bravado usually retrenches after it is placed in harm's way or confronted by deadly force.

 

 

Excellent post. Couldn't agree with you more.

 

If I already had a cruise booked I don't know that I would change my plans but to **choose** to book one at this time? How silly.

[Terpnut]

There are too few Naval vessels in the Gulf of Aden to accompany passsenger ships, and the area is too large for the Navy patrols to detect all pirates. Although cruise ships are taller and faster than tankers and heavy container vessels, the pirates are learning all of the time and realize the potential ransome value of a cruise ship. Remember that a RPG (rocket propelled grenade) can be fired from the shoulder of one man at a considerable distance from a ship and inflict substantial damage. Two could do more. I think the risk is substantially greater than a potential traffic accident in a large city, and so do the marine insurance companies which now have a significant premium for ships travelling in the Gulf of Aden.

I don't think cruise ships are as attractive a target as a cargo ship or oil tanker for two reasons:

 

1. A pirate's principal goal is to extort money--not to hurt or kill people, or to sink the ship. So firing RPGs at the ship serves no purpose in trying to capture a ship undamaged.

2. If you take that many people hostage, you still have to feed and care for them--a big pain and risk to them as compared to high-value, low-maintenance cargo or oil.

 

As I've said in previous posts, the premise that these pirates are just like terrorists who want to kill people is plain wrong. They're basically incredibly poor and hungry men desperate for money. Very few hostages have been killed or injured and they've treated their hostages fairly well--a very different beast from an Islamic extremist terrorist intent on killing all Westerners and bent on destroying the world as we know it.