The 1,900 passengers onboard the Sea Princess were informed by Captain Gennaro Arma that they faced a very real threat, and that they "must be prepared for a pirate attack," with guests also ordered to perform a compulsory pirate drill.

Apologizing for the situation, the captain told passengers they must turn off music and draw their curtains at night as the ship crossed the Indian Ocean after departing from Sydney, Australia, for its first stop in Dubai, UAE.

Having paid more than £30,000 (almost $39,000) for a ticket for a 105-day world cruise, the passengers were dismayed to discover the beginning of their trip did not have quite the luxurious atmosphere they had been promised.

"No lights, no party atmosphere, no lapping up tropical breezes on their balconies," one passenger, Carolyne Jasinski, wrote for news.com.au.