Originally Posted by ACfly
do they announce to the passengers what to do in the event of hijacking as part of the boarding process..
I've been on at least 10 cruises, and have never had a "drill" on what to do in the event of a hijacking - only in case of sinking.
On the bigger ships, i am assuming there would be ammunition to deter hijackers?
This is not something the cruise lines would probably like to publicize, but it is reasonable to assume that most ships of major cruise lines do have some sort of heavy duty armament aboard. It would only be prudent. The cruise lines have been aware of their ships' vulnerability since 1985 when four terrorists from the Palestine Liberation Front hijacked the Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean just off Egypt. The terrorists killed one wheel-chair bound American (shot him and pushed him overboard) before ultimately giving up the ship in return for safe conduct to Tunisia.
Are there military police on board cruise ships? similar to air marshals?
I doubt it. But I wouldn't be surprised to learn that some crew members are now well trained in how to repel such attacks. Again, it would only be prudent.