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From the coast of Peru to the South China Sea, acts of piracy have been increasing. How likely is it to happen to your family? Allay those fears and keep up to date with these tips and more.

With so many reports of piracy on far-away high seas, it seems logical that many travelers this year will not be considering a remote cruise as their number one vacation idea. On the other hand, the rise of reported attacks in the past years has given the chance for cruise line companies to prepare for the worst and ensure the safety of their passengers.

In April of 2009, the cruise ship MSC Melody, destined for Italy, was attacked by Somalian pirates at the Seychelles Islands, located several hundred miles off the east coast of Africa. Though the ship was purportedly fired upon, it managed to easily escape and no passengers were harmed.

Attacks like the one on the Melody have been on the rise, particularly in the West Indian Ocean area. The International Maritime Bureau, in a report for 2008, counted over 90 attempted pirate attacks in the Gulf of Aden area alone, just off the coast of Somalia. Already by May of this year, a total of 71 attempted attacks had been reported.

Yet, for as many acts of piracy in these waters and elsewhere, the bulk of attacks has been directed not at cruise ships, but other vessels such as tankers, tugs and bulk carriers.

Still, cruise liners are taking heed of attacks on any type of vessel, implementing such safety practices as mandatory drills for passengers and traveler instruction before entering any perilous territory.

Earlier in 2009, Crystal Cruises offered guests complimentary air travel to bypass risky waters, only to find that their efforts were all for naught. “When we offered this option, it was because there were so many erroneous news reports about the piracy situation and how that affected cruise ships,” said Mimi Weisband, spokesperson for Crystal Cruises. “We wanted to give booked guests an option for those who were too nervous to make the transit." She adds, "As it turned out, and as expected, our transit was uneventful.”

For those willing to brave the journey through questionable territories, a popular suggestion widely circulated in the media has been the inclusion of weapons onboard. Adopted by the majority of vessels and detailed by the United Kingdom Mutual Steam Ship Assurance Association, the argument against onboard weapons includes “risks inherent in use of arms by untrained/improperly trained persons, the enhanced risk of loss of life/injury through armed engagement and the risk of encouraging the escalation of armed engagement and the use of more potent and warlike weaponry.”

At this point, a defenseless cruise ship might not be the most enticing option for those who want to experience an exotic African cruise or a romantic trip through the Red Sea. Nevertheless, there are several helpful safety tips for a safe and fun journey for the determined traveler.