SouthernWorldwide.com – The long-standing issue of chair hogging on major cruise lines is escalating, with several prominent companies now implementing crackdowns on what are commonly referred to as “pool pirates.”
For decades, cruise passengers have engaged in a well-established practice of reserving lounge chairs by the pool for extended periods. This often involves using towels, flip-flops, or even dolls to claim a spot, even when the individuals themselves are nowhere in sight, according to various cruise blogs.
Recent reports circulating on social media indicate that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is taking a more serious stance on this persistent problem.
The Instagram account unrealcruises highlighted that “Norwegian Cruise Line is earning praise from passengers for actually enforcing its chair-hogging policy.”
According to the post, “Crew members aboard Norwegian Escape have been actively marking unoccupied chairs and removing towels and personal items from loungers left unattended.”
“Passengers reported that crew members began marking reserved chairs with stickers at approximately 10 a.m.”
The enforcement strategy involves allowing an hour after marking before removing unattended items, thus freeing up space for other guests. This move has reportedly garnered “overwhelmingly positive reactions from cruisers.”
The official policy of Norwegian Cruise Line regarding the reservation of chairs is clearly stated on its company website.
“Pool, deck and [theater] chairs may not be reserved,” the website explicitly states.
The policy further elaborates on other rules, including that “Topless sunbathing is not permitted. Boom boxes or loud radios are not permitted.”
Additionally, it specifies that “Roller blades, roller skates, skateboards, scooters, surfboards, bicycles and similar items may not be utilized on-board, except for mobility aids related to special needs, as approved by the ship’s management.”
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Cruise passengers have taken to social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram to voice their opinions on the ongoing deck disputes.
One NCL passenger shared on Facebook, “We faced this on the [Norwegian] Bliss, but my husband was my hero.”
“I avoided the confrontation. He went and put the stuff on the ground behind the chairs, and we came and sat down. He would tell them they know the rules, and too bad for behaving worse than a child.”
Another traveler offered a different perspective, commenting, “You shouldn’t touch people’s belongings. … Have the attendant do it.”
A different cruise passenger noted, “Some ships have a better deck supervisor who will deal with these entitled folks.”
On Instagram, one traveler expressed relief, stating, “Peace at last.”
Another user on the r/Cruise subreddit offered insight into the behavior, saying, “I’m not a chair hog, but I know why people do it. Because they’re entitled, and they think the rules don’t apply to them.”
Many passengers expressed support for timestamp systems that offer a transparent method for monitoring chair usage. There was also a distinction drawn between how families reserve chairs.
“If you’re using the pool or whatever attraction where you are saving your chair, absolutely fine,” a traveler on r/Cruise commented.
“If you are eating lunch at the buffet or in some other area of the ship while your towel and hat [have] been sitting on a chair for the past hour — not fine.”
