SouthernWorldwide.com – The long-standing issue of “chair hogging” on cruise ships is intensifying, with some major cruise lines now implementing stricter measures against passengers who reserve lounge chairs by the pool for extended periods without using them.
For many years, cruise passengers have employed a common tactic to secure prime spots. This involves using personal items such as towels, flip-flops, or even dolls to claim lounge chairs for hours, even when they are not present, according to various cruise blogs.
Recent reports from social media suggest that Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is taking a firm stance on this practice.
The Instagram account unrealcruises highlighted that “Norwegian Cruise Line is earning praise from passengers for actually enforcing its chair-hogging policy.”
The post detailed that “Crew members aboard Norwegian Escape have been actively marking unoccupied chairs and removing towels and personal items from loungers left unattended.”
It was also noted that “Passengers reported that crew members began marking reserved chairs with stickers at approximately 10 a.m.”
The enforcement continued with, “If the chairs were not occupied an hour later, crew members removed items, so other guests could use the space. The enforcement has received overwhelmingly positive reactions from cruisers.”
The cruise line’s official stance on reserving chairs is clearly outlined on its company website.
The website states, “Pool, deck and [theater] chairs may not be reserved.”
The policy further elaborates 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.”
Cruise passengers have voiced their opinions on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Reddit, and Instagram, regarding the ongoing “deck drama.”
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 observed, “Some ships have a better deck supervisor who will deal with these entitled folks.”
One traveler on Instagram expressed satisfaction, stating, “Peace at last.”
Another user on r/Cruise on Reddit commented, “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 have expressed approval for timestamp systems, which offer a clear method for monitoring chair usage. Others have differentiated between how families reserve chairs.
A traveler on r/Cruise explained, “If you’re using the pool or whatever attraction where you are saving your chair, absolutely fine.”
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“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.”
