11 Strategies to Outsmart Chair Hogs on Your Next Cruise
Okay, I’ll admit it — I once set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. on vacation just to toss my towel on a deck chair before breakfast.
Did I feel ridiculous? Absolutely. But after circling the pool area like a hungry shark the day before (and still ending up on the hot metal stairs with no backrest), I wasn’t about to lose the sunbathing war again.
If you’ve cruised before, you probably know what I’m talking about. If it’s your first time, well, get ready — because chair hogs are real, and they strike fast. These are the folks who claim prime poolside chairs with a flip-flop and towel at 7 a.m. and then disappear until lunchtime.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to turn into one of them to get a good spot in the sun. I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve that’ll help you outsmart the chair hogs without starting a fight or looking like a total maniac pacing the deck.
Ready to get your seat in the sun and your dignity intact? Let’s go.
How To Outsmart Chair Hogs on Your Cruise
Wake Up Early (Ugh, I Know)
Listen, I’m not saying you need to set a 5 a.m. alarm or anything wild like that… but also, yeah, kinda. The truth is, the best loungers go fast — like, people-who-lined-up-for-Black-Friday fast. If you roll out of bed at 10 and casually wander up to the pool, you’ll probably end up squinting at the sun from a bench next to the buffet line.
I learned this the hard way on my second cruise. I thought I was being smart showing up around 9:30 with a coffee in hand. Nope. Every decent chair was “reserved” by a towel and a random book no one touched for three hours.
Since then, if I really want a good spot, I suck it up and go early. Grab your coffee and a quick breakfast, then claim your chair like the semi-responsible adult you are. You’ll thank yourself later.
Hit the Less Popular Decks
Everyone and their grandma wants a chair by the main pool. That’s where the music is, the belly flop contests, the fruity drinks… and the crowd. But here’s the secret: there are usually other decks that are way less chaotic — and still sunny.
Check out the forward decks (they’re usually quieter), or the ones above the main pool. Solariums on some ships are adults-only and have a totally chill vibe with way more available loungers. I once found this little nook behind the gym that had padded chairs and barely anyone there. I’m not saying it was heaven… but yeah, it kinda was.
You might have to do a little exploring, but it’s totally worth it if you want peace, sun, and an actual place to sit.
Use the “15-Minute Rule” (Yes, It’s a Thing)
So here’s the deal: just because a towel and a flip-flop are sitting on a chair doesn’t mean someone’s actively using it. Some folks claim chairs like they’re planting flags on the moon, then vanish for hours. Not cool.
Now, most cruise lines say they’ll remove items if a chair’s been “reserved” and untouched for 30 to 40 minutes. But let’s be real — that rule is rarely enforced unless someone complains. That’s where the 15-minute rule comes in.
Basically, if you see a chair just sitting there with someone’s stuff but no actual person in sight, give it about 15 minutes. If no one returns, it’s fair game to politely check with a crew member or even carefully move the items (some folks bring them to the towel station).
Just don’t go full rage-mode and start chucking someone’s sunscreen in the pool. Be chill. Be respectful. And maybe leave a little note just in case someone was coming back but got stuck in line at the taco bar.
Talk to a Crew Member
Look, you don’t wanna be the pool police. But if you’ve been doing laps around the deck for 40 minutes, sweating through your cover-up with no chair in sight, it’s totally fair to ask for help.
Find a crew member and just casually ask, “Hey, do you know if anyone’s been using those chairs over there? They’ve been empty for a while.” Most of the time, they’re happy to help — especially if the chairs have clearly been abandoned. They won’t pick a fight or start tossing towels, but they can help enforce the rules in a way that doesn’t get you in trouble.
Plus, crew members notice way more than we do. They know who actually sat down versus who’s been “holding” a chair since breakfast. It never hurts to ask.
Look for People Who Are Leaving
This one might feel awkward at first, but honestly, it works. When you see someone folding up their towel or slipping on sandals, that’s your moment. Just walk over and say something like, “Hey, are you guys heading out?” Most of the time, people are super nice and will say, “Yeah, it’s all yours!”
I’ve done this plenty of times, and not once has anyone snapped at me. If anything, they’re happy to pass the chair on. One lady even handed me her half-melted piña colada (I passed… but still).
Point is, being friendly and paying attention to body language goes a long way. Beats circling the deck for the fifth time like a lost tourist.
And if you’re the one who has to step away, maybe purchase this HILARIOUS little chair hog sign to let people know you’ll be right back.
Buddy System Strategy
If you’re cruising with a friend, partner, cousin, or that one neighbor you invited last-minute, use the buddy system. It’s not just for elementary school field trips — it’s also a great way to hold onto pool chairs without looking like a chair hog yourself.
One of you can go for a swim or grab a snack while the other hangs back and watches the stuff. Then switch. That way, you’re not leaving your chairs empty for a suspiciously long time, and no one thinks you ghosted them for an all-day brunch.
Teamwork, baby. That’s how you keep your spot and your cruise karma clean.
Choose a Port Day for Pool Time
Here’s a little secret the chair hogs don’t want you to know: port days are golden. While most passengers are off exploring ruins, shopping for fridge magnets, or getting roasted in the sun on a random beach, the ship is pretty much a ghost town.
That’s your chance to live the poolside dream. I’m talkin’ front-row loungers, no elbow wars, and peace and quiet. One time, I skipped a port to stay on board (okay, fine, I overslept), and it ended up being one of my favorite days. Zero stress, plenty of sunshine, and no towel ninja fights. Highly recommend.
Bring a Distinctive Towel or Marker
Look, I’m not saying your basic white cruise towel isn’t cute… but if your chair looks exactly like 50 others, don’t be shocked if someone “accidentally” sits in it. A bright beach towel, a silly inflatable pillow, or even a random book no one would steal (looking at you, 500-page historical fiction) can help.
It just lets people know the chair is taken for real, not abandoned. Also, if you do step away for a few minutes — like to grab a drink or hit the restroom — your stuff stands out and you’re less likely to lose your spot.
Bonus tip: I once saw someone use a pool noodle like a flagpole to claim their chair. It worked. Was it ridiculous? Yes. But did they keep their spot? Also yes.
Set a Timer and Circle Back
If every chair seems claimed and you feel like giving up and just lying on the pool deck like a fried shrimp, hold up. People come and go constantly. Just because a spot’s taken at 11:07 doesn’t mean it’ll still be taken at 11:22.
I like to do a slow walk around the deck, then take a break with a snack or drink nearby. Set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and check again. I swear, it’s like magic — half the chairs that were “reserved” suddenly open up. Someone probably got bored or realized the buffet had shrimp tacos. Whatever the reason, patience pays off.
Don’t Be a Chair Hog Yourself
If you only remember one thing from this entire post, let it be this: don’t become the thing you hate. I know, it’s tempting to toss a towel down and vanish for hours, but be better. If you’re not actively using a lounger, let someone else enjoy it.
Cruise karma is real. The universe (and fellow passengers) are watching. Plus, you’ll feel like less of a jerk. And hey, the more good pool vibes we all put out there, the better chance we have of finally winning the chair war — together.
Know Your Cruise Line’s Rules
Not all cruise lines mess around when it comes to chair hogs. Some are really stepping up their game. Before your trip, take a minute to check your cruise line’s pool chair policy — you might be surprised at how strict some of them are.
For example, on Carnival ships, they’ve got a “ChairShare Team” that tags any chairs left alone for too long. They’ll put a little sticker with the time on it, and if no one comes back in about 40 minutes, your towel and stuff are packed up and the chair’s given to someone else. Fair is fair.
Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Norwegian do similar things, sometimes with even shorter time limits — around 20 to 30 minutes. So if you’re thinking about claiming a chair and disappearing until lunch, don’t be shocked if it’s gone when you get back. The rules are there to keep things fair, so it helps to know them before you cruise.
