Norwegian Cruise Line Cracks Down on Chair Hogging

Cruise vacations are a fantastic opportunity to unwind, enjoy the open sea, and soak up the sun. However, there’s one behavior that can ruin the relaxation for many passengers – chair hogging.

Passengers who stake claim to prime poolside loungers with nothing more than a towel, book, or piece of fruit are now being met with firm enforcement from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).

This behavior, where passengers reserve chairs but leave them empty for hours, is frustrating for other cruisers who struggle to find seating.

According to recent reports, NCL has begun cracking down on this issue aboard the Norwegian Escape, sailing from PortMiami.

Crew members are marking reserved chairs with stickers starting at around 10 a.m. and removing personal items if the chairs remain unoccupied for an hour.

The intent is to free up coveted seating for other guests who want to relax by the pool or enjoy a dip in the hot tub.

While it’s understood that short absences – like heading to the restroom or grabbing a drink – are normal, prolonged vacancies have been causing tensions among passengers.

The move to remove unattended items has been welcomed by many, though some worry about the potential for confrontations.

This new policy follows similar steps taken by other cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, who are also working to prevent chair hogging. The issue isn’t unique to NCL but is felt across the industry.

What Could Be the Solution?

While the new policy is a step in the right direction, some cruisers have suggested that a more formal system, like a chair booking system, could further alleviate the issue.

With numbered chairs, passengers could “book” a spot for a limited time, ensuring that everyone has an equal chance to use them.

Currently, some cruise lines offer luxurious seating options like on-deck cabanas or casitas, which can be reserved for a hefty fee.

However, these options are out of the reach of many passengers and only a few are available on each ship.

Until such systems are in place, cruisers will need to be vigilant about reserving and respecting poolside spaces.

For those seeking more exclusive, stress-free relaxation, booking a stateroom in NCL’s exclusive Haven or opting for a private balcony may be a better alternative.

By enforcing this chair hogging rule, NCL is taking important steps to ensure that all guests can enjoy their cruise experience without the hassle of competing for poolside spots.

With more attention being paid to passenger fairness, other cruise lines may soon follow suit in combating this common onboard frustration.