Chair hogs--Proactive

[Mooder]

The more complex the solution, the less chance it has of working. Put in cubbies for people who only use chairs to keep stuff dry while in the pool/tubs. Post signs that items left over an hour with nobody at them are subject to removal. Put a bin on the deck for this stuff. Once hogs realize hogging doesn't work, they'll stop doing it. Put one staff member out on the pool deck in the morning to stop people from reserving chairs. Give him/her a large coffee and a danish and they can walk the deck for a few hours. If we can all see (like in the pics) the hog actions, so can they.

 

Perfect.

[KFC]

I, too dislike chair hogs, but how would you define the logistics for your suggestions? Assuming there may be 500+/- chairs topside:

Should the pool attendants wear 500 wrist watches to time activity at each chair?

Maybe the pool attendants could "chalk" peoples towels once an hour, kinda like parking attendants do.

Maybe each chair could have a spring loaded mechanism that is activated once you put down your towel or sit in the chair. After 60 minutes, the chair will automatically eject its contents into the pool![/quote

Love this idea of the spring loaded mechanism. Can you imagine all of the stuff raining down on the swimmers? LOL- really funny picture in my head! What if someone was very light- they might get rocketed in also. I think kids might think it's a thrill ride! Sounds like it could turn into a human cannon ball!!

[Isabella Benjamin]

I would love there to be a place to put stuff while in the pool.

 

It's weird that NCL hasn't addressed this problem better - after all, you can't sell drinks to empty chairs.

[che5904]

I would love there to be a place to put stuff while in the pool.

 

It's weird that NCL hasn't addressed this problem better - after all, you can't sell drinks to empty chairs.

 

valid point

[sdmike]

valid point

 

not only valid, but probably the only fact that would make NCL do something about this. :) No fannys, no drinks

[nbsjcruiser]

The only idea that makes any sense whatsoever is for the cruise lines to simply enforce their own policy. If I lit up a smoke in the dining room I'd be told pretty damn quick to put it out or leave. Why? Because it goes against their policy that's why.

 

Enforce the policy and all this will go away on its own.

[Darthdaddy]

Not everyone will agree, but here are some areas in which the greatest common ground seems to exist.

 

1. Get up at the crack of dawn, plop down in a lounger in your favorite spot, stay until sunset, if you want. Actually using a chair is not "chair hogging."

 

2. Getting up from the chair to dip in the pool, use toilet, get food (from the poolside grill) is not chair hogging.

 

3. "Saving" a chair and then going about other business for "too long" IS chair hogging.

 

4. NCL (and apparently other cruise lines) has a "30-minute rule." Leave a chair unoccupied for more than 30 minutes and it is fair game.

 

5. NCL (and apparently other cruise lines) does NOT enforce its 30-minute rule.

 

6. Enforcement of the 30-minute rule (or at least SOME rule) would reduce the annoyance, frustration and flat-out anger caused by chair hogs.

 

7. More unenforced rules will not solve the problem.

 

8. In order to be effective a rule or policy must be both simple and cost effective.

 

Here are two possibilities:

 

A. Install a card reader on sun lounges/chairs---at least in the prime areas on the pool deck. As long as you are in the chair, no problem...it's yours. Want to stroll around the ship? Swipe your card. You will have 30 minutes (or 40 or 45 or whatever) to return. If you do not return within the allotted time, the chair is open for the taking.

 

B. Lower tech variation of "A." Stay in the chair all day, if you wish. Want to go to the MDR for lunch? Fine. I hope you enjoy it. Need to go back to your cabin for your favorite volume of Encyclopedia Galactica? Great. I bet it's a real page turner. HOWEVER, BEFORE YOU GO, get a card of some sort from the attendant in the towel booth. The card will indicate that the chair is "yours" for the next 30 min ( or 40 or 45 or whatever). If you don't return within the designated timeframe, the chair is no longer "yours."

 

In either of the above scenarios, the burden is on the one seeking to "save" the chair despite his/her absence. In order to "save" the chair it is necessary to take some action (minimal) to start the clock on the period of reservation. Too much bother--after all it's YOUR vaccation? That's your choice, but a vacant chair will be fair game immediately, UNLESS the process is followed.

 

I agree wholeheartedly that these things would not be necessary, if the cruise lines enforced their existing policies. The point is to make it easier for the policies to be enforced for the benefit of all (even if it is MY vacation).

 

OK. Comment freely, but please put forth positive suggestions.

[luvcruzing]

Seems to me that if the chair hogs come out at 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. to lay claim to their chairs and then leave, the opportune time for NCL to enforce its own rule is to have a staff member remove all the items at 7 a.m. from the unoccupied chairs.

[che5904]

Seems to me that if the chair hogs come out at 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. to lay claim to their chairs and then leave, the opportune time for NCL to enforce its own rule is to have a staff member remove all the items at 7 a.m. from the unoccupied chairs.

 

Maybe do it up till about 8:30 therefore stopping the chair hogs from being wise and going out at 7:15 but yes this is probably the best idea yet. Would save anyone from having a confrontation. :)

[Two if by Sea]

Why should anyone EVER claim a chair? How about there is NO SUCH THING as claiming a chair, ever, for any reason?

 

As someone said, let's have some small cubbies or tables or something so you don't have to leave your towels and watches on the floor, but chairs are 100% off limits -- you go into the pool, you're using the pool, not the chair. When you come back, if there is no such thing as claiming a chair, then there will surely be one available even if it isn't exactly the same one.

 

I could see a very limited exception to this, for instance, for a couple who want to be together and ONE of them goes into the pool and then would want to come back to be next to their spouse. But then the spouse would have to be there at the chair and could claim ONE other chair on a temporary basis and only while physically occupying one of the two.

[Mooder]

Seems to me that if the chair hogs come out at 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. to lay claim to their chairs and then leave, the opportune time for NCL to enforce its own rule is to have a staff member remove all the items at 7 a.m. from the unoccupied chairs.

 

Maybe do it up till about 8:30 therefore stopping the chair hogs from being wise and going out at 7:15 but yes this is probably the best idea yet. Would save anyone from having a confrontation. :)

 

I think this is the most sensible idea of all. It would take limited crew time since it is just a couple of passes through the pool deck at a critical time. I agree it has to be later than 7:00 a.m. My experience is there are still plenty of chairs at 8:00 - I think 8 or 8:30 would work well. And I believe that this one enforcement of the rule could cut down on a huge majority of the problem.

[Mooder]

Why should anyone EVER claim a chair? How about there is NO SUCH THING as claiming a chair, ever, for any reason?

 

As someone said, let's have some small cubbies or tables or something so you don't have to leave your towels and watches on the floor, but chairs are 100% off limits -- you go into the pool, you're using the pool, not the chair. When you come back, if there is no such thing as claiming a chair, then there will surely be one available even if it isn't exactly the same one.

 

I could see a very limited exception to this, for instance, for a couple who want to be together and ONE of them goes into the pool and then would want to come back to be next to their spouse. But then the spouse would have to be there at the chair and could claim ONE other chair on a temporary basis and only while physically occupying one of the two.

 

I have been a proponent of the cubbies for years and am glad to see the suggestion being warmly received. But to suggest that they replace people being able to have a chair while they take a dip in the pool if they intend to return directly to the chair within half an hour is taking things too far. That means that for a 10 minute dip in the pool I would have to pack up my pool bag with my belongings, fold up my towel, find a cubbie for them, go to the pool, return to the cubbie, find another chair, lay out my towel, and unpack my belongings so that I can return to my reading? :eek: Please, vacation is supposed to be fun.

[leekel619]

And of course, we would have NO CUBBY HOGS! It will not be allowed! Signs will be posted. No one can claim a cubby on day one and keep all their things in there until the end of the cruise.

 

I can't imagine the cruise lines will dedicate valuable people space on the pool deck to now build hundreds of cubbies. That's what staterooms are for.

Bring a tote to keep your dry clothes, books and other items in when you're at the pool.

 

Pretty sure people wouldn't be allowed to bring their own lawn furniture and beach chairs from home either. That could turn hazardous real quick.

 

Its so much more stressful and crowded during hot summer or warmer regions. Its actually too hot and crazy out there at poolside for us and I'm sure we arent the only ones who feel this way. We normally cruise in spring and there's always plenty of places to sit outside if you want to. Or our balcony.

 

One week with out a pool or hot baking sun isn't going to ruin things for us.

The more crowded the pool area is, the less interested I would be to get in the water anyhow. :eek: I feel your anxiety in not having a seat or lounge during the day, and I'm thankful I don't have to deal with it.

 

Like someone else said, our small minority of CC people aren't the only ones who like to sit down. My thoughts are if you want to sit, move the towel that's been there for a long time and do it. If you don't someone else will. Might even be another chair hog.

 

~Cindy

[WinterSky]

This is indeed a thought-provoking thread and it further underscores that chair hogging is a real issue in the cruise industry. The positive thing about all of these threads and this discussion in particular, is that people are expressing themselves and trying to find workable solutions. I find some of the ideas brought forward interesting and would like to respectfully offer some feedback on a few:

 

Cubbies

A good idea, however the real estate required to execute it would definitely mean giving up existing seating space, and if cubbies were installed, the fact is that cubbies would be limited and there would be cubbie hogging.

B.Y.O.C. (bring your own chair)

We actually considered bringing our own chairs, however we realized that if everyone did this, it would create some real safety hazards, and would very likely contravene through walkway fire codes.

 

Automatic Chairs

An interesting and creative idea, however the research, design and production costs of such chairs, as well as maintenance costs, would be prohibitive considering the harsh and unique environment at sea that would have to be considered during development.

 

Renting Lounge Chairs

Some cruise lines currently do rent poolside private cabanas for about $300 per week or $75 per day. I understand that this price includes some amenities in addition to the space. Although some version of this may work on ships that were not originally designed with this in mind, I believe that this is a better fit for more expensive cruise lines. On NCL you actually have a similar option in the form of a balcony cabin. You can get a bar setup in your room and use room service for food, or bring food back to your cabin.

 

I believe that chair hogging is a complex issue that NCL has properly addressed by creating the 30 minute chair-holding policy. The only piece that is missing is management of this policy. I also believe that management of this policy would be best handled by staff appropriately trained in traditional security protocols including deescalation. It is unrealistic and unfair to expect pool deck staff who are there to handle pool deck maintenance and/or bar and food services, to handle such potentially volatile situations.

 

This would require a minimum of two staff members on the pool deck at any given time to be appropriately trained in security. All other staff could participate by being trained in 'security support' similar to that my husband has been trained in at the hospital he works at.

 

You teach people how to treat you, and in this case, NCL's (and other cruise lines') lack of management of their 30 minute chair-holding policy has 'taught' chair hogs that they can do whatever they want to do. No policy is going to change the core of a person who has such a sense of entitlement. If NCL proactively manages their policy they do risk losing some chair hog passengers, but managing their policy would also definitely BRING passengers from other cruise lines to NCL!!!

[ringram]

Now that I'm educated after reading this thread, I've learned that I'm a chair hog in some peoples minds because I like to sit at the pool all day, and I'm inconsiderate because I don't periodically get up and move to another location so that someone who may or may not want my chair can have it.

 

I have just one question. Do you people realize how ridiculous you sound? Hopefully you're just fueling the fire and you don't really mean it.

[mypleasure]

 

The solution to the first is enforcement of the time rules by the cruse lines. how is their problem, more people, more clocks who cares. Yes it is true that crew are concerned about confrontation but there is a solution to that also. If some one gets in the crews face next port good by. Confrontation is no reason not to enforce the rules.

 

This is both the problem and the solution. I am concerned about confrontation, I could not do what others do and move peoples stuff. I don't want some linebacker yelling and screaming at me and I was once assaulted and ended up being stiched in hospital and paying over $400 for new spectacles. Yes, a man punch a lady. I think the crew, who are predominantly from nations where raising your voice is socially unacceptable, have it built into them to avoid confrontations by their culture. They are also concerned about being assaulted by someone.

 

The cruiseline needs to enforce the rules for us. They can start by having a couple of crew members backed up by an officer going around removing the miscellaneous items and putting them somewhere to be collected. When the items are collected they can deliver education regarding the problem and their contribution to it. If they did this then things would get a whole lot better for those of us who may only want to be out there for a couple of hours but are not prepared to hog a chair all day because we know it is wrong.

[timh111]

"Pretty sure people wouldn't be allowed to bring their own lawn furniture and beach chairs from home either. That could turn hazardous real quick. "

 

Um, read my post above!! I HAVE taken my tri-fold, light weight beach chair onboard AND has used it. Have never been approached by anyone, passenger OR crew!! They are light weight so we take them on as a carry-on. We use them on an upper deck near the pool away from the flow of traffic yet close enough to get to the pool easily. It is never in anyone's way. We have also taken it with us when we have done shore (Beach) excursions. With the cruises I have been on, I would rather have an approach to avoid conflict since it's obvious that as the ships get bigger, the public areas stay the same size just with more passengers using them and no policing of their own policy. Just one way to keep from having any gripes about my well deserved cruise after the fact.

[KansasCityTBone]

Another suggestion that I haven't seen myself yet have been doing for 5 or so cruises now is, "BYOC"(Bring Your Own Chair). I had purchased 2 beach lounge chairs, the ones that are aluminum, tri-foldable and light weight, and use them on the deck. I can also use them for any beach excursions we do. Never had a problem on any of the ships or at any of the ports and the chairs are OURS and nobody can say anything to us. We paid about $20 USD for each chair.

 

Oh, the lengths we go to...

[leekel619]

"Pretty sure people wouldn't be allowed to bring their own lawn furniture and beach chairs from home either. That could turn hazardous real quick. "

 

Um, read my post above!! I HAVE taken my tri-fold, light weight beach chair onboard AND has used it. Have never been approached by anyone, passenger OR crew!! They are light weight so we take them on as a carry-on. We use them on an upper deck near the pool away from the flow of traffic yet close enough to get to the pool easily. It is never in anyone's way. We have also taken it with us when we have done shore (Beach) excursions. With the cruises I have been on, I would rather have an approach to avoid conflict since it's obvious that as the ships get bigger, the public areas stay the same size just with more passengers using them and no policing of their own policy. Just one way to keep from having any gripes about my well deserved cruise after the fact.

 

Um, read mine. I should have made "people" more pronounced. I wasn't referring to one person. Very interesting. Never saw that on any of the cruises I've been on. I can only imagine what it would look like and how much space would be taken up if about 500 people decided to bring their own space saving chairs. Even 20. At least on NCL ships, the pool/outside decks are extremely busy and a popular gathering area for hundreds of passengers.

 

That's almost like the thread from last year where the mother said she brings a small pool so her diapered children can swim. That was a good thread too.:eek: Actually it was in a small roll call or it would have gone viral on here.

 

Everyone who cruises is on vacation. Not just a few of us. I'm sure more than a few of us want to sit in a chair all day long. Not me and I might not be in the minority. I understand everyone's opinion. We all have them.

 

Personally, I think the hogs and their attitudes of entitlement and belief that they're actually the only ones on a ship who want to sit in a chair all day sound ridiculous. Two people, two opinions.

 

This thread is not fueling the fire. But until NCL (since we're on an NCL thread..) starts enforcing the rules that are fair for all passengers...Passengers will have to remove the personal belongings and towels left on unoccupied chairs so they can sit down and enjoy the comfort of the chair. What's the big deal? Better yet, just use the towel too. Its most likely unused also. Or use it to keep your own stuff clean when you put it on the floor beside your chair. Read the book too.

 

If the hog comes back and complains, tell them THEY must have moved YOUR stuff because you had the chair saved since 6:00 AM.

 

Oh and to Mypleasure: being assaulted is a TOTALLY different story, different thread. Crazy stuff. Nothing to do with chairs. At all. Lets stay on topic here.

 

IF that unlikely scenario is indeed a true story, hopefully that person was arrested and kicked off at the next port to a waiting police escort. And no one should scream at you, linebacker or not, if you want to sit in a chair that was left unoccupied for more than 30 minutes. Along with the whole 30 minute guideline, there should be postings that there is ZERO tolerance for verbal and physical abuse on the ship. Isn't that a standard rule anyhow? Any where? I don't care what the culture is, that rule also needs to be enforced! That's a legal violation.

 

All the comments are great!!

[gopherhockey]

Now that I'm educated after reading this thread, I've learned that I'm a chair hog in some peoples minds because I like to sit at the pool all day, and I'm inconsiderate because I don't periodically get up and move to another location so that someone who may or may not want my chair can have it.

 

I have just one question. Do you people realize how ridiculous you sound? Hopefully you're just fueling the fire and you don't really mean it.

 

I'm not sure you follow the definition of chair hog unless you are placing items on your chairs and not occupying them.

 

If you are in your chair, enjoy it. No need to move.

 

People here are upset, and rightly so, at other cruisers who are nothing but selfish. There is nothing ridiculous about discussing ways to educate and/or enforce the situation so people will learn they aren't the only ones on vacation.

[sdmike]

Now that I'm educated after reading this thread, I've learned that I'm a chair hog in some peoples minds because I like to sit at the pool all day, and I'm inconsiderate because I don't periodically get up and move to another location so that someone who may or may not want my chair can have it.

 

I have just one question. Do you people realize how ridiculous you sound? Hopefully you're just fueling the fire and you don't really mean it.

 

You're not a "chair hog", you're a chair user. I have no issues with people actually using chairs, even if all day. Enjoy.

 

Now those folks that sleep for hours on the Epic spa loungers on the aft balcony...grrrrrrrrrrrr.

[mypleasure]

.

 

Oh and to Mypleasure: being assaulted is a TOTALLY different story, different thread. Crazy stuff. Nothing to do with chairs. At all. Lets stay on topic here.

 

 

Not to me it isn't, ever since I was assaulted in a public place it has been a real fear for me that it might happen again. I never stated that the incident took place on board a ship merely that the incident had taken place and was deep rooted in my psyche and continues to affect me today.

 

I would not remove anybodys belongings from a chair for fear that someone would return and start a shouting match and that if I stood up for my right to take the chair as being unoccupied for over 30 minutes then the same thing could happen again. Good on everyone who makes a stand against this but at 52 years old it isn't for me. It is the cruiselines job and they should do it.

I agree that anyone who assaults someone should be removed at the next port no questions asked.

 

My fear has everything to do with chairs since it concerns my fear that confronting a chair hog could escalate and I do not feel that it is off topic in the slightest. I wonder how many others have the same fears?

[DMH15]

Now that I'm educated after reading this thread, I've learned that I'm a chair hog in some peoples minds because I like to sit at the pool all day, and I'm inconsiderate because I don't periodically get up and move to another location so that someone who may or may not want my chair can have it.

 

I have just one question. Do you people realize how ridiculous you sound? Hopefully you're just fueling the fire and you don't really mean it.

 

Most, myself included, classify a chair hog as someone who claims a chair with belongings but hardly uses it, thus "hogging" it and depriving others of the enjoyment.

 

You are a "chair user" not a "chair hog". If you enjoy the pool all day and only leave your chair for a short time, (rest room, quick dip in the pool, quick trip through the poolside grill, etc), that's fine by me.

[leekel619]

Not to me it isn't, ever since I was assaulted in a public place it has been a real fear for me that it might happen again. I never stated that the incident took place on board a ship merely that the incident had taken place and was deep rooted in my psyche and continues to affect me today.

 

I would not remove anybodys belongings from a chair for fear that someone would return and start a shouting match and that if I stood up for my right to take the chair as being unoccupied for over 30 minutes then the same thing could happen again. Good on everyone who makes a stand against this but at 52 years old it isn't for me. It is the cruiselines job and they should do it.

I agree that anyone who assaults someone should be removed at the next port no questions asked.

 

My fear has everything to do with chairs since it concerns my fear that confronting a chair hog could escalate and I do not feel that it is off topic in the slightest. I wonder how many others have the same fears?

 

I'm sorry for you that you were assaulted and required hospital care. I hope you have had some type of resolution. I can only imagine how horrible that was and its something you will never forget.

 

I still feel assault of any kind is BIG and it requires its own thread. I was in no way trying to down play what happened to you.

 

We're talking about hogs who leave their belongings unattended for a longer time than what is generally thought of as considerate to others seeking a chair. In the case of NCL...that amount of time is 30 minutes. No one is talking about getting punched out because they move something in that case, or even suggesting it will be a possibility. But then again, I guess you never know what motivates people. I would hope the hogs aren't physically abusive as well. They will have a huge consequence and it won't be in their favor. And they definitely won't get their chair back either.

 

You can also be assaulted for absolutely nothing at all. Walking down the street minding your own business, and have your belongings taken from you on top of that. You still never stated if your unfortunate incident happened on a ship. I'm feeling a little better with the slight hint you gave that it didn't happen there. I would hope NOT! :)

 

For a minute I thought someone punched you in the face because you sat in their chair on the pool deck. You're right, you would still be on topic in that case, and I apologize for telling you to stay on topic.

 

I am also a woman in my 50's and age doesn't matter in any of this. Assault. Hogging chairs. Wanting a chair.

 

Yes cruise lines need to enforce the rules. Not passengers.

[doitallWMB]

Why post someone until just 8:15 or even 9:15? People will wait in droves for 9:16 tp place there things. Have a deck patole like RCCL had for a while. Remove those things and place them in lost and found. Chair hoggers are the lowest form of human life on ships...