Chair hogs--Proactive

[Natanni]

I am sorry, but didn't read all of the posts as I am currently very busy with finals. To the OP concerned of this issue: I HATE lounge chair hoarding. I have never done it. I HAVE moved articles from the the chair. I usually ask the people sitting around if the person has been there within the last 2 hours. I had one lady on the Carnival Conquest come running from the bar to yell at me, and then all of the passengers in the surrounding chairs informed her she had not been there in hours. Carnival had the worst problem with chair hoarding. Another suggestion is to book off times--I booked a week in between to Spring Break cruises last month and I have never had such an easy time looking for a chair. This was our first sailing with NCL, and the Spirit really seemed a mellow ship without crowding, rushing, long lines....it was amazing. We never knew cruising could be so relaxing. Good luck.

[leekel619]

I love the idea of NCL acually enforcing current rules! Large print on the first page of the Freestyle Daily "Items left to reserve sun loungers on deck for more than 30 minutes will be removed by ships personel and placed in lost and found. " SIMPLE. Enforce it and hogging will slow down, consistently enforce it and it will all but disappear. Very little extra costs.

 

So far that's still the best idea as far as my opinion goes. And renting chairs wouldn't work on freestyle NCL. Even renting a portion of them. Then we'd have even worse hog problems with the left over chairs meant for all.

 

Hoggers rent a chair? Why should they change their ways. They're probably the same people who save rows of seats in the theatre during show times and they announce that you can't do that either.

Or did you mean hoggers can still hog all day, and the rest of us pay to use a chair?

 

Just enforce the rules so everyone has the same opportunities to enjoy their vacation. Its very amusing to people watch.

 

Sometimes its actually alarming, in a giddy sort of way. Like in the buffet. I've seen people call the staff that walks around and clears tables, they call them over...Excuse me! Excuse me! Hey! Will you go get me some more scrambled eggs and bacon. I need some more coffee and they hold out their cup for someone to come take it and refill it for them. Like personal maids they put their load of dirty dishes down and go get it.

 

Oh boy. I feel myself getting ready to really go off topic further.

 

But no matter what. I have a passion for cruising and I'll never stop. I enjoy all parts of the ship and the experience. Every minute is different and amazing. I can even scare myself in my special moments before I go to sleep when I think about where I am. In the middle of the ocean, in the middle of the night, in a boat full of people. Then I get up and close my balcony door so a swift wind doesn't suck me out while I'm sleeping. :)

[WinterSky]

Princess basically rents chairs in theie "Sanctuary"---when you buy a pass to the Sanctuary you are getting access to a lounge of sorts (never been in it myself), and for the time you have paid for you get a reserved chair. If you read the Princess Boards, I think a lot of people secure time in the Sanctuary specifically so they don't have to fight for chairs---gives some peace of mind. I would disagree with your characterization of "Crazy Talk", but I do like your reference to a "virtual mutiny"!

 

I am pretty sure that traveling on Princess is more expensive than NCL, and it seems that the 'Sanctuary' concept may be a better fit for that market.

[Mooder]

My objection to renting the chairs is that that would make the problem worse! Now, if they or we just enforce the 30 minute rule the problem is solved. If someone pays for their chair, we have no recourse when they aren't using it.

[stephenandrew]

And renting chairs wouldn't work on freestyle NCL. Even renting a portion of them. Then we'd have even worse hog problems with the left over chairs meant for all.

 

Hoggers rent a chair? Why should they change their ways. They're probably the same people who save rows of seats in the theatre during show times and they announce that you can't do that either.

Or did you mean hoggers can still hog all day, and the rest of us pay to use a chair?

 

This makes sense--if the cruise line rents say 50% of the chairs, and continues to not police the remaining "free chairs", then it would likely be more difficult than now to secure a chair for those not paying. That is something I had not considered--and in that regard, I guess my thinking was selfish, in that if I were given the opportunity to pay some reasonable price for a space/chair I would likely do it. Obviously the cost would be a factor, but it would be worth some premium to me to not have to deal with the chair hogs. Maybe I just need to get more of a backbone, and just do what some of you have done---if you see a chair unoccupied for 30+ minutes, remove the stuff on the chair, and take a seat. I'd probably just dwell on the possible impending confrontation, so would not be a relaxing thing for me to do.

 

I have not cruised as extensively as many of you, but my observation is that, if anything, the chair hog situation has gotten worse over time, so I am doubtful the cruiselines are going to do much to enforce their "chair policies". I wish they would, but I just don't see it happening, and maybe that's why I suggested using renting chairs. Atleast in that way, the lines have a profit motive which may actually induce them to do something. Unless they are able to make some money, reduce costs or in someway benefit the bottom line, I don't see where they are going to do a darn thing. If anything, they are enforcing the policy less so now than they did years ago.

[Mooder]

Maybe I just need to get more of a backbone, and just do what some of you have done---if you see a chair unoccupied for 30+ minutes, remove the stuff on the chair, and take a seat. I'd probably just dwell on the possible impending confrontation, so would not be a relaxing thing for me to do.

 

I have the same problem - even though I think it is the right thing to do, I don't want to have to worry about the person coming back. So, on the 2 occasions I have been unable to find a suitable lounger, after waiting a generous amount of time for them to return and they did not, I moved the chair hogs' chairs just enough that they couldn't tell which was theirs. On only one of those occasions, did I see the hogs return. Eventually, after several hours, they returned for their things and looked confused by the empty spot (except for their beach bag) where their chairs had been, but they had no idea who had moved them. This works best for me because I usually want more shade than most people anyway so I have to move the loungers to a shady spot.

[doitallWMB]

I have the same problem - even though I think it is the right thing to do, I don't want to have to worry about the person coming back. So, on the 2 occasions I have been unable to find a suitable lounger, after waiting a generous amount of time for them to return and they did not, I moved the chair hogs' chairs just enough that they couldn't tell which was theirs. On only one of those occasions, did I see the hogs return. Eventually, after several hours, they returned for their things and looked confused by the empty spot (except for their beach bag) where their chairs had been, but they had no idea who had moved them. This works best for me because I usually want more shade than most people anyway so I have to move the loungers to a shady spot.

 

That's funny. Wish I had been there to watch! Did the same thing on the Mariner of the Seas in 07. When they came back...Bag but no chairs. Will NCL ever read and answer this thread? There is an email address at NCL you can send this thread link to and if enough do...Maybe they will answer. It's askvivian@ncl.com.

[WinterSky]

my objection to renting the chairs is that that would make the problem worse! Now, if they or we just enforce the 30 minute rule the problem is solved. If someone pays for their chair, we have no recourse when they aren't using it.

 

exactly right!!!

[WinterSky]

I have the same problem - even though I think it is the right thing to do, I don't want to have to worry about the person coming back. So, on the 2 occasions I have been unable to find a suitable lounger, after waiting a generous amount of time for them to return and they did not, I moved the chair hogs' chairs just enough that they couldn't tell which was theirs. On only one of those occasions, did I see the hogs return. Eventually, after several hours, they returned for their things and looked confused by the empty spot (except for their beach bag) where their chairs had been, but they had no idea who had moved them. This works best for me because I usually want more shade than most people anyway so I have to move the loungers to a shady spot.

 

I will try this approach because the last thing I want is a confrontation to spoil my vacation. This is a great idea!

[leekel619]

I will try this approach because the last thing I want is a confrontation to spoil my vacation. This is a great idea!

 

I agree. IF you want to hang in the hot sun and chairs are being saved for someone who may want to do it later in the day.... move the stuff. I wouldn't be too concerned where you put it either. The people who left it apparently aren't concerned. NCL isn't responsible for lost or stolen items.

Otherwise, there's plenty of places in the shade.

There is no chair saving, except to take a dip (which is all you can really do in an overcrowded pool),grab food to BRING BACK to your chair you are "occupying" or use the restroom (hopefully NOT in the pool). Can't comment on how long the slide lines are but others are claiming it can take upwards to over a 30 minute wait to use one.

 

I still can't understand why people fear a confrontation. We all planned and paid for our vacation and many passengers would enjoy a lounge in the sun near all the 'action' at the pool. Not a select group. I don't think hogs are the majority on a cruise ship. I'm sure cruise lines are probably starting to peak in their acceptance of allowing rude and disrespectful passengers make up their own rules while onboard. Hopefully this practice will be a funny :rolleyes: memory we all talk about someday.

 

This thread should be kept active. We welcome comments from the hogs as well. Its amusing to read.

 

All the inventors out there, think of the profit if you could design a way to tell how long a chair is unoccupied? Like a parking meter. Put your coins in to save it while you're gone. When the time runs out.......anyone's chair.

Oh and NO METER FEEDING!! lol.

 

Actually that might work. People may not want to carry coins around all day and run back and forth to feed the chair. Why not just SIT in it??

 

Such exciting drama. We get upset if we can't sit. Did anyone ever stop to think of how the hogs must lose sleep planning how they'll run up to save their chairs in the morning. It can't be relaxing! They probably start stressing weeks before they finish packing.

 

I'll be the one in the shade with sunblock on;) If I can find a table not being saved with ten empty chairs full of wet towels.:) Just kidding?

[nbsjcruiser]

The worst chair hog story I have heard comes form a relative on a land based All Inclusive a few years ago. There's 3 of my siblings and their spouses that do this each year and each year they take turns getting up at 5:30AM, running down to the beach and depositing stuff on 6 chairs. Now to begin with I question the sanity of this. You're on vacation. Who the hell wants to get up earlier than you would if you were at home working?

 

Anyway I'm off track a bit. They tell the story of a German group, 12 or 14 of them. After each night they would stack 14 or more chairs in a group and then run a chain through it and lock it. Then they would get up when they felt like it, go down and unlock the chairs. Somebody outsmarted them though and one night they got a bolt cutter from the staff and broke the chain and chucked it in the garbage. Oh the look on their faces the next day must have been priceless as they wandered around with no chairs to be found anywhere.

[DMH15]

The worst chair hog story I have heard comes form a relative on a land based All Inclusive a few years ago. There's 3 of my siblings and their spouses that do this each year and each year they take turns getting up at 5:30AM, running down to the beach and depositing stuff on 6 chairs. Now to begin with I question the sanity of this. You're on vacation. Who the hell wants to get up earlier than you would if you were at home working?

 

Anyway I'm off track a bit. They tell the story of a German group, 12 or 14 of them. After each night they would stack 14 or more chairs in a group and then run a chain through it and lock it. Then they would get up when they felt like it, go down and unlock the chairs. Somebody outsmarted them though and one night they got a bolt cutter from the staff and broke the chain and chucked it in the garbage. Oh the look on their faces the next day must have been priceless as they wandered around with no chairs to be found anywhere.

 

This story only proves the adage, "truth is stranger than fiction". Wow, that's a nervy thing to do. I am talking about the ones who stacked and chained, not the bolt cutter!

[Darthdaddy]

Indulge me in re-telling a war story from an earlier cruise...

March 2010---E. Carib--NCL Pearl

Accompanied by wife and 3 college kids.

 

My wife and I don't care much about hanging around the pool. The kids were interested in the pool, but cared more about simply having lounge chairs somewhere (anywhere) to hang out and relax for a couple hours. After our first sea day the kids commented that it was very hard to find a place to sit on the open decks. I chalked it up to (a) bad luck and (b) whining. As the cruise evolved I began to take note of the chair situation and agreed that unclaimed chairs seemed to be at a premium.

 

On a later sea day I was up early for a pre-dawn (as in still dark out!) walk around the deck above pool level. As I stood looking down on the quiet pool area, crew attended to various tasks in preparation for the day ahead. They could not possible have failed to note the scene that was about to unfold.

 

A woman appeared. She dragged a lounge adjacent to the pool; positioned it to her liking; and hung a towel over the back of the chair. This seemed optimistic, since the sun had yet to rise over the horizon, but I fingured she really, REALLY liked to sun bathe. Next, she moved another chair into similar position and carefully draped a towel over its back, as well. I assumed someone must be coming to join her.

 

I then watched as she repeated the process EIGHT more times. That's right, the woman "saved" a total of TEN chairs (at roughly 6:00am).

 

"Now wait a minute," you might say. "How do you know the woman wasn't about to be joined by her very large family?" Simple. I watched the woman inspect her handiwork and then VANISH. I continued to enjoy my morning solitude as the first hints of the sun's imminent appearance could be detected. With equal parts curiosity and disbelief, I remained perched above the pool deck for at least 30 minutes to see if ANYONE came to use the chairs.

 

Want to venture a guess as to what happened next? NOTHING! Neither the woman nor any of her NINE imaginary companions came back. When I left, ten lonely lounge chairs--- each with a towel draped over its back---remained carefully arranged at the edge of the pool.

 

Thankfully, I did not haunt the pool area all day to determine when--if--this woman and her friends appeared to use "THEIR" chairs, but let's be real...if you and I were to bet a cruise in a courtyard suite that this particular herd of hogs appeared before 10:00am to occupy the chairs in question, which side of the bet would you want?

 

Some would say, "nooze you loose...if this woman was sufficiently industrious to arise before the sun and stake her claim, tough luck." Of these folks I ask, if this is acceptable, what about 5:00am? 4:00am? What about "saving" a couple chairs on your way back to your cabin after a late night in the casino---just in case? Why not plant your flag on Day 1 and bellow for all to hear, "This chair is MINE!"

 

There. I feel better now.

[WinterSky]

The worst chair hog story I have heard comes form a relative on a land based All Inclusive a few years ago. There's 3 of my siblings and their spouses that do this each year and each year they take turns getting up at 5:30AM, running down to the beach and depositing stuff on 6 chairs. Now to begin with I question the sanity of this. You're on vacation. Who the hell wants to get up earlier than you would if you were at home working?

 

Anyway I'm off track a bit. They tell the story of a German group, 12 or 14 of them. After each night they would stack 14 or more chairs in a group and then run a chain through it and lock it. Then they would get up when they felt like it, go down and unlock the chairs. Somebody outsmarted them though and one night they got a bolt cutter from the staff and broke the chain and chucked it in the garbage. Oh the look on their faces the next day must have been priceless as they wandered around with no chairs to be found anywhere.

 

So... we have chair hogs, and we have feral chair hogs...

[WinterSky]

Indulge me in re-telling a war story from an earlier cruise...

March 2010---E. Carib--NCL Pearl

Accompanied by wife and 3 college kids.

 

My wife and I don't care much about hanging around the pool. The kids were interested in the pool, but cared more about simply having lounge chairs somewhere (anywhere) to hang out and relax for a couple hours. After our first sea day the kids commented that it was very hard to find a place to sit on the open decks. I chalked it up to (a) bad luck and (b) whining. As the cruise evolved I began to take note of the chair situation and agreed that unclaimed chairs seemed to be at a premium.

 

On a later sea day I was up early for a pre-dawn (as in still dark out!) walk around the deck above pool level. As I stood looking down on the quiet pool area, crew attended to various tasks in preparation for the day ahead. They could not possible have failed to note the scene that was about to unfold.

 

A woman appeared. She dragged a lounge adjacent to the pool; positioned it to her liking; and hung a towel over the back of the chair. This seemed optimistic, since the sun had yet to rise over the horizon, but I fingured she really, REALLY liked to sun bathe. Next, she moved another chair into similar position and carefully draped a towel over its back, as well. I assumed someone must be coming to join her.

 

I then watched as she repeated the process EIGHT more times. That's right, the woman "saved" a total of TEN chairs (at roughly 6:00am).

 

"Now wait a minute," you might say. "How do you know the woman wasn't about to be joined by her very large family?" Simple. I watched the woman inspect her handiwork and then VANISH. I continued to enjoy my morning solitude as the first hints of the sun's imminent appearance could be detected. With equal parts curiosity and disbelief, I remained perched above the pool deck for at least 30 minutes to see if ANYONE came to use the chairs.

 

Want to venture a guess as to what happened next? NOTHING! Neither the woman nor any of her NINE imaginary companions came back. When I left, ten lonely lounge chairs--- each with a towel draped over its back---remained carefully arranged at the edge of the pool.

 

Thankfully, I did not haunt the pool area all day to determine when--if--this woman and her friends appeared to use "THEIR" chairs, but let's be real...if you and I were to bet a cruise in a courtyard suite that this particular herd of hogs appeared before 10:00am to occupy the chairs in question, which side of the bet would you want?

 

Some would say, "nooze you loose...if this woman was sufficiently industrious to arise before the sun and stake her claim, tough luck." Of these folks I ask, if this is acceptable, what about 5:00am? 4:00am? What about "saving" a couple chairs on your way back to your cabin after a late night in the casino---just in case? Why not plant your flag on Day 1 and bellow for all to hear, "This chair is MINE!"

 

There. I feel better now.

 

On an upcoming cruise, when you are enjoying an afternoon stroll on the same upper deck, you may see my husband and I remove items from a couple of abandoned chairs and rearrange the chairs to our liking and take a seat with our bucket of beer and bowl of lime slices.

[WinterSky]

I still can't understand why people fear a confrontation.

 

My comment was not expressing 'fear' of confrontation. I simply don't want my vacation spoiled by it. I have a serious illness and am currently on many medications including two different chemotherapy treatments, one I do at home and one that I attend an infusion clinic to receive. I will still be on chemotherapy when we cruise again in January and will have to time my infusions carefully in order to be able to travel. My disease has damaged many of my internal organs, most seriously, my liver, spleen and heart. Although I could easily handle confrontation before I became ill, at this point in my life, I need to avoid the stress it can cause. However, I will make myself comfortable by accessing any chair that has been abandoned for more than 30 minutes. I liked the previous poster's suggestion to move the chairs around after removing the abandoned items because this will likely minimize confrontation should a chair hog return.

[sdmike]

I like the "rearranging the chairs" method as well. As for the other comment asking why people fear confrontation, it's very simple. It's in our nature. We're social beings. In most cases it's a preference against confrontation rather than a fear of it. Personally, I think confrontation in certain situations just adds unnecessary risk. Let's say you have a big drunk idiot coming back for his chair. A physical confrontation over something as stupid as a chair doesn't make any sense.

[che5904]

Indulge me in re-telling a war story from an earlier cruise...

My wife and .......

 

" I am not particularly interested in a rehash of how rude and self-centered chair hogs are...I have posted my thoughts on this matter. Neither am I especially concerned with identifying the breed by its tell-tale markings or ability to literally disappear. Instead, I would like to be proactive. "

 

Oh No Darthdaddy! you gave in :D Does that mean everyone is out of creative ways to fix this? Did you notice NCL has not commented on this thread, do you think they are avoiding it like the plague?

 

I really wish whoever oversees this for NCL does "take this back to their leader" as outspace talk. Or at least the 4 or 5 pages.

 

Although I'm wondering if the new change from 30 mins. (signs on ships) to 60 mins. (notice in Epic freestyle daily 2 weeks ago) is an indication that they are about to incorporate something other than a sign or two, in an inconspicuous place.

 

It was a very good try on your part and lets hope someone took notice.

[WinterSky]

I like the "rearranging the chairs" method as well. As for the other comment asking why people fear confrontation, it's very simple. It's in our nature. We're social beings. In most cases it's a preference against confrontation rather than a fear of it. Personally, I think confrontation in certain situations just adds unnecessary risk. Let's say you have a big drunk idiot coming back for his chair. A physical confrontation over something as stupid as a chair doesn't make any sense.

 

Well said! :)

[Darthdaddy]

Yes, Che, you caught me! I gave in and tossed my war story into the communal fire.

 

Now, back to the original intent of this thread...how can the situation be improved?

 

We seem to have established that there is some---limited though it may be---signage around the pools indicating NCL's policy (30-min? 60-min?). Several folks have suggested that the policy should be better advertised, so that the hogs cannot plead ignorance (at least not of the policy!).

 

In this vein I propose the following:

1. Prominent notice in the Freestyle Daily on Days 1 & 2 of any cruise with more subtle publication on subsequent days;

2. Placards referencing the policy liberally displayed on all open decks, but particularly in the pool areas;

3. Some sort of patch applied to EVERY sun lounge. The patch would state the time limit adopted by NCL, along with the information that personal items left unattended beyong that limit are subject to removal by staff or fellow guests.

4. Video surveillance of at least the immediate pool area. In the event that a hog returns and insists that the time limit was not exceeded, the tape could be reviewed to resolve the matter. Since most absences would far exceed the posted limit, even the possibility of this review would likely curb the enthusiasm of most hogs to press the issue. I really don't think it would be necessary to watch every chair on the entire ship. Extensive monitoring of the most heavily used areas would probably do the trick. Before the civil libertarians among us have a siezure, consider that we are ALREADY subject to extensive surveillance throughout the ship. I don't see this as materially different.

5. Removal of all items from UNATTENDED lounges by crew members before an established time, i.e., 9:00am. This would eliminate the pre-dawn claim staking I witnessed.

 

These suggestions strike me as cheap, easy to implement and easy to maintain. Their adoption would go a looong way toward modifying the behavior of all but the most defiant hogs.

 

Comments?

[downsized]

I've read this entire thread...(and dozens of other identical threads!)

When we cruise we book a suite, so we seldom have to deal with chair hogs.

The few times that we have decided that we wish to lounge at the pool (normally only when our grandkids want to swim) my DW and I will find a table, order a bucket of beer, notice which lounges are "toweled" and spend 45 minutes, or so, watching our grandkids.

After an hour, I simply wander over to the "toweled" chair, dump its contents on the deck, and sit down!

The one and only time I was confronted, I simply looked up and said "I'm so glad that you are back! I was concerned about your stuff laying next to MY chair!"

I then waived over a crew member, and stated that "this fellow says this is his stuff....but I'm not so sure...will you take care of it?"

[doitallWMB]

I am going out at 6 am and removing EVERY saved item and placing them in a pile on a table. Moving the chairs around and then finding my spot. Chair hogs, hoarders or whatever you call them are selfish. NCL do something about this. PLEASE. These threads make me think that newcomers would never cruise because of this. You need new business to survive.

[RickinNYC]

On our last NCL cruise from NYC to the Bahamas/FL, I noticed an inordinate amount of chair pigs. It never really impacted us because we're not normally the type to bake in the sun. But just seeing so many selfish, self centered people with such incredible levels of self importance just makes my blood boil.

 

Be that as it may, one day, we did decide to head out and relax at the pool. My partner and I had a late night the evening before, too many cocktails and not enough sleep. The idea of doing absolutely nothing was pretty appealing. Shockingly, we found two loungers by the pool. We both laid out and chatted, read books, swam a few minutes, etc... I noticed right next to us were three other loungers, piled with magazines and towels. Clearly a chair pig at work. Wasn't my problem so it didn't concern me, just rolled my eyes and ignored it.

 

About an hour or so passed and I see a young Mom with three kids in tow, scouring the deck for a place to sit. I kept seeing her stroll by, clearly getting frustrated, while her kids just wanted to get in the water. Since no one had ever returned to the loungers next to me, I waved at her and called her over. I explained that we'd been there for more than an hour and no one had claimed their things. I went so far as to say it was pretty clear someone with an incredible sense of entitlement simply plopped their garbage down and left to come back later at their leisure.

 

She was so nice, said she didn't want to bother anyone, that she would continue to look. The poor lady was wrestling with three squiggly kids, an armload of towels, a beach bag & water toys, etc... I smiled, moved to the three vacant loungers, scooped up everything on them and dumped them in a pile next to my own seat. I then told her not to worry, that she didn't do a thing, that I did. I'd deal with whoever showed up, that I had no problem turning the issue back on the offenders.

 

She sat down, her kids ran off to swim and all was fine.

 

Sure enough, about 45 minutes later, two middle aged women and a gentleman came by, looking for their seats. They stood in front of the mom and her kids, loudly proclaiming how rude people were, that they "reserved" their seats, how dare someone move their things. They never did say anything directly to the family, just made comments in that irritating passive aggressive way some folks are prone to.

 

The young mom was getting more and more embarrassed and uncomfortable by the second. I sat forward, looked over my sunglasses at the three and said, "I've been here for two hours now. Your crap was here before me. I moved your garbage over there so others could use these seats. She did nothing. I did it. Have a problem, complain to customer service. The only rude people here are you. Now... Go. Away." And just stared at them with blood shot eyes while they muttered and scuttled off with their things.

 

I was rewarded with their glares, a smile from the Mom and a couple bloody marys from my partner, who snickered to himself during the entire exchange.

 

Hell hath no fury like a hungover dude. :cool:

[Mooder]

I was rewarded with their glares, a smile from the Mom and a couple bloody marys from my partner, who snickered to himself during the entire exchange.

 

... and my applause! Good for you!!!

[WinterSky]

The young mom was getting more and more embarrassed and uncomfortable by the second. I sat forward, looked over my sunglasses at the three and said, "I've been here for two hours now. Your crap was here before me. I moved your garbage over there so others could use these seats. She did nothing. I did it. Have a problem, complain to customer service. The only rude people here are you. Now... Go. Away." And just stared at them with blood shot eyes while they muttered and scuttled off with their things.

 

I hope you are in the lounger next to me on my next cruise (if my son isn't with me)! I will remove the items on an abandoned chair and move the chair to 'disguise' my 'crime', but if I am verbally attacked, it would be nice to have you there!

 

The very first time we removed items from abandoned chairs, our son and his wife were traveling with us. There was not one chair to be found. It was a sea of towels, clothing, books etc. with maybe a couple dozen people in total.

 

We had the pool to ourselves where we enjoyed a drink, and after about 45 minutes of floating and bobbing around I was in need of a lounger to rest. I made a comment that I wished we could have chairs to use. My son who was helping me out of the pool (as I am disabled) said, "We'll just move some stuff." I said that I didn't want to do that because someone coming back may be angry if we did. My son simply moved the things from two loungers, helped me sit down and sat next to me, stating that he would handle it if that happened. My husband and my daughter-in-law were still enjoying the pool and adjacent hot tub. I was nervous but I knew that my son would not allow anyone to bother me.

 

Now, at this point, perhaps I should describe my son.... He is a gentle, loving son, husband and father of two. At that time in December 2008, he was 30 years old. He does physical work and also works out in his home gym most days. His suits are custom tailored because the size of his shoulders are three sizes larger than the rest of his body. Oh, and he is 6'3" tall and weighs 255 lbs.

 

Anyway, some time later, as I had feared, four people (2 men and 2 women) returned to 'their' chairs, two of which my son and I were now occupying. Their jaws dropped, they stared briefly as my son returned a steady gaze, their mouths closed, they picked up their things and placed them on their two other chairs and left.

 

I am proud of my son and the kind of man he has become. He, like yourself, will look out for anyone that he feels needs assistance. Teaching our children to care about others is something his father and I felt was an important part of our stewardship as their parents.

 

No matter our circumstances, we can all do something for others. On an earlier cruise that year in March 2008 when our son was not traveling with us, my husband and I came out on the pool deck one day in the mid afternoon when the ship was docked. We were surprised and delighted to encounter three empty loungers just as we entered the pool deck. All the other lounge chairs on the deck were 'occupied' with belongings but I swear it is true that we were the only two people on the deck.

 

We seated ourselves on two of the loungers and spent some time relaxing with a bucket of beer and bowl of lime slices. It was wonderful. After about an hour, a couple who appeared to be in at least their 80s entered the pool deck. They walked about looking for vacant chairs, found the one next to us and deposited their beach bag and towels on it and then entered the hot tub just in front of us. They enjoyed the hot tub for about half and hour. They were the sweetest couple you ever saw. He took care of his wife, holding her hand as she moved about and wrapping her in her towel. They then came over to their one lounge chair and one sat on each side of it briefly before he laid down and opened his arm so she could lie next to him. They wiggled about for a minute or two trying to get comfortable while my heart soaked up this living lesson about love and making the best of things together.

 

A couple of moments later, my husband and I were on our feet inviting them to use one of our lounge chairs. We told them that we were just leaving (a lie I don't regret telling). They said, 'Oh, no...', we said, 'Really, we were leaving...' Their faces said they didn't believe us, they thanked us and the husband moved to the chair next to his wife. I put our beach bag on the seat of my rollator (walker) as my husband retrieved our beer bucket and as we moved away, I saw the elderly man reach over and take his wife's hand. I will never forget these two people. They are one of our sweet memories from that cruise.

 

One thing that I hope comes out of all of these discussions about chair hogs is that we as a cruise community will take an active interest in each other and offer assistance when we can. As a group, we have the power to create a new 'norm'.

 

I have learned from my own experiences with this issue and from all of your expressions about it. My husband and I will move items from chairs abandoned for more than 30 minutes, rearrange the chairs a bit and make ourselves comfortable. And we will look out for you too by sharing with you what we know about those chairs that have been abandoned for excessive amounts of time.