Cruise Line Cut Sun Lounger Hogs Adrift

Carnival Cruise Lines are the latest cruise line attempting to crackdown on deckchair and sun lounger hoggers with their new pilot program.

Marking your sun bed with a towel will no longer be allowed under the “use it or lose it” policy being trialled on Carnival Breeze.

The new system will involve staff employed as “team monitors” keeping an eye on sun bed usage out on deck.

If they see an unoccupied lounger they will place a marker on the chair indicating the time and if the sunbather does not return within 40 minutes, towels and other belongings will be removed and kept somewhere secure for the guest’s safekeeping.

Carnival spokesman, Vance Gulliksen, said: “Carnival Cruise Lines has recently begun testing a new system designed to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy equal access to sun loungers by preventing seat saving in outdoor deck areas.”

According to Gulliksen details of the new system are being widely broadcast to passengers "via public address announcements by the cruise director, signage in outdoor deck areas and messages displayed on the Seaside Theater poolside LED screens. "

John Heald, Carnival Breeze ship's cruise director, said: “Once we finish the test here this cruise and next, we will make adjustments and then add to the rest of the fleet.”

Reports say that Norwegian Cruise Line have been testing a deck chair policing program on the Norwegian Star since the beginning of July and similar programs may be picked up by other Cruise Lines if deemed successful.