The Scourge of the Sunbed Hogs!

It is the scourge of the summer holiday and cruise- getting to the pool only to find all the sunbeds have been taken and claimed with a pool towel or book and then go off for hours whilst fellow passengers

For decades the cliché was that Germany is a nation of poolside sun-lounger hoggers, joking about the need to get up crack of dawn to beat those efficient Germans and their territorial towels to the ‘golden beds’ but now this epidemic has spread across all nations from land holidays to cruises

When surveyed, 62 percent believe that the best option to combat sunbed saving is to have a system in place. So what will it be? A timed system? Charging a deposit for towels/chair?

For land based holidays Thomas Cook is introducing a ‘Choose Your Favourite Sunbed’ option on its website, allowing customers to pre-book a specific lounger for the entirety of their stay. It comes at a cost of 25 euros (£22), this could be an easy solution for days at sea?

Alternatively there are steps you can take to bag yourself a sunbed –

Of course you can get up early but make sure you stay put or you will fall into the Sunbed Hog category yourself!

If you are brave enough (I AM NOT!) you can remove pool towels and belongings if you notice beds have been un occupied for a period of time or if you prefer not to have a confrontation when the Hogs return you can ask a crew member to intervene and remove the items, most ships do have rules that items will be removed but like all other policies the lounger policy is only as good as the enforcement

A passenger posted ‘’The ‘rules’ in Passages state that you cannot reserve Sunbeds for more than 30 minutes, but the pool guys won’t enforce it. I did move someone’s stuff in Guatemala (much to my husbands unease) and when the person came looking for her bed (after at least 1.25 hours) and started ranting at the pool staff, I told her that I moved it. She got more upset, I mentioned the ‘rules’ to her, yes, she was aware, she said. So why do it? Her (predictable) response was because everyone else does. I asked her if that made it ok telling her as I left that she was extremely selfish. Today I haven’t moved anyone’s stuff, despite some of the beds in the shade being unused for 2.5 hours.’’

Another recent post from a passenger on  Rhapsody of the Seas was pleased that 30 minute sunbed rule was enforced.
‘’It was only on the sea days but certainly helped.
The pool staff would walk around and put stickers on empty sunbeds with a time written on. Then after 30 minutes if they saw anyone looking for a bed would remove towels and let the new people have it.’’

Many new ships have private areas where you can pay a fee and enjoy luxury loungers in a relaxed environment avoiding the problem

When you purchase a P&O Spa Package you will receive access to The Retreat, you can also purchase a day pass for The Retreat once on board – every passenger that books a Spa Package will be guaranteed a sunbed. Azura and Ventura have 48 sun loungers within the Retreat, 18 are outside in the sun area and the rest in the shade and Britannia has 60 sun loungers within the Retreat.

MSC Aurea cabins include Free access to the exclusive sun deck to enjoy the sun in complete tranquillity and Yacht Club guests experience entry to an exclusive pool area

For a unique oasis of tranquility on Princess vessels, ‘The Sanctuary’ offers guests the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway hopefully without the need to fight for a sun lounger!.  The exclusive adults-only retreat offers a relaxing experience, outdoor spa-inspired setting with signature beverages, light meals, massages, attentive service and relaxing personal entertainment.

One of the many benefits when you book a Haven Suite with NCL is The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck

Soak up the sun, take a dip in the pool, then let the world melt away as you relax in the hot tub. No matter how you plan to spend your time, this private sanctuary provides the perfect escape.

The saddest thing about it is that you almost feel like taking a ‘can’t beat them, join them’ approach is the only way to guarantee yourself a bed! We found ourselves without a sunbed several times on our recent cruise, unless we were by the pool with our towels at 6.30am and who wants to do that on holiday?

I don’t know what the solution is , you only need to look at cruise forums to see how frustrating it is – there will always be less sunbeds than passengers on board but I think if everyone is considerate and thoughtful to others and not to selfishly claim sunbeds sea days would be more enjoyable

I would love to hear your comments and experiences!