Interesting morning on the Allure regarding deck chairs.

[SRF]

If the rules are not being enforced, go to Guest services and request a meeting the Hotel Manager or the Staff Captain.  Complain to them.

[ace1zoe2]

We were onboard Allure last week. One morning at breakfast around 8:00 in Coastal Kitchen we sat and watched the towel guys gathering towels off the chairs right next to the pool. A whole row of 8 or so chairs. I’m guessing they staked their claim and went to breakfast. I was happy to see, at least at that time, they were enforcing the rules.


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[davekathy]

3 hours ago, ace1zoe2 said:

We were onboard Allure last week. One morning at breakfast around 8:00 in Coastal Kitchen we sat and watched the towel guys gathering towels off the chairs right next to the pool. A whole row of 8 or so chairs. I’m guessing they staked their claim and went to breakfast. I was happy to see, at least at that time, they were enforcing the rules.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I walk the track every morning starting at 6:00 AM for 1.5 hours and have seen the chair hogs marking their territory that early with towels on sea days. Then when the pool attendants come on shift shortly after they start their day off by removing the towels. I always give them a thumbs up and a big smile. Makes my day. 

[ONECRUISER]

On 1/29/2019 at 12:05 PM, TinkBellaMom said:

I’ve read many threads on policy on saving deck chairs, and I kind of developed a way to handle this issue after many suggestions read here on CC.

We in the past have just given up and walked away.

Well, this morning after breakfast, my 90 year old Dad, wanted to sit in the solarium for a bit.  We walked for awhile looking but everything had been saved, most with just towels, no people around.  I sat Dad on a bench and said I would walk around and come back for him.

I read on CC that folks had removed the  belongings from chairs and sat down.  I was afraid to do that.  After almost an hour I went to a towel desk and asked what the policy was for this issue.  I sat watching dozens of chairs and in that time no one came to use them.  He said to go to Guest Services.

 

I would went there, waited in line, told them my issue,asked for the policy.  She called  pool manager in Solarium, he said send me up and he would take care of me.

Did that, couldn’t locate him.  Found a crew member on a phone, asked him what policy was.  He said you need to get here earlier and do the same.  

So I learned, policy is to get there early, put down towels, go about your business and arrive when you feel like it .  That is the policy.

I might add that numerous people passed by while I was trying to get policy explained,with a smile, thumb up and even a” you tell em girl”.

 

 

Unfortunately nothing new, been that way since I started cruising over 30yrs ago. First Come...wins. Those Cloths pins became popular holding towels brought from home to their chairs so no one moves them. Don't see as many now... But over the years noticed very common for a family of 12 to save 12 chairs in the Sun and 12 in the Shade for the whole day. Never even needing more then 4 at a time as rest of Family is no where to be seen. Last 6 years I just been getting a cabin with huge Balcony and 4 chairs all to myself...

Edited February 1, 2019 by ONECRUISER

[ONECRUISER]

On 1/30/2019 at 7:07 AM, Paulette3028 said:

I have often suggested to Royal that they should put cubbies in the pool area, similar to those that they have near the jaccuzzi's in the solarium (on some ships), where people who just want to go in the pool and not sunbathe, can put their shoes, glasses, watch (any personal items) and towel and not even take up any chair or lounger.  That would work for people like you.  Taking up two chairs per person in inconsiderate.

Years ago Royal had little tables for drinks and ashtrays in between multiple chairs. Guess took up too much space....

[ONECRUISER]

On 1/30/2019 at 2:41 PM, 5xGrandma said:

Iwas on the Grandeur and early one morning  we decided to take an early walk like 430 /500am  and we watched the crew arrange the chairs, right behind the was a crew member dropping a towel on every chair,  They jumped when they saw us. My theory  is more chairs taken ,the more people will be inside spending money.

Nope. On some of my sailings watched crew put towels on many chairs before Sunrise, then after while removed them. This prevents the Idiots from coming up 4hrs early to reserve those seats.

[Nashna]

Our first cruise was in the 1980's on Home Lines.  Upon boarding, you were encouraged to go up on deck to choose your deck chair.  A tip was given to the deck chair attendant at that time as well as at the end of the cruise.  The attendant got your drinks and made sure you were comfortable.   When he saw us coming, he would put on a nice chair pad and position a towel on our chairs.  We sat in the same chair every day.  It was delightful.  Passengers were able to claim their spot in the sun or shade.  We were on Princess two years ago and paid $40.00 per person for a poolside cabana on sea days.  It was reserved from 8:00am until 6:00pm daily.  Cruise lines need to offer options for folks like me who don't wish to play the towel game.  I am willing to pay for the convenience.   

[LovetheTXsun]

So now I’m antsy about the whole chair issue ~ glad to be prepared but, dang, what a mess lol! 

Seems like you’re damned if you do (you horrible chair hog!), damned if you don’t (chairs open at 10am??? Are you flipping crazy?) if you and your family want to spend any time, any where near the pool on a sea day.  

Goes against everything in me to be a jerk but now I’m totally plotting my strategy 🐷😈 

Towel to chair padlocks? Bribe the towel attendant?  Just kidding, but seriously....

[0mzzz]

1 hour ago, LovetheTXsun said:

So now I’m antsy about the whole chair issue ~ glad to be prepared but, dang, what a mess lol! 

Seems like you’re damned if you do (you horrible chair hog!), damned if you don’t (chairs open at 10am??? Are you flipping crazy?) if you and your family want to spend any time, any where near the pool on a sea day.  

Goes against everything in me to be a jerk but now I’m totally plotting my strategy 🐷😈 

Towel to chair padlocks? Bribe the towel attendant?  Just kidding, but seriously....

 

Just find an empty chair and sit in it 🙂  If someone tells you that someone else is sitting in it look at them with a look of confusion, hop up and verify that no one is actually sitting in that chair and then sit back down.

[cruznwithmom]

We are on the Grandeur next month. This whole chair hog thing is so annoying.  Other cruise lines I have been on did not have this issue. RCCL could fix this easily. They just don't care.

[davekathy]

30 minutes ago, cruznwithmom said:

We are on the Grandeur next month. This whole chair hog thing is so annoying.  Other cruise lines I have been on did not have this issue. RCCL could fix this easily. They just don't care.

I've read on the RC, Celebrity, Princess and Carnival forums  about chair hogs. I've seen chair hogs on Celebrity, RC and Princess. I don't have a dog in the fight as I always sit in a lounger on the deck above the pool deck and haven't ever had an issue getting a lounger in a great spot in the sun. Plus IMO the views are better up there than on the pool deck.  

Edited February 2, 2019 by davekathy

[ldubs]

OP, reading your experience was agonizing.  Sending you to GS for the policy is crazy.  They should have just removed some towels so your Dad and you could sit down.

 

I don't like sitting in the sun so thankfully this is kind of a non-issue for me.   Seems like a better policy would be no saving unless you are actually in the pool area.   Issue ankle monitors so chair hogs can't sneak into the buffet.  Haha

[LMaxwell]

If I have to go to GS to remedy a problem, THAT is a problem.  You shouldn't have to go to guest services and beg around to get a deck chair.  Our cruise fare pays for these amenities and our "tips" pay workers for their services.  If amenities and services are not being offered, what are we really even paying for? 

Edited February 2, 2019 by LMaxwell

[micmacmissy]

21 hours ago, LovetheTXsun said:

So now I’m antsy about the whole chair issue ~ glad to be prepared but, dang, what a mess lol! 

Seems like you’re damned if you do (you horrible chair hog!), damned if you don’t (chairs open at 10am??? Are you flipping crazy?) if you and your family want to spend any time, any where near the pool on a sea day.  

Goes against everything in me to be a jerk but now I’m totally plotting my strategy 🐷😈 

Towel to chair padlocks? Bribe the towel attendant?  Just kidding, but seriously....

Pool attendants do nothing.  We were on Allure, and it is easy to spot which chairs no one is using.  They have dry, unused towels spread out on them.  Maybe with a paperback book.  One row of chairs had their armrests knotted together with beach towels.

 

Just plop down on one, and after you sit for 30 minutes, helpfully turn the items over to the pool attendant.  If someone walks up in that 30 minutes and says you're in their chair, just say, "Oh, sorry!" and move.  I promise you - I did this for an entire week on Allure and not.  one.  person.  ever confronted me for using "their" chair.

 

RCI - do your guests a favor and start monitoring.  

 

 

 

[SRF]

14 hours ago, ldubs said:

OP, reading your experience was agonizing.  Sending you to GS for the policy is crazy.  They should have just removed some towels so your Dad and you could sit down.

 

I don't like sitting in the sun so thankfully this is kind of a non-issue for me.   Seems like a better policy would be no saving unless you are actually in the pool area.   Issue ankle monitors so chair hogs can't sneak into the buffet.  Haha

 

I have seen the same thing happen with chairs in the shade.

[davekathy]

15 hours ago, ldubs said:

OP, reading your experience was agonizing.  Sending you to GS for the policy is crazy.  They should have just removed some towels so your Dad and you could sit down.

 

I don't like sitting in the sun so thankfully this is kind of a non-issue for me.   Seems like a better policy would be no saving unless you are actually in the pool area.   Issue ankle monitors so chair hogs can't sneak into the buffet.  Haha

Oh, it can be an issue. Chair hogs like the shade also. They mark their territory early in the morning and then leave for hours. Some even hog loungers in the sun and in the shade and then rotate. No, the only policy needs to be no lounger hogging at all no matter the location.  Chair hogs are doing exactly what you are saying.  Hogging loungers in what some consider to be a prime location. By the pool area. That's most of the complaints here on CC. 

Edited February 2, 2019 by davekathy

[mom2mybugs]

20 hours ago, davekathy said:

I've read on the RC, Celebrity, Princess and Carnival forums  about chair hogs. I've seen chair hogs on Celebrity, RC and Princess. I don't have a dog in the fight as I always sit in a lounger on the deck above the pool deck and haven't ever had an issue getting a lounger in a great spot in the sun. Plus IMO the views are better up there than on the pool deck.  

This is what I’ve done on freedom, vision and adventure.  Close to the sky bar and not that noisy.  However I’m going on my first oasis class cruise in March on allure and I am freaking out big time!  I love sea days and all I plan on doing is hanging out in my deck chair.  I’m up and in my chair by 9 but now I’m panicking I won’t get one.  Argggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!    Jane

[ldubs]

3 hours ago, SRF said:

 

I have seen the same thing happen with chairs in the shade.

 

 

Oh, I have no doubts.  Fortunately, this chair hog issue had just never been a problem for us.  Not sure why, but I hope it stays that way.  Maybe it is a bigger issue on Caribbean cruises, which we tend to avoid.    Those might attract more people who like to "bask".  Haha.  

[ldubs]

3 hours ago, davekathy said:

Oh, it can be an issue. Chair hogs like the shade also. They mark their territory early in the morning and then leave for hours. Some even hog loungers in the sun and in the shade and then rotate. No, the only policy needs to be no lounger hogging at all no matter the location.  Chair hogs are doing exactly what you are saying.  Hogging loungers in what some consider to be a prime location. By the pool area. That's most of the complaints here on CC. 

 

I was thinking more in terms of someone should be able to visit the head or jump in the pool without losing their chair.  I think we all agree that reserving a chair for hours (even one hour) isn't acceptable.  

[davekathy]

7 minutes ago, ldubs said:

 

I was thinking more in terms of someone should be able to visit the head or jump in the pool without losing their chair.  I think we all agree that reserving a chair for hours (even one hour) isn't acceptable.  

Agree. 30 minutes usually is the cruise lines policy. But chair hogs do not know how to read or tell time. 

[CabernetSailAway]

What's it like on the suite sun deck? Are the many chair hogs up there?

[TinkBellaMom]

Thought I would come by with an update.  I did finally go back to GS.  I went up and asked calmly if I could speak to someone regarding the 30 min. policy on chair saving.  I very nicely told them they might want to get me someone in charge this time, and a private spot because I was sure the others in line wouldn’t want to hear my complaint.  She pulled me out of line immediately.

Explained the situation, she said they knew it was a problem, explained the policy and a solution.  I was to remove the items on the loungers after I was sure 30 min had pasted, take them to a towel stand. Or, go to towel stand, have them call a pool manager, have them remove items.

Next morning, 10 am after breakfast in Solarium, went to get towels.  Pool manager was there and asked if he could help us find a chair.  He went straight to a group of chairs tied together , removed the towels and tie and said here you go. At 11, the people came to use the chairs.  The man came over and said” you are sitting in our chairs”.  My husband said you must be mistaken, no one was here and we have been here for over an hour already.  Besides the pool manager escorted us to them and told us to sit here.

He said” that is not fair, I was down here at 7 this morning and reserved these for our friends”.

My DH said” you want to talk fair, you had 4 hours to sit in these chairs, when that sign says 30 min. limit.

Then he went after pool manager and he came over and told him the same thing, pointing to the sign.  All this was done in perfect English until the others got there, then the conversations were in French.  

I learned how to handle chair hogs, not going to be a problem again.

Edited February 3, 2019 by TinkBellaMom

[Johnamac123]

5 minutes ago, TinkBellaMom said:

Thought I would come by with an update.  I did finally go back to GS.  I went up and asked calmly if I could speak to someone regarding the 30 min. policy on chair saving.  I very nicely told them they might want to get me someone in charge this time, and a private spot because I was sure the others in line wouldn’t want to hear my complaint.  She pulled me out of line immediately.

Explained the situation, she said they knew it was a problem, explained the policy and a solution.  I was to remove the items on the loungers after I was sure 30 min had pasted, take them to a towel stand. Or, go to towel stand, have them call a pool manager, have them remove items.

Next morning, 10 am after breakfast in Solarium, went to get towels.  Pool manager was there and asked if he could help us find a chair.  He went straight to a group of chairs tied together , removed the towels and tie and said here you go. At 11, the people came to use the chairs.  The man came over and said” you are sitting in our chairs”.  My husband said you must be mistaken, no one was here and we have been here for over an hour already.  Besides the pool manager escorted us to them and told us to sit here.

He said” that is not fair, I was down here at 7 this morning and reserved these for our friends”.

My DH said” you want to talk fair, you had 4 hours to sit in these chairs, when that sign says 30 min. limit.

Then he went after pool manager and he came over and told him the same thing, pointing to the sign.  All this was done in perfect English until the others got there, then the conversations were in French.  

I learned how to handle chair hogs, not going to be a problem again.

Well done, Tink.  I hope others follow by your example. 

[brillohead]

On 2/2/2019 at 8:50 AM, micmacmissy said:

Pool attendants do nothing.  We were on Allure, and it is easy to spot which chairs no one is using.  They have dry, unused towels spread out on them.  Maybe with a paperback book.  One row of chairs had their armrests knotted together with beach towels.

 

Just plop down on one, and after you sit for 30 minutes, helpfully turn the items over to the pool attendant.  If someone walks up in that 30 minutes and says you're in their chair, just say, "Oh, sorry!" and move.  I promise you - I did this for an entire week on Allure and not.  one.  person.  ever confronted me for using "their" chair.

 

RCI - do your guests a favor and start monitoring.  

Ditto.

 

[Keri's Cruisin']

On 2/1/2019 at 9:16 AM, Nashna said:

Our first cruise was in the 1980's on Home Lines.  Upon boarding, you were encouraged to go up on deck to choose your deck chair.  A tip was given to the deck chair attendant at that time as well as at the end of the cruise.  The attendant got your drinks and made sure you were comfortable.   When he saw us coming, he would put on a nice chair pad and position a towel on our chairs.  We sat in the same chair every day.  It was delightful.  Passengers were able to claim their spot in the sun or shade.  We were on Princess two years ago and paid $40.00 per person for a poolside cabana on sea days.  It was reserved from 8:00am until 6:00pm daily.  Cruise lines need to offer options for folks like me who don't wish to play the towel game.  I am willing to pay for the convenience.   

I too would pay for this!  That is one charge I could get behind.