News Today: Carnival Cruise Line Shares Blunt Words on Controversial Practice
Carnival Cruise Line, one of the largest cruise operators in the world, has spoken out directly and unequivocally about a controversial practice that has divided passengers and industry observers alike. The company recently addressed the rising trend of “chair hogging,” a behavior where passengers reserve poolside lounge chairs for hours on end — often without using them — depriving other guests of seating and contributing to tension aboard its ships.
In a recent statement, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy issued a clear message: the practice will no longer be tolerated, and more proactive steps will be taken to ensure fair use of public spaces. “We want all our guests to enjoy their time onboard, and that means making sure shared spaces like poolside decks are available to everyone. Reserving chairs and disappearing for hours is inconsiderate and unfair,” said Duffy.
Chair hogging has been a long-standing annoyance among cruise passengers. With limited poolside seating and high demand, especially on sea days, some travelers resort to waking up early to place towels, books, or personal items on prime chairs to claim them — often not returning until hours later. The result: visibly empty chairs remain unavailable to guests actively looking for a spot to relax, leading to frustration and complaints.
Carnival has taken a stronger position in response to repeated feedback from passengers. Under the updated policy, crew members will begin tagging unattended items on chairs. If a chair is found unoccupied for more than 40 minutes, the crew will remove the items and free up the chair for others. Announcements and signage will reinforce the policy throughout the ship, making the rules clear and consistent.
“We’re not trying to be the pool police,” a Carnival spokesperson explained. “But when one person’s actions negatively impact dozens of others, we have to step in. It’s about mutual respect and ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone onboard.”
This move has generated widespread discussion in travel forums and social media. Many loyal cruisers applauded the cruise line’s stance. “Finally! This needed to happen years ago,” one user wrote on Cruise Critic. “I’ve been on cruises where you literally couldn’t find a single seat at 9 AM — and half of them were empty except for towels and flip-flops.”
Others were less enthusiastic, expressing concern over how the policy would be enforced and whether it could lead to misunderstandings or confrontations. “What if I just went to get a drink or use the restroom?” one commenter asked. Carnival has emphasized that enforcement will be reasonable, with staff trained to make fair judgments and communicate respectfully with guests.
Industry experts say this step reflects a growing trend among cruise operators to address onboard behaviors that impact the guest experience. As ships grow larger and carry more passengers, the need to manage shared spaces effectively becomes critical. Carnival’s direct communication also signals a shift toward more transparent and assertive guest policies.
“This is part of a broader effort to create a more enjoyable and equitable experience at sea,” said cruise analyst Jennifer Simmons. “In the past, cruise lines were hesitant to enforce certain etiquette-related policies for fear of alienating guests. But now, with customer satisfaction and social media feedback playing a huge role, they’re becoming more proactive.”
Carnival’s decision also highlights the delicate balance cruise companies must strike: maintaining a relaxed, fun atmosphere while setting and enforcing standards of behavior. The company has recently made headlines for other changes in its onboard policies, including stricter rules around alcohol consumption, dress codes in dining areas, and even guidelines on smoking.
Despite some pushback, Carnival seems confident that most guests will welcome the change. “People come on our cruises to relax, to have fun, and to connect with family and friends. Simple fairness and courtesy go a long way,” said Duffy.
As the summer travel season approaches and cruise bookings surge, it remains to be seen how smoothly this new policy will be implemented across Carnival’s fleet. However, the message is clear: chair hogs beware — your towel can’t hold your seat forever.
