No, Carnival won't charge for pool chairs on cruise ships

Would cruise lines be smart to start charging guests to use the pool chairs? Many would say no. However, one guest was adamant that it would be a smart solution to the pesky chair hog problem aboard Carnival ships. 

"I would pay $20 a day to have two reserved lounge chairs in prime areas by the main pool on Carnival. I would not be the only one. I know it would really annoy some people who wouldn't pay, and they wouldn't be able to get prime chairs for free anymore," the unidentified person wrote to John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador. 

Continuing on, they said, "It could be another revenue stream for you guys. Obviously, few would want to prepay far in advance, but let me reserve two chairs one day in advance on the app and charge it to my folio, and I'd be content."

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Heald quickly shut down the idea, claiming that he thinks lounge chairs will remain on a free, first-come, first-served basis. 

"Our brilliant crew [does] a fabulous job in removing articles such as books, bags, clothes, towels, and baby yaks from saved seats after a 40-minute period. It is not a perfect system though just as it isn’t on other cruise lines or [land-based] resorts," he replied. 

He added that it makes his "hair itch" that chair hogs exist, with guests claiming pool chairs as early as 7:00 a.m., just to go get breakfast and return hours later. 

The idea was unpopular among other cruisers

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Heald asked for other cruisers to chime in on whether they thought charging for prime pool chair access was a good idea or not. Unsurprisingly, most responses were overwhelmingly against it. Although many people enjoy spending time in the main pool area, they wouldn't pay extra for a lounge chair. 

"I get tired of the nickel and diming that is going on these days. I will not pay 20 bucks for a chair!! I will start bringing my own before I pay for that. Disgusting idea," commented Janet Wilhelm Sammons.

Cindy Simpson Mitchell added, "I don't have to be right in front of the pool. Just a place to get a little sun, then [I am] on my way."

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"There is no way I would pay! I feel I have already paid for [chairs] when I paid for my cruise," Amye Roberts Reynolds agreed. 

Still, some argued that it would be worth the extra cost. Lianna Grier Brewer, for example, said that she can never seem to snag a lounge chair close to the pool and doesn’t want to have to stake out a spot at 7:00 a.m. just to hold it for the entire day.

"I would happily pay for use of a lounger in a prime spot for a few hours. I also love the idea of cubbies near the pool to place our things without needing a chair!" Brewer posted.

What are chair hogs on cruise ships?

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Chair hogs are people who "reserve" pool chairs by leaving personal items, like bags, books, or towels, on them when they don’t plan on actively using the chairs. Often, they’ll go to breakfast, return to their cabin to finish getting ready, or attend another scheduled activity.

Technically, crew members are supposed to monitor the pool areas and remove items from chairs that have been left unattended. In practice, though, enforcement isn’t always consistent. It is not because the crew isn’t trying, but because it’s difficult to keep a watchful eye on every pool chair. 

To "beat" the frustrating chair hogs (without waking up at the crack of dawn), consider skipping a port day and staying on the ship. Because fewer guests will be on board, there will be more pool chairs available. Plus, the overall vibe will be more low-key compared to a rowdy sea day.