Chair hoggers - interesting response

[Sancho_proudfoot]

Although this refers to RCL, l'm guessing the same will apply to all cruise lines.

 

After our recent RCL cruise, l contacted them about some items that had arisen - nothing really major, and more to bring matters to their attention than to actually complain.

 

One thing l mentioned was how they make a big thing out of " no reserving big seats, unclaimed items will be removed after 30 minutes" - but never actually do anything about it.

 

Surprisingly, l got a phone call from RCL HQ in Miami.

 

As to chair hogging, they said it is an issue of which they are acutely aware. However, when they DO remove unattended items, it almost ALWAYS generates a complaint, which leads to much time and effort being expended in dealing with the complaint.

 

They said they are considering various alternative methods of enforcing the rules which wouldn't lead to a storm of complaints. It is a difficult balancing act to deal with chair hogs to keep decent guests happy while trying not to generate a wave of complaints.

 

 

[Bloodgem]

Wow. What a beige response

[Krazy Kruizers]

Guess they want to blame someone else.

[puppycanducruise]

What a great answer.

[Nic6318]

Hi

 

So, what they are saying is that the complaints they get when they try to do something is more of an inconvenience to them than if they do nothing. This would suggest that until the complaints about them doing nothing are more overwhelming than them enforcing their rules nothing will be done. 

 

They can say anything they want, this is not a new issue. If they really wanted to address the issue they could have long ago. This would be the same for all cruise lines.

 

The only recourse for us (as I see it) would be to take one of two avenues. Complain each and every time. Direct it to staff on deck and then to guest services, as well as any managers that you can pin down. The other choice which I would not normally suggest would likely solve the problem for individuals more immediately. I have been up early and have seen these dastardly "chogs" in action. If they can do it, and it seems the companies are tacitly condoning it, then it would be an option for everybody. Perhaps once the cruise lines see all their deck chairs "occupied" with nobody actually sitting in them they would be more compelled to do something. What would you have to lose, you would have a chair "reserved" for the day and the most you would have to lose would be an old pair of flip flops and a book. People would actually "pay" more to be able to reserve a chair in their preferred location. Hopefully that doesn't become the final solution. They have gone that way in a lot of instances with their exclusive ship/deck areas. It could be another cash cow for many cruise lines.

[Flatbush Flyer]

3 hours ago, Sancho_proudfoot said:

..... l'm guessing the same will apply to all cruise lines.

 

.......Surprisingly, l got a phone call from RCL HQ in Miami.

 

They said ......    It is a difficult balancing act to deal with chair hogs to keep decent guests happy while trying not to generate a wave of complaints.

 

 

Not all cruise lines......      Perhaps it's time to try one where chair hogs are few and far between.

[sparks1093]

I'm not that concerned enough about the issue to complain to anyone. We've always been able to find a seat somewhere. I can appreciate that if they enforce the rule that people will complain but they should still enforce the rule. 

[GTO-Girl]

On one of our Disney cruises a number of years ago we watched the pool deck attendant. He would take a towel and fold it a certain way and place a sticker on it with a time.   A little later if the towel and note was still there he would remove all items.

 

Sure some complained but a lot stop leaving their chairs unattended.  Never saw that method again.  Guess they got too many complaints...🙄🙄

[Joebucks]

I love when people contact corporate thinking that they will hear something they have never heard before, and will change their operating model

[Mike981]

I wonder if this has always been a problem. I have been cruising for twenty years and it certainly has been for that long. That response is gobbledygook. You could use it for any rule.

 

Of course by not doing anything it forces anyone who wants to have a "prime" chair to do the same, or get up very early and lay around until their favorite activities start while they stare at all of the reserved chairs.

 

Each cruise is a bit different, but when the chogs are out in force I personally feel it changes the vibe of the ship. Another reason we love our balcony.

[klfrodo]

I didn't go to the Wharton School of Business, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. This sounds like a revenue generating opportunity.

We don't remove peoples items from their chairs because it generates too many complaints.

We also receive too many complaints when we don't remove items from saved chairs.

Therefore, Complaints are the problem

 

Get rid of the complaints.

Charge a fee to rent the chairs you want. The closer to the pool, the higher the rental costs.

[leaveitallbehind]

Unfortunately, in our experience, RCI is notorious for their lack of enforcement of the stated policy of no chair reservations.  Celebrity, while not consistent from ship to ship, does a better job with placing a 30 minute warning time card on an empty reserved chair and removing it and the person's belongings after about 45 minutes.  I have witnessed this on two of their ships in recent years.

[Warm Breezes]

My first encounter with CHOGS was on our 2011 NCL Epic cruise.  Not a chair be found on the sea days.  All had bodies or things on them.  After that it was only balconies for us with exception of a 2 short cruises on smaller ships where we stayed on the ships at port.  Problem solved.  I'd rather be on my private balcony than on a crowded deck when looking for some sun and ocean.  We now save our deck time for port days when we are at ports that we stay on the ship.  When the masses are away we will come out and play.  If there is no port where we are staying on the ship I am finding myself booking larger balconies with my own lounger(s).  I'd rather pay for this added private space in the sun then spend the money on a drink package.  To each his own.  All I know is I rarely even go on the public open decks anymore unless it is a port day and then I enjoy having them mostly to myself.  It's beautiful, I never even see the CHOGS anymore.

[Husky61]

Chair hogs are not a problem for us even though we consider them rude and inconsiderate.  We never sit by the main pool!  We have a balcony and other areas of the ship where we may sit for awhile.😀

[cb at sea]

This is not simply a "cruise" problem...any resort with beach/pool will have the exact same issues.  That said, I've rarely had trouble finding a lounger SOMEWHERE....  If you can't find an empty chair ANYWHERE, ask the folks who are sitting near the towel covered (obviously not being used) chairs if  anyone is actually USING them.  If not, have a seat.  Or, find a pool attendant, and they will find you someplace to sit/

[ed01106]

I understand the catch-22 the line is in.  

 

IMHO what they should is neither ignore the problem nor 

1 hour ago, GTO-Girl said:

On one of our Disney cruises a number of years ago we watched the pool deck attendant. He would take a towel and fold it a certain way and place a sticker on it with a time.   A little later if the towel and note was still there he would remove all items.

 

Sure some complained but a lot stop leaving their chairs unattended.  Never saw that method again.  Guess they got too many complaints...🙄🙄

but rather do what the Disney employee did BUT only start removing stuff if the deck is crowded.....

 

If a third of the chairs have people, a third are empty, and a third have stuff....no point in removing the stuff there are still seats for anyone who arrives.   But if all the chairs are occupied start removing stuff oldest first.

 

44 minutes ago, klfrodo said:

I didn't go to the Wharton School of Business, nor did I stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night. This sounds like a revenue generating opportunity.

We don't remove peoples items from their chairs because it generates too many complaints.

We also receive too many complaints when we don't remove items from saved chairs.

Therefore, Complaints are the problem

 

Get rid of the complaints.

Charge a fee to rent the chairs you want. The closer to the pool, the higher the rental costs.

I absolutely hate this idea.  The CL nickel and dime too much already.  The CLs should balance deck space with passenger capacity so that chair hogging becomes irrelevant.  Eg enough space on sea days for EVERYONE to enjoy the deck. CHogging only exists because the CL doesn’t have enough capacity to meet the needs of its customers.

 

I wouldn’t be shocked if the followed your idea as part of the overall trend.  My first cruise their was only one speciality restaurant and the MDR offered a quality of todays speciality restaurants.  CL start charging for deck chairs and I stop cruising.

[davekathy]

I wouldn't have expected any different comment from RC than what the OP posted. RC being PC. All I read was blah, blah, blah! 

Edited August 14, 2019 by davekathy

[ducklite]

2 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Not all cruise lines......      Perhaps it's time to try one where chair hogs are few and far between.

Agree, two sailings on Windstar and never saw items holding a chair unless the person had truly just left to use the restroom or quickly retrieve something from their cabin.  (On those ships walking to and from a cabin is under 10 minutes)

 

 

[ducklite]

18 minutes ago, ed01106 said:

I understand the catch-22 the line is in.  

 

IMHO what they should is neither ignore the problem nor 

but rather do what the Disney employee did BUT only start removing stuff if the deck is crowded.....

 

If a third of the chairs have people, a third are empty, and a third have stuff....no point in removing the stuff there are still seats for anyone who arrives.   But if all the chairs are occupied start removing stuff oldest first.

 

I absolutely hate this idea.  The CL nickel and dime too much already.  The CLs should balance deck space with passenger capacity so that chair hogging becomes irrelevant.  Eg enough space on sea days for EVERYONE to enjoy the deck. CHogging only exists because the CL doesn’t have enough capacity to meet the needs of its customers.

 

I wouldn’t be shocked if the followed your idea as part of the overall trend.  My first cruise their was only one speciality restaurant and the MDR offered a quality of todays speciality restaurants.  CL start charging for deck chairs and I stop cruising.

The only way to do this is to take away revenue generating public spaces such as specialty restaurants, bars, and casinos.  Those lost profits will see increased cruise fares.

 

Not all cruise lines nickel and dime, and there aren't chair hogs on all lines.  Perhaps if it's that big of an issue for you, you should look at other lines.

[ducklite]

I truly believe that the mass market lines are going to a pay for play model, and charging for pool chair reservations will be coming sooner than later.  The more coveted the space, the higher the cost, with reservation windows opening based on the level of accommodation booked and loyalty status.  They'd be foolish not to. 

[davekathy]

15 minutes ago, ducklite said:

I truly believe that the mass market lines are going to a pay for play model, and charging for pool chair reservations will be coming sooner than later.  The more coveted the space, the higher the cost, with reservation windows opening based on the level of accommodation booked and loyalty status.  They'd be foolish not to. 

My Magic 8 Ball says, "don't count on it". 

Edited August 14, 2019 by davekathy

[ducklite]

11 minutes ago, davekathy said:

My Magic 8 Ball says, "don't count on it". 

I think you're hoping it doesn't happen.  The reality is that the cruise lines have already seen the financial benefit associated with up-charges.  This would kill two birds with one stone--it would end the chair hogging issue and would generate revenue.  Most mass market lines already offer reserved spaces for premium guests, I can't imagine they won't continue seeking new ways to add revenue. There would be chairs still available that wouldn't need to be paid for, however they would be in the less desirable locations further from the pools.  

I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually have one basic pool that is "free" and the far more desirable pool(s) will be an additional charge or free to suite guests.

 

Anyone who doesn't see how the the pay for play model has continually evolved to encompass more and more public space on mass market cruise ships needs to take their blinders off and realize that the trend is continuing and will continue to grow until the only thing the cruise fare will cover is a small basic pool with distant chairs, a room with a bed, pillows, sheets, shower and sink with a single dispenser of cleanser, one towel per guest, no daily housekeeping, the buffet restaurants, and tap water.  Any nightclub with entertainment will have a cover charge or a two drink minimum.    It won't happen all at once, but look at everything taken away of the years and it will become obvious that is the direction it is headed.

[davekathy]

40 minutes ago, ducklite said:

I think you're hoping it doesn't happen.  The reality is that the cruise lines have already seen the financial benefit associated with up-charges.  This would kill two birds with one stone--it would end the chair hogging issue and would generate revenue.  Most mass market lines already offer reserved spaces for premium guests, I can't imagine they won't continue seeking new ways to add revenue. There would be chairs still available that wouldn't need to be paid for, however they would be in the less desirable locations further from the pools.  

I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually have one basic pool that is "free" and the far more desirable pool(s) will be an additional charge or free to suite guests.

 

Anyone who doesn't see how the the pay for play model has continually evolved to encompass more and more public space on mass market cruise ships needs to take their blinders off and realize that the trend is continuing and will continue to grow until the only thing the cruise fare will cover is a small basic pool with distant chairs, a room with a bed, pillows, sheets, shower and sink with a single dispenser of cleanser, one towel per guest, no daily housekeeping, the buffet restaurants, and tap water.  Any nightclub with entertainment will have a cover charge or a two drink minimum.    It won't happen all at once, but look at everything taken away of the years and it will become obvious that is the direction it is headed.

No, just not making a WAG as in your case. I will agree RC (the only cruise line mentioned by the OP in this thread) has added more pay for venues on their ships. It may be a possibility (Magic 8 Ball says, "cannot predict now") in the future that RC possibly could add more reserved pool seating for the pinnacle, diamond plus and diamond levels. That's already being done in studio B and the main theater for suites, those using the key program (at a cost) and diamond plus.

Edited August 14, 2019 by davekathy

[sparks1093]

35 minutes ago, ducklite said:

I think you're hoping it doesn't happen.  The reality is that the cruise lines have already seen the financial benefit associated with up-charges.  This would kill two birds with one stone--it would end the chair hogging issue and would generate revenue.  Most mass market lines already offer reserved spaces for premium guests, I can't imagine they won't continue seeking new ways to add revenue. There would be chairs still available that wouldn't need to be paid for, however they would be in the less desirable locations further from the pools.  

I wouldn't be surprised if they eventually have one basic pool that is "free" and the far more desirable pool(s) will be an additional charge or free to suite guests.

 

Anyone who doesn't see how the the pay for play model has continually evolved to encompass more and more public space on mass market cruise ships needs to take their blinders off and realize that the trend is continuing and will continue to grow until the only thing the cruise fare will cover is a small basic pool with distant chairs, a room with a bed, pillows, sheets, shower and sink with a single dispenser of cleanser, one towel per guest, no daily housekeeping, the buffet restaurants, and tap water.  Any nightclub with entertainment will have a cover charge or a two drink minimum.    It won't happen all at once, but look at everything taken away of the years and it will become obvious that is the direction it is headed.

I see what you are saying but what would the costs be in administration and manpower to have something like this? I think it would be much more of a PITA then a generator of revenue. If they ever get to the model you outline I would stop cruising.

[c-boy]

1 hour ago, ducklite said:

I truly believe that the mass market lines are going to a pay for play model, and charging for pool chair reservations will be coming sooner than later.  The more coveted the space, the higher the cost, with reservation windows opening based on the level of accommodation booked and loyalty status.  They'd be foolish not to. 

uh no, that yoyo has a short string.