(Once I Learned These Tips)

Ask any cruiser what frustrates them most onboard, and you’ll hear the same answer before you even finish the question:
“The chair hogs!”

The infamous pool-deck chair hog is a species found on nearly every cruise line. They rise at dawn, spread towels across entire rows of loungers, toss a random flip-flop on each one, and then… disappear for hours. Meanwhile, actual humans looking to relax or swim can’t find a free chair anywhere.

It used to drive me crazy. I’d walk around in circles, sweating, holding my towel and sunscreen like a lost puppy. I’d wonder if everyone else had magically reserved chairs at midnight using some secret code I didn’t know.

Then I learned the truth:
Pro cruisers don’t fight chair hogs, they outsmart them.

And once I learned a few simple strategies, I never struggled to find a great chair again.

Here are the real tips that work.

1. Don’t Go at Peak Times (It Changes Everything)

Most new cruisers hit the pool deck between 10 AM and 2 PM — the absolute busiest window of the day. This is prime chair-hog territory.

But here’s the trick:
The deck is practically empty early and late.

Best times for guaranteed chairs:

7:30–9:30 AM (morning sun, peaceful)
3:30–5:30 PM (sun still strong, fewer crowds)

Once I shifted my schedule even slightly, the difference was huge. I suddenly had my pick of chairs — shade, sun, center deck, whatever I wanted.

2. Go to Decks People “Forget” About

Chair hogs swarm the main pool deck, but they never bother climbing a few extra stairs.

Hidden gems include:

The deck above the main pool
The promenade deck loungers
Decks near the adults-only area (but not inside it)
Quiet sun decks at the ship’s aft

These spots almost always have open chairs, breeze, and fewer crowds.

3. Check Back Every 20–30 Minutes — Chair Hogs Lose Their Grip Fast

Here’s the secret no one tells you:
Cruise lines are cracking down on chair hogs.

Most now use a system like this:
If belongings are left on a chair for 30–45 minutes with no one returning, crew members are allowed to clear the items and free the chair.

So whenever the deck seems “full,” I do a slow loop every 20–30 minutes. Without fail, chairs open up — not because people stand up, but because the crew removes abandoned towels and flip-flops that have been reserving chairs since sunrise.

Persistence beats chair hogs every time.

4. Learn the “Buddy System” Trick

This is how pro cruisers win:
You and your travel partner don’t both go to the buffet.
You take turns.

While one grabs food or a drink, the other stays at the chairs. No hogging, completely fair, and nobody else swoops in or complains.

This one system saved us countless headaches.

5. Use the Adults-Only Area (Even if You Think You Won’t)

Even if you’re not usually a “quiet zone” person, try the adults-only deck for chair freedom.

The vibe is calmer, the chairs are better maintained, the shade options are nicer, and chair hogs are far less aggressive. I resisted this area for years… until I discovered I could lie down without circling the deck like a vulture.

Now I go straight there.

**6. Look for Chairs on the Shady Side First**

Everyone wants the sunny side of the ship between 10 AM and 2 PM. The shady side? Empty chairs galore — and they move with the sun.

Pro cruisers chase shade first, then follow the sun as it rotates.

7. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Crew Member

This one took me forever to try, but once I did, I never went back.

If you see a row of “reserved” loungers with:

No people
Just a random pair of sandals
Or a single towel clearly placed at 6 AM

Ask a crew member:
“Has anyone used these recently?”

Nine times out of ten, they’ll check, confirm how long the chairs have been abandoned, and free them up for actual use.

Cruise lines want people using chairs, not reserving them for hours.

8. Don’t Engage, Don’t Fight — Just Outsmart

Here’s the truth:
You will never change a chair hog.
But you can beat them every single time by following the simple system:

Go early or later
Avoid the main pool’s center section
Use the upper decks
Check for cleared chairs every 20–30 minutes
Ask crew when items look abandoned

Once you start doing this, you’ll never struggle again.

Chair Hogs Don’t Stand a Chance

I used to think chair hogs “won” because they were quicker or sneakier. But the real trick is not to be faster — it’s to be smarter.

Once you know where to look, when to go, and how the crew handles abandoned chairs, suddenly the pool deck becomes your playground again. No stress, no frustration, no wandering around begging the universe for a single lounger.

Now?
I find a chair every time.
With shade when I want it.
With sun when I want it.
With peace, breeze, and zero chair-hog rage.

And honestly… that alone makes every cruise feel 10x more relaxing.