P&O Cruises has taken a proactive step to address the ongoing issue of reserving sun loungers by introducing new warning covers on some of its poolside beds. Although the cruise line hasn’t officially announced a new policy, passengers on recent warm-weather cruises have noticed these fabric covers. They serve as a reminder for guests not to leave loungers unattended for long periods.
This initiative follows a recent legal case in Germany, where a tourist successfully sued for compensation after struggling to find a sun lounger during a family holiday in Greece. According to BBC News, the traveller spent about 20 minutes each day searching for a free lounger, even waking up at 6am to secure a spot. The court ruled in his favour, awarding him a refund and additional compensation, emphasising the need for holiday companies to ensure fair access to loungers.
New Lounger Covers Spotted On P&O Ships
Passengers on P&O Cruises have shared images online of loungers with branded covers that discourage reserving. The covers display a message: “Loungers get lonely. Please don’t reserve. If left for more than 30 minutes, belongings will be moved to the lonely lounger pick up point.” This visible reminder reinforces the cruise line’s existing rules against reserving loungers for extended periods.
P&O Cruises, which primarily sails from Southampton to destinations like the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Norwegian Fjords, often faces the same pool deck challenges seen at European resorts during peak seasons. Online comments from passengers have been largely supportive of these enforcement efforts, especially on busy sea days when finding a free lounger can be challenging.
One cruiser shared a humorous experience from their first cruise in December, where a group of older women frequently reserved loungers. They were upset when their belongings were removed, much to the amusement of other guests. Another passenger expressed relief, stating that the move was long overdue, as finding a lounger to dry off after a swim was often difficult.
A guest aboard P&O Cruises’ ship Britannia earlier this year noted that crew members actively enforced these rules, ensuring fair access to loungers for all passengers.
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