P&O Cruises has introduced a new policy on sun loungers to prevent passengers from reserving them, sparking a debate among travellers. The rule comes after a German tourist won a payout in a German court for not being able to secure a sun lounger on holiday.
The new regulation, implemented on certain sunnier sailings, states that belongings left on a lounger for more than 30 minutes will be moved to a 'lonely lounger pick up point'. A passenger shared an image of a lounger with a fabric cover bearing the instructions, captioning it: 'Is this move long overdue by P&O Cruises or a bit over the top.'
Many passengers have welcomed the change, calling it 'long overdue'. One remarked: 'We had our 1st cruise in December there was a group of about 7 or 8 older women who did this all the time on sea days! They were fuming when their stuff was removed, it was hilarious, so entitled!' Another noted that the rule was enforced on Britannia in January, with staff placing warning stickers after 30 minutes and removing towels after another 30 minutes.
However, some passengers questioned the 30-minute limit. One said: 'I'm definitely the minority here but personally, I think 30 minutes is unreasonable. I am absolutely fine with an hour... it should be ok for families to go in the pool, maybe grab a drink and queue at the snack bar then head back to the sunbeds... this can take more than 30 minutes!' Another suggested an hour would be better to allow for lunch breaks.
The policy has divided opinion, with some praising the move to combat 'lounger wars' and others calling for a longer grace period. P&O Cruises caters exclusively to British holidaymakers, departing from Southampton to destinations including the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norwegian Fjords.
