P&O Cruises has introduced a new policy aimed at stopping passengers from reserving sun loungers for long periods without using them, as cruise lines and holiday resorts face growing complaints over poolside seating shortages.

The move comes shortly after a German tourist successfully won compensation in court after claiming he was unable to secure a sun lounger during a family holiday in Greece.

The passenger said he spent around 20 minutes each day searching for available beds and even woke up at 6am in an attempt to claim one before other guests.

P&O Cruises Introduces 30-Minute Sunbed Rule

Under the new policy, passengers on selected warm-weather cruises are being warned not to reserve loungers for extended periods while away from the pool area.

Images shared by passengers onboard show special fabric covers placed across sun loungers carrying the 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.”

The policy signals a stricter approach by the cruise operator as competition for poolside seating continues to frustrate travellers during busy holiday periods.

Sunbed Wars Continue Across Europe’s Holiday Industry

The issue of guests reserving loungers early in the morning has become a long-running source of complaints at hotels, resorts and cruise ships across Europe.

In many popular holiday destinations, travellers routinely wake up before sunrise to place towels or personal belongings on poolside beds in order to secure a spot for later in the day.

The practice has become so widespread that some resorts have introduced time limits or staff patrols to remove unattended towels.

German Tourist Won Legal Battle Over Sun Lounger Access

The latest debate intensified after a German tourist took legal action against his tour operator following a holiday in Greece in 2024.

The man argued that the company failed to properly enforce its own rules banning the reservation of sun loungers.

Judges at a district court in Hanover ruled in his favour earlier this month and awarded compensation, highlighting how seriously some travellers view access to resort facilities during holidays.

The case has attracted international attention within the travel industry and could encourage more hotels, resorts and cruise operators to tighten their own policies around unattended loungers.

Cruise Lines Face Growing Pressure To Improve Guest Experience

As cruise demand continues to rise globally, operators are increasingly focusing on onboard guest experience and crowd management during peak travel seasons.

P&O Cruises’ new policy reflects wider industry efforts to reduce tensions between passengers and ensure shared leisure spaces remain accessible throughout the day.