It’s important to remember that while some people might be frustrated, resorting to insults or sarcasm is rarely the best solution. Here are some options that address the situation in a more productive and polite manner:

Acknowledge and Apologize:

• “Oh, I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize I’d been gone for so long. Please let me know if you need the chair now, I’ll be happy to move.”
• “You’re absolutely right, I apologize for holding onto the chair for so long. Would you like to use it now?”

Explain your situation:

• “I was just grabbing a quick bite to eat/using the restroom, I won’t be long. Would you mind waiting a few minutes?”
• “I’ve been here since early this morning, but we can share the chair if you’d like. Here, you can have the top half”

Offer an alternative:

• “I completely understand. There are a few chairs available over there, perhaps you could check those out?”
• “Would you be interested in swapping chairs with me if a better spot opens up?”

Seek solutions together:

• “It seems like the pool is getting busy, maybe we can work together to make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy a chair?”
• “Have you seen any crew around? Perhaps they can help us figure out the best way to handle crowded seating.”

Remember, maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor will go a long way in resolving the situation and promoting a positive environment for everyone at the pool. Unless the passenger you are talking to is intoxicated and can’t really focus on the chair anyway.

It’s also important to be mindful of any specific cruise ship rules regarding chair usage. Some might have time limits on how long a chair can be left unoccupied, while others might offer a system for reserving chairs.