Captain Christopher Wells was accused of racism after his comments were broadcast over the PA on P&O's 77,000-tonne Oceana liner during a cruise of the Caribbean last month.
He spoke out after passengers complained about a lack of available sunbeds and said people were using towels, books and bags to reserve them. Capt Wells told passengers: "We don't want that kind of Germanic behaviour here."
The row began a few days into the cruise, when some of the 2,000-plus passengers on the ship began to complain about sun loungers in prime spots being "reserved" with towels, books and bags.
One female passenger said the crew had tried unsuccessfully to put a stop to the "bed bagging". She said: "There were enough loungers for everyone, provided they were not reserved when not in use. The female passenger, who asked not to be named, said: "This led to heated arguments and complaints - some people nearly came to blows."
Finally, in exasperation, Capt Wells grabbed the ship's microphone and made his controversial announcement over the Tannoy. A spokesman for P&O said: "Captain Wells apologises unreservedly for any offence caused."
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