Earlier this week, Royal Caribbean added a popular cruise must-have to their list of prohibited items.
In addition to electrical extension cords—including power strips and surge-protected strips—Royal Caribbean's website now includes "multi-plug outlets" as banned items. For years, cruisers relied on surge-free plugs with multiple outlets. However, passengers will now have to leave them at home or face having them confiscated on embarkation day.
This shift in policy requires guests to adapt their charging strategies or risk having their ability to charge electronics limited. For example, when cruising on older ships with fewer outlets, it's more important than ever to pack European power adapters to utilize all available charging options.
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Read more: 15 Packing Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Most cruise ships have at least one European plug in each stateroom
Today, passengers travel with more electronic devices than ever before between cell phones, smart watches, tablets, wireless headphones, and laptops. However, older ships have limited outlets, meaning you can't charge everything simultaneously—especially if sharing the stateroom with two or three other people.
This can lead to a scramble if you come unprepared. Nobody wants to spend their vacation bickering over charging their phones. However, with a little forethought, you can avoid conflict and ensure everyone has fair access to an outlet, even in light of Royal Caribbean's multi-plug outlet ban.
Enter European power adapters. These affordable devices can help you maximize their charging options, allowing you to utilize all available outlets, even on the oldest cruise ships at sea. When I sailed on Vision of the Seas, for instance, my friend and I would have been limited to just two American plugs if I hadn't remembered to bring European adapters, increasing our available outlets from two to four.
American outlets also aren't common in public areas, so a European adapter is the way to go if you want flexibility in charging your devices around the ship. As someone who works remotely from cruise ships, European adapters mean I don't have to hide in my cabin when my laptop's battery runs low.
A 4-pack of European adapters costs just $6.99 on Amazon. Plus, they're great to have handy in case you plan your dream European getaway! In other words, from cruises to The Bahamas to multi-week adventures across Europe, they're an essential and versatile travel essential.
Portable chargers
Portable chargers are another way to help ensure your charging options aren't limited.
They're great on older ships that don't have outlets beside the bed, too. Instead of leaving your phone on the desk, you can keep it close while sleeping—ideal for those who mindlessly scroll before drifting asleep. Simply keep your portable charger plugged into one of the outlets during the day. Then, you can plug in your devices at night.
Portable chargers are handy during long excursions when you usually won't have access to outlets. From navigating ports of call to snapping pictures of your family, having a portable charger ensures your devices stay powered throughout the day.
My go-to charger is the Anker USB-C Portable Charger. It's available on Amazon for $42.97; however, it's currently on sale for just $25.99. This powerful device quickly charges my iPhone and can recharge it multiple times on a single charge. Alternatively, the twin USB ports allow you to charge two devices simultaneously.
Royal Caribbean still allows USB hubs
Confusion sparked once Royal Caribbean updated their prohibited items list, as passengers were unclear about what was and wasn't prohibited. As such, they once again revised their list, providing a better explanation of what constitutes a multi-plug outlet.
According to their website, "We do allow consumer type power conversion device USB charger (multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables). Note: Devices must be stamped with US/Europe recognized Conformance Marking to demonstrate compliance with Electrical Safety standards."
In other words, the ban applies to multi-outlet plugs that have multiple American and USB outlets.
Cruise lines have an extensive list of prohibited items
In addition to power strips, surge-protected strips, and multi-plug outlets, you shouldn't bring other items on a cruise ship. While certain things like weapons and drugs (including medical marijuana) are on the list, Royal Caribbean prohibits guests from packing steamers and irons, regardless of whether they're in your carry-on or checked luggage.
Steamers and irons are banned because—like extension cords—they're considered a fire hazard. Other items, including candles and heating pads, aren't allowed on cruise ships for the same reason. When it comes to de-wrinkling your clothing on a cruise, you have to get a little more creative, just like charging multiple devices!
Instead of trying to smuggle a prohibited item onboard, purchase wrinkle-release spray. Typically, I'll spray my clothing before hanging it in the bathroom to naturally steam while I shower. Alternatively, you can pay for the ship's laundry services. Valet laundry can be pricey, though!
Read more: Cruise ship prohibited items
That said, Royal Caribbean made a few more changes when they added "multi-plug outlets" to their prohibited list. For example, knives and scissors aren't the only sharp objects explicitly banned from ships. The website now states box cutters, ice picks, meat cleaves, utility knives, sabers, swords, fencing foils, and razor blades (though safety razors are still allowed).
They also greatly expanded upon what they mean by "flammable items." Rather than simply stating, "Items that generate heat or produce an open flame. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense, and any other item that may create a fire hazard," the site now includes a more comprehensive list of prohibited flammable items:
- Candles
- Clothing Irons
- Travel Steamers
- Hot Plates
- Incense & Burners
- Tea Cup Immersion Heaters
- Coffee Makers
- Aerosols, except for personal care toiletries which are permitted
- Fuels, including cooking fuels and any flammable liquids
- Gasoline
- Gas Torches
- Lighter Fluid
- Flares
- Flammable Paints
- Turpentine & Paint Thinner
- Realistic Replicas of Incendiaries
- Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes
- Car batteries
- Hoverboards
- Oil diffusers
- Electric Blankets
- Electric Heating Pads
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
