There are many things you can’t bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship – from hand grenades to hot plates, night sticks to nunchuks. Now, the line has banned multi-chargers and adaptors that plug into AC outlets, according to Yahoo, and the new rules are creating confusion on boarding.
"Passengers can bring adapters with multiple USB ports, but not those that include regular AC outlets on it -- so only multi-USB plugs,” the cruise line told Yahoo.
“This change is meant to reduce fire hazards and prevent strain on the ship's electrical system, which can occur with high-power devices like extension cords, surge protectors, and multidevice plugs."
Passengers requiring a power cord for a CPAP breathing machine can ask staff for an approved one, the article notes.
Although Royal Caribbean’s wording is confusing, it appears that the cruise line still allows passengers to bring the type of converter/USB charger with multiple outlets on it – as long as that device plugs into a USB outlet, and not an AC outlet (typically a wall outlet).
The company states on its website that “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.”
Cruise lines typically prohibit extension cords, power strips and the like, along with heat-producing items like irons and hot plates (but curling irons are often ok).
But not all lines have the same rules. Carnival does allow multi-chargers or multi-converters that plug into an AC outlet, according to a spokesman (but don’t try bringing throwing stars or knuckle dusters!).
Per the Carnival website: “Power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned on debarkation morning.”