Royal Caribbean’s onboard electrical policies revolve around one thing: safety. Although many travelers wish they could bring their own extension cords and surge protectors, the cruise line prohibits them for several practical reasons.
Cruise ships operate on complex electrical systems designed for safe, balanced power distribution. Personal power strips can cause:
Overloading of cabin circuits
Excessive heat buildup
Short circuits
Fire hazards due to faulty or uncertified devices
A cruise ship cannot risk even a minor electrical fire in a stateroom, so strict control over electrical devices is essential.
Most household power strips include surge protection. While this is safe for homes, it can interfere with the ship’s power grid. Cruise ship electrical systems are different from land-based systems, so surge-protected devices can malfunction or cause breaker issues.
Even simple adapters that expand a single outlet into two or three increase the load on a single wall socket. When dozens of passengers try using such devices simultaneously, it strains the ship’s power infrastructure.
Many travelers unknowingly bring:
Cheap extension cords
Old power strips
One-dollar-store multi-plug adapters
Travel power bars with questionable wiring
Any of these can spark, overheat, or fail. Cruise lines cannot inspect each device individually—so the safest option is banning them altogether.
Royal Caribbean understands that modern travelers need multiple charging options. While the traditional “power strip” is not allowed, there are safe, approved alternatives that you can pack.
These devices plug directly into an outlet and offer multiple USB or USB-C charging ports. They do not provide additional AC outlets—only USB charging.
USB-only hubs are allowed because:
They draw very low power
They can’t overload circuits
They don’t contain surge-protection components
They charge small devices safely
This makes them ideal for phones, tablets, smartwatches, e-readers, Bluetooth headphones, and more.
A simple plug adapter—such as one that converts a European outlet to a U.S. two-prong plug—is allowed. These are especially useful on older ships that include both U.S. and European outlets.
Rules to follow:
The adapter must not add multiple outlets
No built-in surge protection
No extension cord length
Many cabins already contain restrictions on hair-drying devices. The rule of thumb is:
You may bring a personal hair straightener or curling iron
You should not bring high-wattage home dryers (one is provided in rooms)
Guests bringing medical equipment like CPAP machines are permitted to request special medical-safe extension cords from the cruise line. These are allowed because they are controlled, inspected, and designed for safe use onboard.
Now that you know the policy, you may be wondering how strict the enforcement is. Cruise passengers share many stories, and although rules apply consistently, the experiences offer insights into what to expect.
When you board, all carry-on bags are scanned. If security spots a prohibited power strip or multi-outlet adapter, one of two things will happen:
The item will be taken and held until the end of the cruise
You will be informed that the item cannot come aboard
Either way, you lose access to the device during your trip.
Even if you managed to bring a multi-plug adapter unknowingly, cabin attendants may report it if they spot it during cleaning. Staff are required to enforce rules to protect safety.
Most staterooms on Royal Caribbean only have:
One or two U.S. outlets
Sometimes one European outlet
Few or no USB ports on older ships
This is where planning ahead can make or break your comfort onboard.
Since power strips are not allowed, it’s important to pack practical, rule-approved accessories to avoid frustration.
A compact hub with 4–6 USB ports can replace the functionality of a large power strip for most daily devices. Choose models with:
USB-C fast charging
Multiple USB-A ports
Overheat protection
High-quality certification
This prevents the clutter of multiple chargers and keeps everything safely powered.
A power bank is one of the best travel companions you can pack. Use it to:
Charge your phone while exploring on shore
Power your devices when cabin outlets are occupied
Keep your gadgets full in emergency situations
Choose a high-capacity model to recharge multiple devices.
Most guests charge everything at night, creating high demand. Charging during the day gives you:
More access to outlets
Faster charging
Less stress at bedtime
Most people forget to bring a plug converter. Using the European outlet is an easy way to double your charging capacity without breaking any rules.
If you require a CPAP or other medical device, request an approved extension cord before your cruise. Royal Caribbean provides safe, compliant equipment.
Medical equipment is treated differently. Royal Caribbean wants all guests with medical needs to cruise safely and comfortably.
If you use a CPAP:
You must bring your machine
You may request special distilled water
You can request an approved extension cord
Your machine should be labeled medically necessary
Cabin crew may also help position your machine near an outlet.
Portable oxygen concentrators are allowed, but you must inform the cruise line in advance. Safety precautions will be taken to ensure stable power access.
You may bring a nebulizer and any required supplies. Royal Caribbean will help with safe usage and storage.
Medical devices should be kept in carry-on luggage—not checked bags—to avoid damage.
To avoid confiscation, never pack the following:
Extension cords of any length
Power strips with multiple AC outlets
Surge-protected strips
Multi-plug blocks or “cube taps”
Adaptors that multiply outlets
Uncertified or cheap charging accessories
Even compact multi-AC cubes are banned because they increase outlet load.
Here are practical strategies to stay powered throughout your cruise:
Always plug AC-only devices first:
Laptop
Camera battery charger
CPAP
Shaver
Travel kettle (if approved for medical needs)
Anything with a USB cable should go to the USB-only charger:
Phone
Smartwatch
Tablet
E-reader
Bluetooth headphones
Create a routine schedule with your cabinmates like:
Morning: Phones
Afternoon: Tablets / Power banks
Evening: Laptops
Night: CPAP
Most stateroom outlets are near the vanity desk, not the bed. Plan your device placement accordingly.
No. Power strips, extension cords, surge protectors, and multi-plug AC adapters are not allowed.
Yes, as long as it converts plug shape only and does not multiply outlets.
Yes—USB-only multi-port chargers are fully allowed.
No. Any device that expands AC outlets is banned.
It will be confiscated at embarkation and returned after the cruise.
Yes—approved, cruise-safe cords are available upon request.
Usually 1–2 U.S. outlets and sometimes 1 European outlet.
To make things simple:
USB-only multi-port chargers
Plug-type adapters (single socket)
Portable power banks
CPAP machines (with approved cords)
Travel hair tools (within wattage limits)
Power strips
Surge protectors
Multi-plug adapters
Extension cords
Multi-socket cubes
Knowing these rules helps you avoid last-minute surprises and ensures your cruise begins stress-free.
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