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Can I bring electrical appliances Royal Caribbean?

  • Cruisefinderpro
  • 1 December 2025

Why does Royal Caribbean regulate electrical appliances?

Royal Caribbean’s policies aren’t meant to make packing harder—they exist for safety. Cruise cabins operate on a different electrical system than hotels, and ships must prevent fire hazards at all costs. Unapproved electrical items are one of the most common causes of fires in enclosed spaces, so cruise lines enforce strict guidelines to reduce risk. Appliances that overheat, spark, or draw too much power can pose serious dangers at sea.

Royal Caribbean follows international maritime safety standards, which means certain household appliances are allowed, others are restricted, and a few are completely prohibited. Before packing anything that plugs in or charges, you must know which category it falls into.

Basic electrical setup on Royal Caribbean ships

Most Royal Caribbean staterooms include:

  • 110V US-style outlets

  • 220V European outlets

  • A few USB ports (mainly on newer ships)

This setup supports many everyday devices, but not those requiring significant wattage or heating components. Understanding your cabin's electrical limitations helps you avoid packing items that aren’t permitted or won’t work properly.

What Electrical Appliances Are Allowed on Royal Caribbean?

Allowed personal care appliances

Royal Caribbean permits most small personal grooming appliances, as long as they include built-in safety features. These items are typically safe, low wattage, and widely used by passengers.

Hair dryers

Allowed.Most cabins already include hair dryers, but you may bring your own if you prefer better power or temperature control.

Hair straighteners and curling irons

Allowed.These devices are safe as long as they have automatic shut-off features. They should never be left unattended.

Electric shavers and trimmers

Allowed.Portable grooming tools with rechargeable batteries or low-voltage plugs are permitted.

Allowed medical electrical devices

Medical needs always take priority, and Royal Caribbean accommodates travelers with approved medical appliances.

CPAP machines

Allowed.Bring extension cords and distilled water if required. You can also request distilled water from the ship in advance.

Nebulizers

Allowed.These devices are permitted but should be used with caution and stored securely.

Portable oxygen concentrators

Allowed.Check requirements beforehand, especially for battery backups and airline transport.

Allowed everyday electronic devices

Most personal electronics that don’t involve heating elements are permitted.

Laptops, tablets, and e-readers

Allowed.These devices are widely used onboard for entertainment and work.

Smartphones and smartwatches

Allowed.Cruise apps, messaging, and daily plans rely heavily on these gadgets.

Cameras and chargers

Allowed.Photography equipment is essential for capturing memories.

Power banks

Allowed within standard capacity limits.

What Electrical Appliances Are Restricted on Royal Caribbean?

Some appliances fall into a gray area—they’re neither fully banned nor fully allowed. These items require specific features or handling to be permissible.

Travel steamers

Restricted.Most steamers heat water to produce steam under pressure, which makes them a fire risk. Royal Caribbean prohibits personal steamers, but ironing services are offered onboard.

Heating pads and electric blankets

Restricted.Although helpful for comfort, these items can overheat and are banned.

Extension cords

Restricted.Only cruise-approved surge protectors or medically necessary cords are permitted. Regular household cords may be confiscated.

Portable fans

Allowed only if small, non-heating, and low wattage.Large fans may draw too much power.

Baby bottle warmers

Allowed with limitations.These must be low-wattage, and crew may inspect them.

What Electrical Appliances Are Not Allowed on Royal Caribbean?

High-heat or open-coil devices

These items are strictly prohibited because they pose the highest fire risk.

Irons

Not allowed.Most ships provide laundry services or clothing-pressing options.

Hot plates and portable stoves

Not allowed.Open-heat sources are dangerous in confined spaces.

Coffee makers, kettles, and espresso machines

Not allowed.Even single-cup brewers like Keurig fall under this rule.

Toasters and toaster ovens

Not allowed.Heating coils present a significant hazard.

Power-hungry appliances

Some appliances draw so much energy that they are not safe for use in cruise cabins.

Air fryers

Not allowed.Their heating elements and wattage exceed safety regulations.

Large humidifiers

Not allowed.Excess moisture and electrical components can be dangerous.

Space heaters

Not allowed.No exceptions.

Specialty devices

Any item with exposed heating coils or excessive wattage is banned, including:

  • Electric skillets

  • Rice cookers

  • Immersion heaters

  • Crockpots

Passengers must avoid packing these items to prevent delays during security checks.

Packing Electrical Appliances for Your Cruise

Best practices for packing allowed items

If you plan to bring approved electrical appliances, pack them safely and clearly.

Keep chargers organized

Use cable organizers or pouches to prevent tangling.

Label your devices

If you bring multiple similar items (e.g., two chargers), labeling avoids confusion.

Store them in carry-on luggage

Never put expensive electronics or medical devices in checked bags.

How security screening handles your appliances

Royal Caribbean’s security team screens all bags for restricted electrical appliances. If an item appears suspicious, they may:

  • Open your luggage

  • Inspect the appliance

  • Confiscate the item temporarily or permanently

  • Leave a notice in your bag

To avoid delays, pack only permitted appliances and make sure cords are visible and easily accessible.

Using Electrical Appliances Safely on Board

Follow stateroom guidelines

Royal Caribbean staterooms are designed with limited electrical load capacity. Even allowed devices should be used carefully.

Avoid overloading outlets

Plug only one device at a time if possible.

Do not leave appliances running unattended

Especially grooming devices.

Keep cords away from water sources

Bathroom counters can get damp—stay cautious.

Let appliances cool before storing

Straighteners and curling irons need cooling time.

Using medical devices safely

Passengers using medical equipment should:

  • Inform Royal Caribbean ahead of time

  • Carry spare parts or backup batteries

  • Store devices on stable surfaces

  • Avoid charging overnight unless required

This ensures safe use while giving crew awareness to assist if needed.

Tips for Choosing the Right Appliances to Bring

Bring only what you truly need

Cruising is meant to help you unplug. Bringing minimal electronics makes the experience more enjoyable and simplifies packing.

Choose cruise-safe alternatives

Instead of banned items, consider:

Wrinkle-release spray

A safer alternative to irons and steamers.

Small USB fans

Approved low-power models work well.

Multi-port USB chargers

Efficient and safe for charging multiple devices.

Battery-powered devices

Reduce dependency on outlets.

Check wattage before packing

Most appliances exceeding 700–1000 watts are not suitable for cruise cabins.

Buy travel-grade appliances

Travel versions are typically smaller, safer, and designed with stricter electrical standards.

Common Questions About Bringing Appliances on Royal Caribbean

Will my appliances be confiscated?

Only if they are unsafe, prohibited, or unlabeled.

Does Royal Caribbean provide irons or ironing rooms?

No self-service ironing rooms, but laundry and pressing services are available.

Can I bring a power strip?

Only cruise-approved models without surge protection.

Do cabins have enough outlets?

New ships offer multiple outlets and USB ports, while older ships have fewer.

Can I request a fan or kettle from the ship?

Some appliances, like kettles, may be available on request depending on the ship.

Are hair dryers strong enough?

Stateroom dryers work well, but frequent travelers often prefer their personal devices.

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