One of the most popular “extras” that many passengers pack with them on a cruise (and something we always suggest bringing) is now listed as a prohibited item on Royal Caribbean.
In a major update to their FAQ regarding prohibited items, the cruise line went into heavy detail about dozens of items that are not allowed onboard.
For instance, according to the June 30, 2024 snapshot of the webpage, the details of what is not allowed lists “Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas” as one item you can’t bring.
But today, the page shows 12 specific listings under that section alone detailing everything from BB guns to flare guns to starter pistols and much more. Other categories including explosives, flammable items, and knives have also gone into more detail about exactly what isn’t allowed on Royal Caribbean ships.
While most items are common sense (no, you can’t bring a cattle prod), it’s under the “Flammable Items” category where there is a significant change for passengers.
Previously, the page listed “Electrical Extension Cords, including power strips/surge protected strips” as a banned item under its own category.
Now, the Royal Caribbean website lists extension cords and power strips under “Flammable Items” but it also adds a specific call out for “Multi-Plug Outlets.”
Take a look:
For years, passengers have brought these outlets with them on cruises. While it’s well-known policy that outlets with surge protectors aren’t allowed on ships (they are said to interfere with the ship’s electrical system), adapters without surge protection have been no issue.
On many older ships, these adapters are sorely needed. Those ships can have as little as a single outlet, making plug space hard to come by. For instance, if two people need to charge their phones, then they would have to take turns.
In response, for years passengers have simply brought an adapter to provide more outlets. On newer ships cruise lines — including Royal Caribbean — have thankfully added more outlet spaces.
We reached out to Royal Caribbean for a statement about the change, but have yet to hear back.
The Outlet Policy For Other Cruise Lines
There’s no doubt this is a big change for many passengers (including us!) who bring along an adapter when sailing.
At this point, however, it is only the policy of Royal Caribbean — not a larger trend.
We searched Celebrity Cruises, which is owned by the same parent company as Royal Caribbean. You would expect them to have the same policies. However, their website listed only “electrical extension cords” as not being allowed, but makes no mention of multi-plug outlets.
Carnival specifically provides an exemption on its list of what not to bring stating that “power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed when used with proper caution.”
Princess says that “multi plug box outlets/adaptors, power strips/extension cords without surge protectors and electric extension cords with surge protectors are allowed onboard.”
Norwegian Cruise Line makes no mention of outlet adapters or extension cords anywhere on its prohibited items list.
At this time, it appears that Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line making the move to ban simple multi-plug adapters. That’s not so say that other lines couldn’t follow suit, but at this time it seems your adapter is safe.
And if you’re sailing Royal Caribbean? The good news is that newer and refurbished ships do a good job of offering more plug space. If sailing an older vessel, however, be prepared to have to share a plug.
