Are power strips allowed on Royal Caribbean cruises?

Power strips are a modern travel essential. Between smartphones, smartwatches, cameras, laptops, CPAP machines, and portable batteries, travelers often need more outlets than a single wall socket provides. This has led to one of the most frequently asked travel safety questions online:

The short answer is: sometimes—but not all power strips, and not in all places.

The long answer is more nuanced and depends on where you plan to use them, how the power strip is designed, and whether it complies with fire-safety regulations. This guide breaks down the rules clearly, with a special focus on cruise ships, where restrictions are strict and frequently misunderstood.

Why Power Strips Are Regulated in the First Place

Power strips are regulated primarily due to fire safety risks. According to safety agencies and maritime authorities, improper power distribution devices can:

• Overload electrical circuits

• Overheat wiring and internal components

• Increase the risk of electrical fires

• Bypass built-in safety mechanisms of fixed outlets

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (gov.uk) have both issued guidance on safe use of extension cords and power strips, emphasizing that misuse is a leading cause of residential and commercial fires.

On cruise ships, the risk is amplified due to:

• Confined spaces

• Older or specialized electrical systems

• Limited fire escape routes

• International maritime safety laws

Are Power Strips Allowed on Cruise Ships?

Short Answer: Most are NOT allowed

Most major cruise lines prohibit traditional power strips, especially those with surge protection.

Why Cruise Lines Ban Power Strips

Cruise ships operate under international maritime safety regulations, including:

• SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention)

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) fire-prevention standards

Surge-protected power strips can interfere with a ship’s electrical load balancing and safety systems, increasing fire risk.

According to Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line, surge-protected devices are among the most commonly confiscated items during embarkation.

Cruise Line Power Strip Policies (Comparison Table)

Cruise Line	Surge-Protected Power Strips	Non-Surge USB Hubs	Extension Cords
Royal Caribbean	Not allowed	Allowed (USB only)	Not allowed
Carnival	Not allowed	Allowed	Not allowed
Norwegian	Not allowed	Allowed	Not allowed
MSC Cruises	Not allowed	Allowed	Not allowed
Disney Cruise Line	Not allowed	Allowed	Not allowed

Source: Official cruise line prohibited-items lists (publicly available safety documentation)

What Is Allowed on Cruise Ships?

Allowed Power Solutions

Cruise lines generally allow low-risk charging alternatives, including:

• USB charging hubs (no surge protection)

• Multi-USB wall chargers

• Cruise-approved outlet expanders

• Medical-grade devices (with prior approval)

What Makes a Device “Cruise-Approved”?

A device is usually allowed if it:

• Has no surge protection

• Has no extension cord

• Plugs directly into the wall

• Is clearly labeled as USB charging only

• Is UL-listed or CE-certified

Surge Protection Explained (Why It’s a Problem)

Surge protectors are designed to absorb voltage spikes on land-based electrical systems. Cruise ships, however, use different electrical architectures, often with:

• Marine-grade wiring

• Load-balancing systems

• Backup generators

Surge protectors can disrupt these systems or fail under maritime power fluctuations.

According to Consumer Reports, surge protectors can degrade over time and may fail silently, creating hidden overheating risks.

Are Power Strips Allowed in Hotels?

Generally: Yes, with Conditions

Most hotels allow standard power strips, but safety guidance still applies.

Best Practices for Hotels

• Avoid daisy-chaining power strips

• Use strips with built-in circuit breakers

• Do not place under carpets or bedding

• Unplug when not in use

Fire safety authorities in the UK and U.S. recommend limiting high-wattage devices such as hair dryers or kettles to wall outlets only.

Are Power Strips Allowed on Airplanes?

Carry-On vs Checked Luggage

Scenario	Allowed?
Carry-on luggage	Yes
Checked baggage	Yes
In-seat use	Usually not allowed

Airlines typically do not allow passengers to plug personal power strips into aircraft outlets, even if technically possible.

The FAA and EASA advise against using multi-outlet adapters onboard due to circuit limitations.

Are Power Strips Allowed in Offices and Public Buildings?

Many offices and government buildings restrict power strips based on fire codes.

According to OSHA and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association):

• Power strips must be directly plugged into wall outlets

• Extension cords cannot be used as permanent wiring

• High-draw equipment must not be connected to strips

Step-by-Step: How to Choose a Safe, Travel-Approved Alternative

Step 1: Identify Your Travel Environment

• Cruise ship

• Hotel

• Aircraft

• Office or conference venue

Step 2: Check Device Specifications

• No surge protection (for cruises)

• USB-only output

• Certified safety markings (UL, CE)

Step 3: Read Official Policies

• Cruise line prohibited-items list

• Airline in-flight power guidance

• Hotel safety notices

Step 4: Pack a Backup Option

• Multi-port USB charger

• International plug adapter (without surge protection)

Real-World Example: Confiscation at Cruise Terminals

Cruise forums and passenger reports consistently note that power strips with surge protection are confiscated at security screening. In most cases:

• The item is tagged

• Stored onboard

• Returned at the end of the cruise

This aligns with cruise line safety protocols and is not discretionary enforcement.

Health and Safety Perspective

Electrical fires are a documented risk. According to data summarized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and national fire safety agencies, electrical faults are a leading cause of fires in confined accommodation environments.

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data showing that USB-only charging hubs increase fire risk when used properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are power strips allowed on cruise ships?

Most cruise lines prohibit surge-protected power strips but allow USB-only charging hubs.

2. Will my power strip be confiscated?

If it contains surge protection or an extension cord, yes—on most cruise lines.

3. Can I bring a power strip for medical devices?

Medical equipment may be allowed with prior approval from the cruise line.

4. Are extension cords allowed instead?

No. Extension cords are typically banned for the same safety reasons.

5. Are power strips allowed in hotels?

Yes, generally—but avoid overloading them and follow fire safety guidance.

6. Can I use a power strip on an airplane?

You can carry one, but airlines usually prohibit in-seat use.

7. What’s the safest alternative for cruises?

A non-surge USB charging hub or multi-USB wall charger.

8. Are international adapters considered power strips?

Adapters without surge protection are usually allowed.

9. Why are surge protectors dangerous on ships?

They can interfere with marine electrical systems and overheat.

10. Where can I check official policies?

Cruise line websites, FAA guidance, gov.uk fire safety pages, and Consumer Reports.

Key Takeaways

• Power strips are not universally allowed

• Cruise ships have the strictest rules

• Surge protection is the most common reason for bans

• USB-only charging hubs are the safest alternative

• Always verify official policies before traveling

Authoritative References

• Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov)

• UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (gov.uk)

• World Health Organization (who.int)

• Consumer Reports (consumerreports.org)

• International Maritime Organization (imo.org)

Final Thought

Understanding whether power strips are allowed isn’t about inconvenience—it’s about fire prevention, electrical safety, and compliance with international standards. Choosing the right charging solution ensures smoother travel, avoids confiscation, and keeps everyone safer.

• Create a cruise-specific buyer’s guide

• Compare USB hubs vs power strips

• Adapt this article for a specific cruise line