Royal Caribbean’s new rule that has dashed the expert advice of seasoned travellers has finally been explained, but it doesn’t make it any easier to handle.
A cruise ship holiday is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many looking to travel the world.
It’s a great way to stay comfortable and do minimal running to and from transport services whilst travelling around the globe.
These ships are essentially built to be like a luxury apartment complex, and they come equipped with most of what you’d need to use.
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Just not this one major thing.
For anyone new to this type of holiday, there are some tips that those experienced in cruising recommend you think about bringing before hand.
But oddly, one of the most popular hacks has just been banned by cruise line Royal Caribbean and now we know why.
Of course, if you use anything electrical, you’re going to need plug sockets in your cabin.
But sharing the one or two sockets between your phone, hair dryer and whoever else is travelling with you is nearly impossible.
That’s why a 'must have' gadget is the universal plug adapter and extension lead.
Bradley Jones, who has been on 50 cruise ship holidays, shared that it was a must-have when heading on a cruise, but Royal Caribbean has banned it.
There has been some confusion about the ban from the cruise ship company.
The website says that electrical extension cords 'including power strips / surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets' are banned, however: "We do allow consumer type power conversion device USB charger (multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables)."
All devices should be stamped with US / Europe recognised 'Conformance Marking' to demonstrate compliance with Electrical Safety standards, but it really didn’t go into detail about what exactly was banned.
It states: “Electrical Extension Cords - including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets. 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 recognised Conformance Marking to demonstrate compliance with Electrical Safety standards.”
If you’ve got kids, just know that it’s certain that ‘baby monitors are not allowed to be used onboard our vessels as their radio signal could interfere with ship communication and/or navigation systems’.
But why are they banned?
According to Cruise News Today's Doug Parker: "Royal Caribbean has provided some clarification on that ban policy for traveling with multiplug outlets.
"Passengers can bring adapters with multiple USB ports, but not those that include regular AC outlets on it, so only multi-USB plugs.
"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."
However, if guests need CPap machines, they can request approved extension cords through the cruise line in advance.
There you have it - it’s all to do with your safety.
Topics: Cruise Ship, Technology, Travel, Royal Caribbean
Britt Jones