Can You Bring Extension Cords, Power Strips, or USB Hubs on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Packing electronics for your cruise can get confusing fast, especially when every cabin has limited outlets and people online swear by their “cruise-approved” power strip. But Royal Caribbean’s rules have changed, and the wrong plug could be pulled from your luggage before you even board.

Here’s everything you need to know about extension cords, power strips, surge protectors, USB hubs, and how to safely charge your devices onboard.

🚫 The Rule: No Extension Cords, Power Strips, or Multi-Plugs

Royal Caribbean’s official prohibited items list specifically bans:

Electrical extension cords
Power strips
Surge-protected strips
Multi-plug outlets or cube taps

If security finds these in your luggage, they’ll be removed and held until the end of your cruise. This policy tightened in late 2024–2025, when Royal added “multi-plug outlets” to the banned list.

These items are prohibited because they can overheat and cause fires on ships with tightly controlled electrical systems. Even a “small” power strip draws more current than those outlets are designed to handle.

✅ What You Can Bring

Royal Caribbean explicitly allows USB-only wall chargers or hubs as long as they meet certain safety standards.

Here’s what’s okay:

USB charger blocks that plug directly into the wall
USB hubs (even with a short cord)
Dual- or multi-port chargers that don’t have AC outlets

Make sure it’s:

USB-only (no regular plug sockets)
Safety certified (UL- or CE-marked)
Compact and travel-safe

⚡ Why USB Hubs Are Allowed (But Power Strips Aren’t)

This question comes up constantly and it’s worth clearing up.

✅ A USB hub, even with a cord, is fine because it splits low-power charging for phones, watches, or small speakers.

❌ A power strip or multi-plug outlet adds extra AC sockets, which draw heavy electrical load. That’s the difference between safe and banned.

If it can power a hair dryer, fan, or coffee maker, it’s out. If it only charges USB devices, it’s in.

🔌 What to Expect in Your Cabin

Most standard Royal Caribbean staterooms include:

Two U.S. outlets
One European outlet
A few USB ports (more common on newer ships)

The bathroom outlet is typically for razors only and won’t support charging other devices.

👉 Pro Tip: Bring a simple EU-to-US adapter to use the European plug at your desk. It instantly gives you one more outlet.

⚙️ What To Do If You Need a Medical Cord (CPAP Machines, etc.)

If you use a CPAP machine or other medical equipment, don’t bring your own extension cord. Instead, contact Royal Caribbean’s Special Needs Department before your cruise.

They’ll provide:

An approved extension cord that meets ship safety standards
Distilled water for your CPAP

Request it ahead of time so it’s ready in your cabin.

🔋 Charging Tips for Cruise Cabins

Charge big-battery devices during the day so outlets are free overnight.
Use a USB-only hub to power phones, watches, tablets, and speakers from a single wall plug.
Avoid “cruise-approved” claims on Amazon unless you know they meet the USB-only rule. Some listings are misleading.
Never use a cube tap or multi-plug adapter that adds more AC sockets, even if it claims to be surge-free.

🧠 FAQs About Outlets and Chargers on Royal Caribbean

Can I bring an extension cord for my hair dryer or curling iron?
No. Extension cords are banned in all forms. Use the vanity desk outlet to style your hair. Bathrooms don’t have outlets.

Are surge protectors allowed?
No. Any item labeled as “surge-protected” is strictly prohibited.

Can I bring a USB hub with a cord?
Yes, as long as it’s USB-only and doesn’t include extra AC outlets or surge protection.

Are cube taps allowed?
No. Even small “plug extenders” that add more AC outlets are not permitted.

Do suites have more outlets than standard rooms?
Usually, yes. Larger suites often have 4–6 outlets and a few USB ports, but layout and ship class vary. Don’t count on having enough for every device.

Can I use the outlet in the bathroom?
It’s designed for shavers only and may not support modern electronics. Charge everything else at the desk.

Will security take my power strip if I pack it by accident?
Yes. It’ll be pulled during luggage screening and held until you disembark.

What’s the best type of adapter to bring?
A USB-only charger with 4+ ports or a dual-voltage travel adapter without surge protection.

🧳 Bottom Line

Extension cords, power strips, surge protectors, and cube taps are not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruises.

✅ What is allowed:

USB-only chargers or hubs (even with a short cord)
EU-to-US plug adapters
Medical cords provided by the ship for approved use

Play it safe, pack smart, and keep your charging setup simple.

👉 For a shortcut, check out my Cruise-Approved Electronics list on Amazon. It includes only items that comply with Royal Caribbean’s rules, like USB charger hubs, EU adapters, and must-have travel tech that passes security every time.

Charity Bradley