Royal Caribbean offers some clarity on its recently banned items

When a cruise line changes a rule — especially a rule about what passengers can bring on board — it should make every effort to inform passengers of the change. That’s not what Royal Caribbean did with its latest change to its banned items list.

On its website, Royal Caribbean has a section titled “Flammable Items.” The language below this includes an overview of the types of prohibited items.

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“All items with open flames or heating elements are strictly prohibited, with the exception of curling irons and hair dryers, which are allowed on board,” it said.

Below, Royal Caribbean includes an extensive list of obviously prohibited items, such as candles and incense, for some people, clothing irons and travel steamers may not come to mind. There are also some items that many people would not think of when it comes to being flammable.

Hoverboards, for example, seem like they should be banned on a cruise ship. but flammability doesn’t seem to be the reason why. Additionally, the cruise line has long banned surge protectors, which the average person may not realize is a fire hazard due to the way cruise ship electrical systems work.

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Surge protectors are not permitted on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

Image source: Pixabay

Royal Caribbean is changing its list of prohibited items

Recently, Royal Caribbean changed the language in that section of the prohibited items list to say “Extension and Multi-Outlet Plugs/Power Outlets.” This led to serious confusion among passengers, as multi-socket outlets without a surge protector had previously been permitted.

The language led some people to believe that Royal Caribbean did not mean multi-socket outlets that connect directly. Many assumed they meant those who had cables.

However, Royal Caribbean has not provided any clarity or clarification on Come Cruise With Me, despite multiple requests to its PR team.

It appears, however, that the cruise line has provided clarity via its social media team.

“One person asked Royal Caribbean’s X/Twitter team if a European 110V conversion block that has built-in USB ports is allowed, given that it doesn’t add more outlets and doesn’t have a cable,” the Royal Caribbean blog reported.

The described device would have given the cruiser an American-style power outlet and multiple USB ports.

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Zack from Royal Caribbean’s social media team responded on X, formerly Twitter.

“We allow blocks that have multiple USB plugs, but because it has an extra socket, it wouldn’t be allowed.”

This is the first known statement from a Royal Caribbean employee that makes it clear that you can add USB and USB-C ports, but passengers are not allowed to use any kind of device that becomes an extra outlet. This apparently includes turning the European outlet that most cruise ships have into an American one.

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Royal Caribbean is trying to be more clear

The person who asked the question, @NiceCarFather didn’t think the answer gave enough detail.

“Is there a plan to post a list of acceptable and unacceptable chargers on the website? This is creating chaos among your customer base and we are trying to be compliant by being informed,” he asked.

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Royal Caribbean responded.

“I apologize for any confusion. However, power strips and extension cords are not allowed. Charging blocks are allowed,” he added.

Some passengers are still rightfully confused.

“This is really confusing because the block shown doesn’t add another socket. The adapter shown converts the 220 outlet to a 110 outlet. It is a 1-1 conversion that also has inputs for charging personal devices. RC now says a simple 220-110. adapter no longer allowed?” asked @thorn_PHD.

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And while it’s far from perfectly clear, the answer seems to clarify that passengers can bring devices that add USB and USB-C ports as long as they don’t have any kind of outlet.

By not sharing examples of what is and isn’t allowed with passengers, Royal Caribbean appears to be creating a situation where passengers will have their previously allowed multi-plug devices confiscated. This could leave people struggling to keep their phones and other devices charged.

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