Cruisers have been issued a major warning if they wish to charge their phones and other devices when onboard their ship this year.
It comes as one cruise liner has banned certain types of phone chargers. YouTuber Jason, from the Travel Scouts, however says these chargers have often been a necessity for many cruisers.
He says some of the older ships he has travelled on lack the charging capacity to deal with modern day electricals. However, cruise liner Royal Caribbean has decided only surge-protected chargers will now be allowed onboard.
In a video on his channel, Jason said: “The most surprising new ban is probably Royal Caribbean’s surprising ban on non-surge protected powerbars, power strips and multi-plug outlets.
“The non-surge protected variety have been allowed for years and even recommended and needed because many times there’s not many outlets available on the older cruise ships.
“It’s not really known why this ban came about. It is interesting timing that some of the new ships had some power issues.”
Jason however stresses that not every cruise liner bans the non-surge protected chargers. He added: “Just so you know, if you’re cruising with other cruise lines, you can still bring the non-surge protected multi-plug outlets.
“Also, if you’re on other Royal Caribbean group brands you can still bring them as well. However, if you’re travelling with Royal Carribean, the only type of multi-plug device you can bring are those that plug in multiple USB ports.”
According to information site Royal Caribbean Blog, the adaptors are often used by travellers on older ships, but pose a safety risk for those onboard. It states: “Power strips and extension cords are a risk to cruise ships because if they overload, they could cause electrical damage or start a fire.”
While the cruise line itself lists electrical extension cords on its prohibited items list. 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 recognized Conformance Marking to demonstrate compliance with Electrical Safety standards.”
Jason recommends travellers invest in a USB hub before travelling, meaning multiple devices can be plugged in and charged at once.