No traveler is surprised to learn that obviously dangerous items such as weapons, fireworks or toxic chemicals are not allowed on board cruise ships. But some of the items on the list of prohibited items can actually be surprising.

Royal Caribbean recently updated its list of prohibited items to include “power strips” – an item that many travelers often carry with them to ensure they have enough space to plug in various cell phones, tablets, hair care devices and other electronic devices.

Now, however, multiple sockets are expressly prohibited and listed under potentially “flammable objects” on the Cruise line list of prohibited itemsSimilar items on the list are extension cords and power strips.

This will be frustrating for passengers who use a variety of devices that require power or frequent charging. On older ships in particular, power outlets are scarce, making it difficult to charge every family member’s phone, laptop, e-reader, tablet or other device.

To be clear, a power strip is a device that plugs into a single outlet but extends the capacity of that outlet to accommodate multiple plugs at once. These come in a variety of configurations and can accommodate 2, 3, 4 or even more plugs at once. They do not have any cables, but remain directly attached to the original plug.

This update to Royal Caribbean’s prohibited items policy is relatively new. Just a few weeks ago, the list specifically listed “electrical extension cords, including power strips/outlet strips with surge protectors” as prohibited, but made no mention of power strips.

The danger of plugging multiple devices into a single outlet is that the outlet may not be designed to handle such a load if all plugs are used at the same time, which can lead to overheating and potential fire. Loss of performanceor other problems.

The recent update to the Prohibited Items List also includes a dramatic expansion of the details of what items are now prohibited, with specific examples provided in many categories.

In June 2024, for example, the list only stated that “sharp objects, including all knives and scissors” were prohibited. Now, the “Knives and Sharp Objects” section of the list goes into detail about the different types of knives, as well as knives disguised as other everyday objects, that are prohibited.

These include ice picks, cleavers and sabers – and they all have to have a very interesting story to be included on this list.

Also now banned is a whole new category of “tools,” which includes axes and hatchets, hammers, drills and drill bits, saws, and — watch out — cattle prods. You have to wonder who tried to bring a cattle prod. which Royal Caribbean ship For this to happen, it must be explicitly listed as prohibited.

Most cruise travelers would probably never attempt to bring the more exotic items on board their ship, but here are some everyday items that passengers are better off leaving at home.

These include irons, Cruise shipCarpet knives and pepper spray, all of which could be considered essential travel items under other circumstances.

Make optimal use of outlets

Now that travelers are no longer permitted to bring power strips, other steps must be taken to ensure that all devices are properly charged and usable during a Royal Caribbean cruise.

First, consider whether the devices are even necessary. Since there is so much to do on board every Royal Caribbean ship – from entertainment and activities to water parks, ropes courses, escape rooms and more – some devices may go unused anyway and can be left at home.

Second, plan when you’ll charge your devices to make the most of limited outlet space. For example, charge a tablet while you spend time by the pool, or make mealtime a “phone-free zone” and leave your phones out to charge while you enjoy your meal.

Also read: Are there irons and ironing boards on cruise ships?

Devices can also be charged overnight, and you may want to consider charging more frequently so that you don’t have to spend as much time using electrical outlets to make sure everything is fully charged and ready to use.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all cruise travelers to find out which items are not allowed to be brought on board and to leave them at home.

It is a good idea to check each cruise line’s list of prohibited items before departure to ensure that no prohibited items will be confiscated when checking in at the cruise terminal.