Ugh, non-power strip multiplug confiscated

[TheMaxRebo]

Just got on Symphony of the Seas and the multiplug adapter for confiscated. Was not a power strip but that said "anything with multiple plugs is a safety issues" and said they had confiscated a ton of them 

 

So if you have a trip coming up be mindful 

 

 

[deButler]

We are on SOS for TA in March. Have used same single multi plugs before on RCI ships with no issues. Hopefully Symphony does not confiscate ours as would be dead with only 2 plugs plus my EU power adaptors.  

[Reigert2008]

Here’s the penalty table from our recent Oasis sailing.  I saw several items on it where people on the board have stated they had no problems getting them on.  I wonder if Royal is really cracking down and updating the policies.

 

 

[Bowen]

Wow, clothes steamers! 

[CruiseGus]

@TheMaxRebo

Carry on or checked bag?

[BennyandBo]

1 hour ago, Reigert2008 said:

Here’s the penalty table from our recent Oasis sailing.  I saw several items on it where people on the board have stated they had no problems getting them on.  I wonder if Royal is really cracking down and updating the policies.

 

 

/cdn-cgi/mirage/88942f17c34b19737c3e05015f8722c1970e92c466980fa8156b730d82998e6a/1280/https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/boards/uploads/monthly_2023_02/5B46820B-5647-42B0-B69E-67CD3C35105E.thumb.jpeg.bbf14cd3d8d1b7bbc0d2e97e0529bb59.jpeg

Never seen before. Helpful. Thanks.

[Carlos A.]

I think the secret here is to bring the multiplug with you and not on the checked bags. 

[TheMaxRebo]

1 hour ago, CruiseGus said:

@TheMaxRebo

Carry on or checked bag?

So we had two of the same, one in our carry on and one in a checked bag 

 

The carry on got through no issue but when we got the checked bag we got the note about it being confiscated... I went to ask why when the other one made it through they then had security escort me back to my room to confiscate the one that had gotten through 

 

 

[Carlos A.]

The "other" secret would be not to confess to security having something like an electrical extension cord on your cabin

[TessFromFlorida]

It is my understanding that as long as there is not a built in surge protector, it is approved for use. 

[BennyandBo]

Maybe better chance of getting steamer on board in carry on luggage? Also in 2 pieces.

[Biaggio]

I’ve always carried an extension cord with multi plug outlets and never a problem. 

[SpeedNoodles]

1 hour ago, BennyandBo said:

Maybe better chance of getting steamer on board in carry on luggage? Also in 2 pieces.

Or just don't bring it since they are prohibited.

[bobroo]

Note to self: zero solar panels in the above picture nor mentioned by any of the posters in this article.

[steverk]

I've had stuff like this confiscated.  I've had it sail right through. You just never know.

I carry multiples and divide it among my checked and carry on.  Usually all of them make it to my cabin, but sometimes one (usually carry on, but not always) will be confiscated.

[Rackham]

These adapters have been confiscated by security for years, but it's been a major YMMV situation. Unless you've got a need for Type B electrical plugs, and if you're just needing the adapter for plugging in multiple USB chargers, bring a cordless USB multiport adapter instead. No risk of security confiscation and they take up less room in the luggage.

 

5 hours ago, BennyandBo said:

Maybe better chance of getting steamer on board in carry on luggage? Also in 2 pieces.

Security would probably see and confiscate the bottom half on the x-ray, leaving you the top part to keep track of the entire cruise.

[Bowen]

2 hours ago, steverk said:

I've had stuff like this confiscated.  I've had it sail right through. You just never know.

I carry multiples and divide it among my checked and carry on.  Usually all of them make it to my cabin, but sometimes one (usually carry on, but not always) will be confiscated.

This is what I do as well.

[Atlantix2000]

9 hours ago, TessFromFlorida said:

It is my understanding that as long as there is not a built in surge protector, it is approved for use. 

Technically true, but there's generally no way to tell from looking at a device whether it has a surge protector or not.  Therefore, if you bring something that has more than one electrical outlet, it MAY get confiscated.  There's also no appeals process so if it looks like it could have a surge protector, it's best not to bring it.

[BennyandBo]

2 hours ago, Rackham said:

These adapters have been confiscated by security for years, but it's been a major YMMV situation. Unless you've got a need for Type B electrical plugs, and if you're just needing the adapter for plugging in multiple USB chargers, bring a cordless USB multiport adapter instead. No risk of security confiscation and they take up less room in the luggage.

 

Security would probably see and confiscate the bottom half on the x-ray, leaving you the top part to keep track of the entire cruise.

Hasn't happened yet.

And I wouldn't spend the entire cruise keeping track of the top part if it did. LOL

[StayFrosty]

Everything just charges with USB. Get a multiport USB charger and call it a day. 

[Suchacruiser]

54 minutes ago, StayFrosty said:

Everything just charges with USB. Get a multiport USB charger and call it a day. 

Not everything uses a USB. People bring aboard medical machines like CPAPs and oxygen that need to be plugged and re-charged, and since most plugs are across the room, extension cords and extra plugs are needed. I bring a cordless extension cube with USB ports and I’ve never had a problem. I ask ahead for an extension cord from the cruise line, sometimes they’ll supply one and if not will let me know to bring my own. I keep a copy of the authorization with my embarkation docs, just in case. 

[Carlos A.]

8 hours ago, StayFrosty said:

Everything just charges with USB. Get a multiport USB charger and call it a day. 

In this photo there are some multiport USB chargers on the "naughty" table so...

On 2/18/2023 at 5:19 PM, Reigert2008 said:

Here’s the penalty table from our recent Oasis sailing.  I saw several items on it where people on the board have stated they had no problems getting them on.  I wonder if Royal is really cracking down and updating the policies.

 

 

 

[SpicyCherry]

30 minutes ago, Carlos A. said:

the "naughty" table

That’s a good one!! 

[StayFrosty]

1 hour ago, Carlos A. said:

In this photo there are some multiport USB chargers on the "naughty" table so...

The only ones that I see also have regular outlets.  Am I missing something?

[Reigert2008]

3 hours ago, StayFrosty said:

The only ones that I see also have regular outlets.  Am I missing something?

I agree (it’s my image  ) the only USB ones I saw on the table had regular power outlets as well.  I was surprised to see it since I’ve seen that particular one touted by several cruise blogs as being great and not getting confiscated.

 

if anyone cares, my current wall charger is an Anker 747 charger. I it has 3 USB-c ports and an USB-A port. It’s a 150W charger, so I got it primarily to run my laptop as needed, with the bonus of charging multiple devices.  It’s worked really well so far.

 

https://www.anker.com/products/a2340?ref=naviMenu&variant=41974288777366&discount=WSCPSRC7E0

[Grandymitchell]

Currently on an Adventure of the Seas cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel. I had a multi-outlet adapter (no surge protector) confiscated along with an a passive adapter for Euro-to-US-style plug. I tried to argue that these devices aren't on the proscribed list, but to no avail. The cruise blogs need to get more up-to-date information. BTW, A four-port USB with cord passed muster.

[Wheeler825]

2 hours ago, Grandymitchell said:

Currently on an Adventure of the Seas cruise to Costa Maya and Cozumel. I had a multi-outlet adapter (no surge protector) confiscated along with an a passive adapter for Euro-to-US-style plug. I tried to argue that these devices aren't on the proscribed list, but to no avail. The cruise blogs need to get more up-to-date information. BTW, A four-port USB with cord passed muster.

Its not a problem with the cruise blogs, and these things are certainly permitted.  The problem is the minimum wage security personnel that have no idea and can't be arsed to care.

[RockerDom31]

From what I've been reading in mutliple online places, it seems that the ports are the ones that are cracking down on these. Unfortunately, I don't think there's an easy way to differentiate a "power strip" from a "surge protector" so it might just be easier on the port agents to just err on the side of caution and just confiscate anything remotely resembling a surge protector.

I seem to recall an online post in which a passenger was told by a port agent that even if the CEO of the cruise line told him not to confiscate the item, he's still going to because he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't (and something along the lines of "I don't work for the cruise line").

[teddy]

Blogs certainly aren’t responsible for local port security’s on the spot decisions. 
 

 

[SmoothJ24]

After looking at the picture, I saw that a very popular item was also confiscated. Sure enough, I went to the Amazon page which has it, and it had a picture of it confiscated and others had no issues. I even have a bunch of these and they work great and never had issues as well. Sigh... cause its "multi-plug" now you can't bring it now?

The policy says its fine... https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy

 

[DoomSlayer]

Guess I’ll find out and report back tomorrow if they take my usb block that has a plug. I’ve used it many times before without issue on board. 

[SmoothJ24]

I called up RCL, and told them the make and models of the bricks I bring...

After being on hold, and getting a call back from them 10 minutes later (for research), it was determined that those items were not in violation.

Here are the items:

Cruise Approved Power Strip Non Surge with USB-C, USB & 3 Standard Outlet Plugs - Cruise Essentials for Carnival, Royal Caribbean & All Cruise Ships

Anker USB C Outlet Extender, 321 Outlet Extender With 3 Outlets and 20W USB C Charging

Anker European Travel, PowerExtend USB Plug International Power Adapter

[TXcruzer]

18 minutes ago, SmoothJ24 said:

I called up RCL, and told them the make and models of the bricks I bring...

After being on hold, and getting a call back from them 10 minutes later (for research), it was determined that those items were not in violation.

Here are the items:

Cruise Approved Power Strip Non Surge with USB-C, USB & 3 Standard Outlet Plugs - Cruise Essentials for Carnival, Royal Caribbean & All Cruise Ships

Anker USB C Outlet Extender, 321 Outlet Extender With 3 Outlets and 20W USB C Charging

Anker European Travel, PowerExtend USB Plug International Power Adapter

The first 2 items in your list above will get confiscated 9 times out of 10, and it varies greatly from port to port, and even among agents at the same port.   Any device that converts 1 X 120V AC outlet into more than 1 will most likely get confiscated.  Regardless of what the CS person told you.

 

Don't be fooled by the "cruise approved" stamp on the package, it means absolutely nothing.

[DoomSlayer]

15 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

The first 2 items in your list above will get confiscated 9 times out of 10, and it varies greatly from port to port, and even among agents at the same port.   Any device that converts 1 X 120V AC outlet into more than 1 will most likely get confiscated.  Regardless of what the CS person told you.

 

Don't be fooled by the "cruise approved" stamp on the package, it means absolutely nothing.

Mine is similar to the second one he had. I’ve had no problems before, but will see tomorrow when I board Adventure. Worst case, they take it. 

[TXcruzer]

16 minutes ago, DoomSlayer said:

Mine is similar to the second one he had. I’ve had no problems before, but will see tomorrow when I board Adventure. Worst case, they take it. 

It is much smaller, and that certainly will work in your favor.

[SmoothJ24]

19 minutes ago, TXcruzer said:

The first 2 items in your list above will get confiscated 9 times out of 10, and it varies greatly from port to port, and even among agents at the same port.   Any device that converts 1 X 120V AC outlet into more than 1 will most likely get confiscated.  Regardless of what the CS person told you.

 

Don't be fooled by the "cruise approved" stamp on the package, it means absolutely nothing.

I am not fooled by it, but I used it several times without issues. What I don't understand is how RCL would approve it, but then have it taken away at the pier.

16 minutes ago, DoomSlayer said:

Mine is similar to the second one he had. I’ve had no problems before, but will see tomorrow when I board Adventure. Worst case, they take it. 

I am in the same situation.

[Atlantix2000]

50 minutes ago, SmoothJ24 said:

I am not fooled by it, but I used it several times without issues. What I don't understand is how RCL would approve it, but then have it taken away at the pier.

The people working at the pier don't work for RCL so it doesn't matter what RCL says on the phone.  After boarding, you MIGHT have a small chance of getting it returned by complaining to guest services but I wouldn't count on that.  The best advice anyone can give is never bring something with electrical outlets.  Multiple USB ports are fine.

[SmoothJ24]

18 minutes ago, Atlantix2000 said:

The people working at the pier don't work for RCL so it doesn't matter what RCL says on the phone.  After boarding, you MIGHT have a small chance of getting it returned by complaining to guest services but I wouldn't count on that.  The best advice anyone can give is never bring something with electrical outlets.  Multiple USB ports are fine.

Now I know why its a problem... one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing.

[Xaa]

10 hours ago, SmoothJ24 said:

Now I know why its a problem... one hand doesn't know what the other hand is doing.

They aren't two hands on the same body that's why.  

[DoomSlayer]

I can report that I successfully boarded Adventure today and had two blocks similar to the second one that @SmoothJ24 referenced earlier in my carry ons. No questions and no issues.