Outlet multiplier ban

[Linda R]

Can you still bring the Cube?  Which has USB outlets and international adapters.

[baltodave]

So it appears my USB power hub may not be allowed anymore because it has a cord.  Does anyone know if this device is allowed (thinking about Vision and Radiance class ships in particular)

https://www.amazon.com/EPICKA-Universal-Adapter-International-Worldwide/dp/B0BYRLPQL3/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_1?pd_rd_w=w739j&content-id=amzn1.sym.352fa4e9-2aa8-47c3-b5ac-8a90ddbece20%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=352fa4e9-2aa8-47c3-b5ac-8a90ddbece20&pf_rd_r=W5X5MPNGPVQ6TWBCCM6R&pd_rd_wg=B21UJ&pd_rd_r=13b375f1-8420-4589-868a-db0c3ba73841&pd_rd_i=B0BYRLPQL3&th=1

[smokeybandit]

22 minutes ago, baltodave said:

So it appears my USB power hub may not be allowed anymore because it has a cord. 

As long as there are no electrical outlets on it you're fine.

[bobroo]

Dear Jason Liberty,

Want to make a million dollars a year and keep the tiki torches and pitchforks at bay? Please find a USB adapter that YOU would use yourself,  one that your gang of security goombahs will find acceptable on all of your vessels, silkscreen a Royal Caribbean logo on it, and then sell it to us! Make them a pre-cruise purchase, like a drink cup that awaits you when the cabins open up. Sell them at the shops onboard. Throw them out with the flashing rings during 70's night or make them a prize for trivia or bingo. Maybe even bellyflop guy gets one?

Just promise me they won't be made by the same manufacturer that makes the crappy Royal Caribbean pens.

Want a billion dollar idea? Find the manufacturer of the GoalZero 10 Nomad solar panel and have them contract manufacture a 15 watt model also with the Royal Caribbean logo on it. Call it The Big, Fat Dupaa-- because there is absolutely no reason why a passenger shouldn't be charging there phone, vape pen, or other small electronic device while they are sitting poolside or in a hot tub on their big, fat dupaa.

I understand that the solar panel idea will get a lot of pushback from your best customers who live in the Pinnacle filled homes of The Villages and elsewhere in conservative Florida. But Jason, guess what? The next hurricane or tropical rainstorm that knocks out electricity statewide; guess who is gonna drag out their Big Fat Dupaa and charge their phones on their veranda??? Yea, it's better we keep that part quiet and between us girls. 

 

Your favorite 100+ shareholder,

Bobroo

 

 

 

 

[smokeybandit]

I think people are getting too caught up in this change. It's actually a lot more subtle than the reaction has been to it. They're merely eliminating a loophole where multi-outlet adapters were "legal" only when they didn't also serve as an extension cord.

[bobroo]

Royal having a simple, universally approved USB adapter that they sell and make $10 a piece on would go a long way.

 

Unlike their pens, please just make it so that if it falls off a table it doesn't break.

[SimGuy]

Electrically speaking, this new ban is not only confusing to customers but is also BS.

Previous to this change it was already prohibited to bring high current devices onboard. (your own useable hair dryer, etc.)

This change couldn’t possibly have been created by a qualified EE, it must have been the brainchild of a lawyer.

[Rackham]

17 minutes ago, SimGuy said:

Electrically speaking, this new ban is not only confusing to customers but is also BS.

Previous to this change it was already prohibited to bring high current devices onboard. (your own useable hair dryer, etc.)

This change couldn’t possibly have been created by a qualified EE, it must have been the brainchild of a lawyer.

https://www.imca-int.com/safety-events/use-of-surge-protected-devices-on-board-vessels/

Also USCG: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/Alerts/03-13b (second version).pdf?ver=2017-07-25-143030-170

Security isn't going to spend the time trying to figure out if something is surge protected or not and customers can't be trusted not to bring surge protected strips. Thus the general ban on multiport outlet adaptors.

[smokeybandit]

2 hours ago, SimGuy said:

Electrically speaking, this new ban is not only confusing to customers but is also BS.

 

Seems simple to me. One outlet per adapter.

[TXcruzer]

15 hours ago, SimGuy said:

Electrically speaking, this new ban is not only confusing to customers but is also BS.

Previous to this change it was already prohibited to bring high current devices onboard. (your own useable hair dryer, etc.)

This change couldn’t possibly have been created by a qualified EE, it must have been the brainchild of a lawyer.

This is all 100% completely false information 

[TXcruzer]

21 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

I think people are getting too caught up in this change. It's actually a lot more subtle than the reaction has been to it. They're merely eliminating a loophole where multi-outlet adapters were "legal" only when they didn't also serve as an extension cord.

Thank you, these reactions are just unbelievable. It is all really quite simple to understand and doesn’t constitute any real change at all. 
I had no idea so many people had not joined this century and aren’t routinely traveling with a 5-10 port USB hub. 

[Razor55]

Is this a new banned item? https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy  I just watched a YouTube showing what has been a popular item as being banned. 

 

 

 

[smokeybandit]

 

[TXcruzer]

39 minutes ago, Razor55 said:

Is this a new banned item? https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy  I just watched a YouTube showing what has been a popular item as being banned. 

 

 

 

Already discussed ad nauseam 

[FOB]

On 9/20/2024 at 1:03 PM, baltodave said:

So it appears my USB power hub may not be allowed anymore because it has a cord.  Does anyone know if this device is allowed (thinking about Vision and Radiance class ships in particular)

https://www.amazon.com/EPICKA-Universal-Adapter-International-Worldwide/dp/B0BYRLPQL3/ref=pd_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_1?pd_rd_w=w739j&content-id=amzn1.sym.352fa4e9-2aa8-47c3-b5ac-8a90ddbece20%3Aamzn1.symc.40e6a10e-cbc4-4fa5-81e3-4435ff64d03b&pf_rd_p=352fa4e9-2aa8-47c3-b5ac-8a90ddbece20&pf_rd_r=W5X5MPNGPVQ6TWBCCM6R&pd_rd_wg=B21UJ&pd_rd_r=13b375f1-8420-4589-868a-db0c3ba73841&pd_rd_i=B0BYRLPQL3&th=1

that's very similar to one we had for Jewel transatlantic in August and we have bought a second one for using on Ovation next week (https://www.amazon.co.uk/multi-adapter/s?k=multi+adapter). They are brilliant and will allow stuff to be plugged into wall sockets in US, UK, Europe or Australian without having prongs sticking out and taking up space when packing

 

[Matt]

I'm curious to see what changes, if anything, when I go on my next Royal cruise with the same USB hubs and plugs I usually bring.

Realistically, this ban is not as impactful as I think some are worried about because in practice, security has always been lackadaisical about enforcing the rules about things like which plugs are allowed or not.

I wish there was a clearer answer, but like many new Royal Caribbean policies, it will take some time to get a consensus on what is allowed or not. 

[Jhew2024]

It looks like they may have removed that now from the prohibited items list. I just went to the page and I don’t see anything about multi-plug outlets- 

 

[smokeybandit]

That looks like an old screenshot.

 

This is the current list that everyone has been referring to.

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy

[RCIfan1912]

4 minutes ago, Jhew2024 said:

It looks like they may have removed that now from the prohibited items list. I just went to the page and I don’t see anything about multi-plug outlets- 

 

Hmmm wonder what is going on now? Maybe they heard all the noise and changed it? But if it's dangerous they shouldn't? If they made a mistake then they fixed it. 

[Jhew2024]

There is a difference between the UK page and the US page. Maybe the UK page just hasn’t been updated yet. https://www.royalcaribbean.com/gbr/en/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy?country=GBR

[smokeybandit]

I'm sure that just hasn't been updated yet.

[CowboyMedic]

Great, I just recently bought a Euro to US adapter that has two outlets plus USB ports. Our other block we took was a US that had two outlets & two USB. Going on Harmony in a month.

https://a.co/d/fFnNBjI

[smost]

I just got off Allure on Friday and had none of my usual outlet extenders confiscated or unplugged. Now it could be that it was too recent of a change for it to be implemented. But I do carry multiple with me just in case. I use USB multipliers as well as multiple outlet extenders. My next cruise on Royal isn't until next June so we'll have to see if things change then. 

[CruisingNewb]

My family of 4 each have at least 2 electrical devices (ie: smart phone and tablet) alongside other devices such as cameras, gopros, etc.

We have always used those outlet adapters from Amazon that say "cruiseline approved" or whatever.  In reality, we are spending so much time enjoying our cruise that we don't end up needing the outlet adapter because: (1) the ships we have cruised on have enough outlets for our needs, (2) we simply rotate charging and prioritize charging, and (3) we have our devices set up to not drain batteries while cruising (ie: turn off most location settings on apps, use low battery mode when necessary).

For us, it is simply not a big deal.  

For those people who still can't make it work without an adapter, pay a few bucks more and get portable power banks with multiple USB connectors. Many, including the one that I use, are non-surge protecting, multi-USB, devices.  Plug it in and charge it to full capacity during the day time.  At night, plug in your devices to the power bank. Rinse, wash, repeat.

I am reasonably risk-averse and would not want to hold up any line or have to surrender an outlet adapter because I interpreted a policy incorrectly or played the "they didn't enforce it last time" game.  Just don't think this is worth the stress.

[SimGuy]

It took 4 paragraphs to say “this really has no effect on me”?

[Ditchdoc]

Unless you have some specialized medical equipment, I just do not see the need for more than one or two outlets.

[CruisingNewb]

1 hour ago, SimGuy said:

It took 4 paragraphs to say “this really has no effect on me”?

It took 4 paragraphs to offer a perspective.  Seems like this is a big deal for many cruisers.  OMG! Not enough outlets! What will I do without my pocket-sized technological advancements!?!? Oh wait...I am on a gigantic technological marvel that is also a resort! 

[Atlantix2000]

3 hours ago, CruisingNewb said:

We have always used those outlet adapters from Amazon that say "cruiseline approved" or whatever. 

There is no such thing as a "cruiseline approved" adapter but there are MANY shady third-party vendors on Amazon selling products with those words in their marketing.  That's a HUGE red flag for product quality.  As an electrical engineer, I despise how hard it is to find electronics I can trust on Amazon.  If the brand name is a bunch of letters and the manufacturer's address is china, PLEASE don't buy it.

[RCIfan1912]

1 minute ago, Atlantix2000 said:

There is no such thing as a "cruiseline approved" adapter but there are MANY shady third-party vendors on Amazon selling products with those words in their marketing.  That's a HUGE red flag for product quality.  As an electrical engineer, I despise how hard it is to find electronics I can trust on Amazon.  If the brand name is a bunch of letters and the manufacturer's address is china, PLEASE don't buy it.

As an electrical engineer can you explain to us that are not experts what Royal Caribbean in particular is worried about? What in a cruise ship electrical system is concerning that devices like this can be an issue? It is just basically overload?

[AshleyDillo]

3 hours ago, CruisingNewb said:

For those people who still can't make it work without an adapter, pay a few bucks more and get portable power banks with multiple USB connectors. Many, including the one that I use, are non-surge protecting, multi-USB, devices.  Plug it in and charge it to full capacity during the day time.  At night, plug in your devices to the power bank. Rinse, wash, repeat.

The portable power banks are the way to go.  I have one heavy-duty one that can run my laptop for 2 hours and a smaller one that can charge my cell phone at least 3 times off a single charge.  The only adapter that I bring with a normal US plug is a single adapter for the EU outlets in the room.

6 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

As an electrical engineer can you explain to us that are not experts what Royal Caribbean in particular is worried about? What in a cruise ship electrical system is concerning that devices like this can be an issue? It is just basically overload?

I'm not an engineer, but the electrical systems used on the ship operate a little differently because there's no natural grounding for the electricity.  Most devices with surge protectors are sold for use on land-based electrical circuits.

https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO Documents/5p/CSNCOE/Safety Alerts/USCG Marine Safety Alert 03-13 Surge Protective Devices Onboard Vessels.pdf?ver=2017-08-08-082206-293 

The language that used to exist in the prohibited items stated no surge protector devices but I think the issue was the screening process. Plus you can't rely on devices being properly sold or labeled as such, so it's easiest for them to just exclude all multi-outlet plug devices to avoid the screening issues.

[Rakaia]

This was our experience (last Dec on Anthem out of Cape Liberty...before they listed "multi outlets " on the official RC website). We questioned the confiscated item (first in pic) once onboard (as it hadn't been an issue on prior cruises), one of the ship's electricians informed us of the upcoming ban on multiple outlets. 

The second item in my pic is what was not confiscated that day (and what we now bring). Only USB, no cord. 

 

I'll add that I also bring a rechargable power bank for use next to the bed. That way I can charge my phone while I sleep and still use it as an alarm clock (yeah, I set an alarm clock on a cruise When we cruise with the kiddo during school, we get up early for classwork/homework). I recharge the battery during the day. 

[Atlantix2000]

2 hours ago, RCIfan1912 said:

As an electrical engineer can you explain to us that are not experts what Royal Caribbean in particular is worried about? What in a cruise ship electrical system is concerning that devices like this can be an issue? It is just basically overload?

Electrical grounding just doesn't work the same when there is literally no ground.  On land, the ground plug of every outlet in your home traces back to a physical grounding rod that is buried deep into the earth.  Over-current situations (whether a short due to a device failure or due to a lighting strike) are dealt with by directing that current into the ground which can safely absorb it.  Marine electric systems cannot do the same so over-current situations represent a serious fire hazard for a ship.  Surge protectors rely on the normal grounding system to protect devices from catching fire.  But on a ship, a surge protector actually creates a greater fire risk which is why they must be banned.  Unfortunately, there is no way to quickly test whether a given device has a hidden built-in surge protector.  Therefore, it is safer to ban all devices that might have a surge protector no matter how inconvenient that is for cruisers.

[WAYNO]

 I actually saw the contraband table as I was recently getting off Quantum of the Seas.

Quite a collection of curling irons, power cords, and power strips. 

[ScottD]

16 hours ago, SimGuy said:

It took 4 paragraphs to say “this really has no effect on me”?

It really is no big deal. Bring some portable chargers, plug them in during the day and use those at night for your phones, that leaves the actual outlets open for whatever else you might need to charge overnight.  (And you can bring hair dryers)   

[Andy & Sheryl Unwin]

I am going to follow Matt's sage-like wisdom in Monday's YouTube video. "Watch and wait." Our next cruise isn't until December 1st. By that time, the policy should be much clearer.

[RCIfan1912]

Ok, we sail Liberty in 15 days. If I try to bring something I think may be confiscated just to test the new rules do I get it back if it's confiscated?

[Pattycruise]

11 minutes ago, RCIfan1912 said:

Ok, we sail Liberty in 15 days. If I try to bring something I think may be confiscated just to test the new rules do I get it back if it's confiscated?

Yes, there will be the naughty table set up d we hen you disembark the ship.  Make yourself a note to go pick up your item before you exit the terminal.

i wonder what happens on the one way sailings!

[Gilley]

I'm so confused with these pictures of the outlet extenders.   The slots all look the same.  The one Matt said is approved by RCL doesn't look like it fits my Iphone 8 plus or my kindle.  Unless I'm over thinking or don't know what goes where.  Will it fit my Ipad Pro and my Iphone 8.  I can do without the Kindle if I have to.

[RCIfan1912]

22 minutes ago, Pattycruise said:

Yes, there will be the naughty table set up d we hen you disembark the ship.  Make yourself a note to go pick up your item before you exit the terminal.

i wonder what happens on the one way sailings!

Is it super embarrassing to "get caught" with something you are not supposed to have?

[teddy]

1 hour ago, RCIfan1912 said:

Is it super embarrassing to "get caught" with something you are not supposed to have?

Multi outlet electric adapter soon after a potentially confusing policy comes out?  Nah

Electric blow up doll?  Probably