Whilst the excitement of planning a cruise holiday builds, the practical task of packing requires careful attention to detail, especially when it comes to understanding specific maritime regulations. For those preparing to set sail, overlooking certain prohibited items could lead to unexpected confiscations at the boarding gate, disrupting the start of your voyage.
Essential Cruise Packing Advice From Travel Expert
Travel enthusiast Laurie, known online as 'traveltipsbylaurie' with an impressive Instagram following exceeding 312,000, has issued a crucial warning to prospective cruise passengers. In a recent social media video that has garnered significant attention, she highlighted a common household item that is universally banned across all major cruise lines and will be confiscated immediately during the boarding process.
The Forbidden Item: Standard Power Strips
Laurie specifically identified standard power strip towers and extension leads with surge protection as the problematic items. "Do not get kicked off your ship by doing this one travel tip for the electronics that you bring to the ship," she cautioned viewers at the beginning of her clip. "Just save yourself the stress by doing this one travel tip."
In her accompanying post caption, she elaborated that cruise ship security personnel will seize these items as soon as passengers attempt to board. The reason for this strict policy lies in substantial fire safety concerns that surge protectors present in the unique environment of a cruise vessel.
Understanding The Fire Risk Onboard
Cruise ships operate on electrical systems that differ significantly from standard residential properties. When surge protectors designed for home use interact with a ship's specialised power network, they can trigger dangerous situations including:
- Overheating of electrical components
- Circuit breakers flipping unexpectedly
- Genuine fire safety hazards in confined maritime spaces
These risks have prompted all major cruise lines to implement uniform policies regarding electrical equipment brought aboard by passengers.
What Electrical Items Are Permitted?
Despite the restrictions, passengers aren't completely without options for charging multiple devices in their cabins. The following electrical items typically receive approval from cruise line security:
- Non-surge protector power strips: These specialised strips, available from retailers like Amazon, lack the surge protection elements that create fire risks
- Multi-port USB chargers: Devices that offer multiple USB ports without high-voltage sockets generally pass inspection
Laurie demonstrated one acceptable option in her video, showing a non-surge protecting power strip she recommended for cruise travel. "In our room with two twin beds, there is only one outlet section on one side, so get a power strip that is non-surge protecting," she advised her audience.
Passenger Reactions And Additional Considerations
The comments section beneath Laurie's post quickly filled with responses from surprised travellers who had been unaware of this stringent policy. "Oh I had no idea," remarked one individual, while another shared their personal experience: "I brought one a few years ago and it was taken right away. I got it as I exited the cruise ship. You are absolutely right!!!"
A third commenter added specific cruise line information: "Royal [Caribbean] doesn't allow any power plugs with a cord. They are only allowing non surge protectors that plug directly in. I thought Celebrity (owned by same company) had been doing this, too."
Practical Advice For Cruise Travellers
To avoid disappointment and potential security delays, experts recommend taking the following precautions:
- Check with your specific cruise line: Policies can vary slightly between operators, so verify regulations before packing
- Purchase appropriate equipment: Invest in a non-surge protecting power strip or multi-port USB charger specifically designed for travel
- Understand the confiscation process: Should security personnel seize a prohibited item, crew members will typically tag it and ensure its safe return when you disembark
As cruise holidays continue to grow in popularity, understanding these specific packing requirements becomes increasingly important for ensuring a smooth, stress-free boarding experience and maintaining safety standards throughout your voyage.
