Heading off on a cruise is an exciting adventure, but preparing for a week or two at sea requires careful planning. One essential item that often gets overlooked is a travel adaptor. Many cruise ships have a mix of plug socket types, and not all cabins are equipped with USB ports. If you want to keep your devices charged and ready, a travel adaptor is a must-have. In this article, we’ll explain why you need one, what to look for, and introduce you to an excellent option for your trip.
Cruise Cabins: A Mix of Plug Types
Cruise ships are floating hotels that cater to passengers from all over the world. As a result, their cabins often feature a mix of plug sockets, depending on the ship’s origin or destination. For example:
- US-based cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruises usually have standard US plugs (Type A/B).
- European cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises typically use European plugs (Type C).
- Some cruise ships even have UK plugs (Type G), especially on ships departing from the UK.
However, very few cabins are equipped with all three socket types, and some may have only one or two outlets for the entire cabin! That’s where a travel adaptor comes in handy, ensuring you’re prepared for any configuration.
Not All Cruise Cabins Have USB Ports
Modern gadgets like phones, tablets, and cameras rely heavily on USB charging. While newer cruise ships and recently refurbished ones may include USB ports, many older vessels don’t offer this convenience. If you’re travelling on a ship without USB outlets, you could find yourself fighting over limited power sockets to charge your devices.
A travel adaptor with USB ports, like this UK-to-EU Multi Plug Travel Adaptor on Amazon which features 3 USB-A and 1 USB-C ports, is a lifesaver. This versatile device ensures you can charge multiple gadgets at once without worrying about socket types.
Why Surge Protection is Not Allowed on Cruises
You might think bringing a power strip with surge protection is a good idea, but most cruise lines prohibit devices with surge protection. Why? Cruise ships run on sophisticated electrical systems, and surge protectors can interfere with the ship’s power grid. For safety reasons, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess Cruises have strict rules about this.
Instead, opt for a cruise-approved travel adaptor or a non-surge protected power strip, though the latter is not always allowed on board, especially if it has a long cord. The travel adaptor we’ve linked below meets all cruise ship requirements, making it a safe and reliable choice.
What to Look for in a Cruise Travel Adaptor
When choosing the right travel adaptor for your cruise, here are some key features to consider:
- Compatibility: Most ships have EU sockets so if you’re looking to get the best bang for you buck an EU adaptor is probably your best bet.
- USB Ports: Adapters with USB charging ports save you the hassle of carrying multiple chargers.
- Cruise-Safe Design: Ensure the adaptor is compliant with cruise ship rules, meaning no surge protection.
- Compact and Lightweight: Cabin space is limited, so opt for an adaptor that’s easy to pack and doesn’t take up too much room.
The Best Travel Adaptor for Your Cruise
We recommend this UK-to-EU Multi-Plug Travel Adaptor on Amazon, which we use ourselves on all of our cruises. This is why this adaptor ticks all the boxes for us:
- Includes four USB ports (3 USB-A and 1 USB-C) to charge your phone, tablet, or e-reader.
- Compact, lightweight, and cruise-compliant (no surge protection).
- High-quality design that’s built to last.
- Comes with a built-in night light which you can turn on and off as needed. Handy for those dark nights in a cruise cabin.
You can also purchase our recommended adaptors directly from Anchors Up, the leading cruise essentials store in the UK.
Final Tips for Packing Electronics on a Cruise
- Bring a small power strip: Choose one without surge protection for extra outlets.
- Label your adaptor: Avoid losing it by adding a colourful sticker or tag.
- Don’t overpack: Bring only the gadgets you truly need, like your phone, camera, or e-reader. Leave bulky appliances like hair dryers at home, as most cruise cabins provide them.
- Check the ship’s policy: Before you travel, review your cruise line’s rules on power strips and adapters to avoid any surprises.
Conclusion
A travel adaptor is an essential item for your cruise packing list. With different plug socket types on various ships and the lack of USB ports in many cabins, being prepared ensures a stress-free holiday. This Cruise Approved Travel Adaptor is the perfect solution, offering compatibility, USB charging, and compliance with cruise rules.
Don’t wait until you’re scrambling for outlets onboard. Grab your travel adaptor today and enjoy a worry-free cruise experience!
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