When passengers leave cruise ships, most cruise lines set out tables where they can claim items that the staff confiscated when they boarded.
Usually, the table includes power strips with surge protectors; irons and other electrical items passengers (usually) legitimately did not know were not allowed on board.
If you try to bring liquor on board, you might not get it back. And if you try to bring marijuana or weapons, you won't get them back and probably won't get back on a cruise ship.
Related: Royal Caribbean issues a warning to passengers, travel agents
Many cruisers try to keep up with the banned-item list so they don't get in trouble or have to go to the table of shame to pick up a confiscated item.
Royal Caribbean, however, recently made a confusing change to its banned-items list.
Previously, the company allowed multiplug outlets as long as they did not have a surge protector. When the changes were first outlined, exactly what was allowed was unclear.
Cruise News Today's Doug Parker shared some insight on Royal Caribbean's changes.
Royal Caribbean shares outlet rule specifics
"Royal Caribbean has provided some clarification on that ban policy for traveling with multiplug outlets," he reported. "Passengers can bring adapters with multiple USB ports, but not those that include regular AC outlets on it, so only multi-USB plugs.
"This change is meant to reduce fire hazards and prevent strain on the ship's electrical system, which can occur with high-power devices like extension cords, surge protectors and multidevice plugs."
Guests needing special devices such as CPap machines can request approved extension cords through the cruise line before they sail.
Here is the official Royal Caribbean update to its banned-items page.
Electrical Extension Cords - including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets. We do allow consumer type power conversion device USB charger (multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables). Note: Devices must be stamped with US/Europe recognized Conformance Marking to demonstrate compliance with Electrical Safety standards.
The cruise line has also moved this rule away from the section on banned flammable items on its website. It now has its own section. Below that section, it also says that another item many passengers bring on board is also banned.
ALSO READ: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
"Baby monitors are not allowed to be used onboard our vessels as their radio signal could interfere with ship communication and/or navigation systems," the cruise line warned.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about taking one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to have all your questions answered.
