Jump to content

Are multi-port usb chargers banned


Recommended Posts

3 hours ago, broberts said:

 

It's not impractical to replace existing outlet assemblies with ones that include a couple of USB-A and possibly USB-C outlets. USB ports do not require a lot of space.

 

Since a powered up phone with WiFi is almost essential onboard, it seems to me that cruise lines bear some responsibility. 

 

Until a retrofit, why can't the cruise line offer European adapters? 😀

Those USB ports have to be connected to a charger or hub somewhere that coverts AC to DC. That will take space.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, RobInMN said:

Yes. Lots of people have brought many different devices in the past just fine.

This is a brand new change in the last 2-3 days. So any experience prior to this has no relevance on what people will experience now. We will have to wait and get feed back from people boarding from now on.

All we know is what the new wording says now. Nothing with multiple plugs will be allowed, whether it has a cord or not. We'll have to see exactly how it's being interpreted by security and how strictly it's enforced.

 

Well, we are boarding Sunday and I'm taking my euro adapter. I'll come back to the thread and let you know what happens.

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Raxter54 said:

Maybe you can point me to the part of the announcement that says they are different. Who knows how RCI defines what is or isn't a plug?

They changed the wording on the prohibited items list. It says multi plug outlets. Some people want to overthink. USB ports are not plugs. 
 

  • Extension Cords and Multi-Plug Outlets/ Power Strips
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

Those USB ports have to be connected to a charger or hub somewhere that coverts AC to DC. That will take space.  

 

Not so. If they did they would not be USB ports and would likely destroy any electronic device that uses a USB cable to connect.

 

Not appropriate for a cruise ship but illustrates what I was talking abou: https://leviton.com/products/residential/usb-wall-outlet-chargers.

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, broberts said:

 

Not so. If they did they would not be USB ports and would likely destroy any electronic device that uses a USB cable to connect.

 

Not appropriate for a cruise ship but illustrates what I was talking abou: https://leviton.com/products/residential/usb-wall-outlet-chargers.

 

That is what I am talking about. Those have in wall chargers.You are looking at the face plate but there is a charger behind the face plate. Whatever they used would have to be compatible with cruise ship wiring. Also cruise ship mains are 230 volts. I tried to use Lutron in my condo but they were not compatible with the buildings wiring. 

Edited by Charles4515
Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

They changed the wording on the prohibited items list. It says multi plug outlets. Some people want to overthink. USB ports are not plugs. 

I hope you are correct. But until RCCL clarifies things, we will not know....

Edited by Raxter54
Link to comment
Share on other sites

31 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

They changed the wording on the prohibited items list. It says multi plug outlets. Some people want to overthink. USB ports are not plugs. 
 

  • Extension Cords and Multi-Plug Outlets/ Power Strips

Unfortunately societies desire to overthink everything to find some way to take advantage will likely force RCL to modify the language to make it a little more precise to remove all opportunities for interpretation. Without that precision in the language, we'll see all the people 'interpreting' it to their advantage. 

 

I just use this and then occasionally need to plug in the iPad or laptop which both use the same power adapter and I'm good. Worked great for me on Icon last week and Utopia back in July. I used a max of 2 USB ports concurrently and everything was covered.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09W244BTQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

Edited by donsullivan
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 minute ago, Raxter54 said:

I hope you are correct. But until RCI clarifies things, we will not know....

What they prohibit is clear. Multi plug outlets   Again you are overthinking it. Read it in context of prohibiting extension cords and power strips. (personally I don't really care as I don't use power strips, multi plugs or multi port USB chargers. I use a 3 in one MagSafe charger)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/17/2024 at 9:02 AM, Sea Dog said:

I would be interested in hearing anyone’s experience where a passenger got their’s confiscated. We have cruised for years with these and had no problems.

 

IMG_0078.thumb.png.b14ea533207e8ee2d13262544e7a5ffd.png

 

Me two, we plan on taking one similar to one you show in your post. We've taken it on many cruises before without any issues.

I'd sure like to hear from folks taking RCI cruises in the next couple of weeks - we sail on the Brilliance in about 4 weeks.

 

 Doug

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 minutes ago, Charles4515 said:

What they prohibit is clear. Multi plug outlets   Again you are overthinking it. Read it in context of prohibiting extension cords and power strips. (personally I don't really care as I don't use power strips, multi plugs or multi port USB chargers. I use a 3 in one MagSafe charger)

We shall see. I'm not "overthinking", I just need a definitive answer before I go and buy something that doesn't fit RCCL's interpretation. Have a nice day....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20 hours ago, Raxter54 said:

We shall see. I'm not "overthinking", I just need a definitive answer before I go and buy something that doesn't fit RCCL's interpretation. Have a nice day....

I agree with Raxter on this one. RCL could have easy stated multi-plug AC outlets, but they didn't. Call it a plug, call it a port, it still outputs electricity.

 

My guess is the cubes that are relatively small with a couple of USB outlets will not be an issue, but they probably kept the wording vague enough so that they can confiscate some huge 15 port adaptor if they want. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

24 minutes ago, drb116 said:
21 hours ago, Raxter54 said:

 

I agree with Raxter on this one. RCL could have easy stated multi-plug AC outlets, but they didn't. Call it a plug, call it a port, it still outputs electricity.

The USB ports use DC not AC. The USB ports are not outlets. That is what you are getting wrong because you don’t understand the difference. Those multiple AC outlets in series on power strips and multi plug are probably what the issue is. The ships mains are wired differently than land mains. The DC USB ports are converted by the charger or a hub to DC from one AC outlet. So they don’t have that issue. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, Raxter54 said:

We shall see. I'm not "overthinking", I just need a definitive answer before I go and buy something that doesn't fit RCCL's interpretation. Have a nice day....

Exactly!  RCCL really needs to be more specific IMO.  We cruise in 3 weeks - I'll just be taking the small little charging adapter that came with my phone.  I don't want to worry about will an item be confiscated or not.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/19/2024 at 2:35 PM, Charles4515 said:

They changed the wording on the prohibited items list. It says multi plug outlets. Some people want to overthink. USB ports are not plugs. 
 

  • Extension Cords and Multi-Plug Outlets/ Power Strips

And when you compare it to what used to be there, it's quite clear that all they're doing is closing a loophole with people bringing power strips that had no cord.

  • Thanks 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/17/2024 at 10:18 AM, smokeybandit said:

Based on the new wording, this would be prohibited. Though who knows how it'd be enforced. I am cruising tomorrow and will know for sure.

Edited by Sliderhorse
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/17/2024 at 10:02 AM, Sea Dog said:

I would be interested in hearing anyone’s experience where a passenger got their’s confiscated. We have cruised for years with these and had no problems.

 

IMG_0078.thumb.png.b14ea533207e8ee2d13262544e7a5ffd.png

 

That is exactly what I use, plugs right into the outlet.  Used it last week on Freedom with no issues.  Taking it on Radiance on the 5th, so will see what happens

 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/17/2024 at 9:02 AM, Sea Dog said:

I would be interested in hearing anyone’s experience where a passenger got their’s confiscated. We have cruised for years with these and had no problems.

 

IMG_0078.thumb.png.b14ea533207e8ee2d13262544e7a5ffd.png

 

It may or not be acceptable NOW as the wording in the prohibited items has been changed.  Others have interpreted the new language to apply to units with multi power outlets (as this picture shows) versus 100% multiple USB ports with 0 power outlets.  With RC (and other cruise lines) adding more functionality to their app it makes smart devices more necessary.   They are going to have to allow methods to recharge multiple devices, especially on the older ships.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 9/19/2024 at 4:13 PM, captainannoyed! said:

I have one of these, and am sailing this weekend with a Saturday embarkation.  I am planning on packing this exact plug in my carry on.  I will post here when I’m onboard to share my experience.

Reporting back to the thread on this.  I just boarded with the euro to us adapter with the USB ports I posted about.  No problems with security, had it in my carry on not trying to hide or disguise it in any way.  I can’t guarantee consistency, but that’s my update.

Edited by captainannoyed!
  • Like 5
  • Thanks 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

30 minutes ago, rcrabb1513 said:

 They are going to have to allow methods to recharge multiple devices, especially on the older ships.


Agreed! We have 2 IPhones , 2 iPads, 2 Apple Watches, plus go pro battery chargers, usb razor and other things to charge.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share

  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • ANNOUNCEMENT: A Touch of Magic on an Avalon Rhine River Cruise
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...

If you are already a Cruise Critic member, please log in with your existing account information or your email address and password.