Pictured: European Travel Plug Adapter, TESSAN International Power Plug with 2 USB, Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger for US to Most of Europe EU Iceland Spain Italy France Germany – See: Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB
Lack of power solutions in cruise ship cabins
Many cruise cabins have a common problem… lack of outlets. This has generally gotten better with newer ships, but can still be an issue. Even newer ships that have more cabin outlets, the outlets can be placed in such a way as to limit their usability. If two outlets are too close together… you can only use one.
This article outlines some ways to stretch the power resources that are available in your next cruise ship cabin.
#1 Use the 220 Outlet(s)
To accommodate European travelers cruise lines will often include one or more 220 volt outlets. If you’re used to using three prong 120 volt electronics this outlet will most likely go unused.
One way to stretch out the outlets on your next cruise is to… use the 220 volt outlet.
What style is the 220 volt outlet on cruise ships?
European Type C seems to be the standard style on cruise ships. This may vary, but it seems to be fairly standard.
Some Adapters and Devices to Consider:
- European Travel Plug Adapter, TESSAN International Power Plug with 2 USB, Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger for US to Most of Europe EU Iceland Spain Italy France Germany – 1 three prong outlet + two USB ports – Hands on Review
- Two Outlet Version: European Travel Plug Adapter Converter | TESSAN International Power Plug Converter with 2 USB | Type C Outlet Adaptor Charger | for US to Most of Europe EU Iceland Spain Italy France Germany – Hands on Review
- [3-Pack] European Travel Plug Adapter, VINTAR International Power Plug Adapter with 2 American Outlets- 2 in 1 Travel Essentials to France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel, Spain (Type C)
- Ceptics Europe Travel Adapter, Ultra Compact Dual USB Power Plug – for European Type C – 3 Inputs – iPhone, Laptop, Galaxy, Cell Phones, Camera Chargers, iWatch & More – CTU-9C
- 220v Travel Night Light – This night light fits into compatible 220v outlets and as a bonus gets you a USB wall charger.
- European Wall Charger, Vifigen 2-Pack USB
- Search Amazon for “type c outlet adapter” to shop around
Cruise Ship Power Solutions – Making Use of the 220 Volt Cabin Outlet On Your Next Cruise
Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB… Use the 220 Outlet on Your Next Cruise!
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#2 Use An Approved Power Strip
Most cruise lines allow the use of certain power strips. Generally speaking one thing you want to look for is a power strip that DOES NOT offer surge protection. Double check with your cruise line for specifics on what’s allowed on your ship.
#3 Use an Outlet Extender
Pictured: Multi Plug Outlet Extender with USB Outlets, Power Strip Non Surge Protector Electric Outlet Splitter with 3 USB Wall Charger (1 USB C), Multiple Outlet Expander for Cruise, Dorm, Travel, Home, Office – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
A similar solution as using a power strip, but more compact and outlet extender to split one power outlet into multiple outlets. Some include USB outlets.
#4 Use a Rechargeable Night Light
Using a rechargeable night light means no outlet is taken up most of the time. This is particularly helpful for bathrooms as those usually have 0 outlets.
Hands on Review: Auvon Rechargeable Night Lights + The Problem with Cruise Ship Bathrooms at Night
#5 Use a USB Night Light
USB night lights plug into a USB port. That means no outlet taken up. They could go on a laptop, USB wall charger or power bank.
#6 Check the Phone
Many newer or remodeled cruise ships offer a USB charging port on the phone. This is the phone that was in our cabin on Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas.
#7 Use Rechargeable… Everything
Pictured: Cruise Ship Approved Travel Fan
When you’re making decisions on cruise gear considering opting for rechargeable items. These don’t constantly take up an outlet or USB port and when charged, they aren’t tethered to wherever an outlet happens to be.
#8 Use a Rechargeable Power Bank
Pictured: Anker Portable Charger
Using a rechargeable power bank gives you a de facto outlet (at least for USB devices) anywhere in your cabin. Beyond charging you can power loads of other USB compatible gear anywhere in your cabin.
Related… Hands on Review: TESSAN International Power Plug with USB
Product specifications can change. Double check your product before use.
For lots more about cruise packing including some solutions for the outlet problem check out our complete packing list.
Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. top:outlets tag:tpr