Search for cruise packing gear and you'll find plenty of power strips labeled "cruise approved." On Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, they aren't. Both lines prohibit power strips, even non-surge ones, and both allow a simpler fix: a multi-port USB wall charger. Here's what each line's rules say, what can get taken at the terminal, and what to pack instead (as of Oct 22, 2026).
The rules, side by side
| Item | Disney Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
|---|---|---|
| Power strip (with or without surge protection) | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Surge protector | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Extension cord | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Multi-plug / outlet splitter | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Multi-port USB wall charger (plugs straight in, no extra AC outlets) | Allowed; may be inspected | Allowed if it carries a recognized U.S. or European conformity mark |
- Disney Cruise Line: "Extension cords, power strips, multi-plugs, and surge protectors are prohibited on the ship." A multi-port USB wall charger is fine "as long as it doesn't have multiple plugs and isn't part of an extension cord," and the Chief Electrical Engineer may inspect it (planDisney ↗). Disney's panel has also confirmed that non-surge travel power strips are not allowed (planDisney ↗). The full list is on Disney's prohibited-items page (Disney Cruise Line ↗).
- Royal Caribbean: extension cords, power strips and multi-plug outlets are prohibited. The exception is "device and USB chargers marked with a recognized U.S. or European conformity certification." Prohibited items may be confiscated at the terminal or on board, and the ship's Security team has the final say (Royal Caribbean ↗).
"Cruise approved" is a seller's label
Product listings use "cruise approved" or "cruise ship safe" to mean the strip has no surge protector. That's not the same as approval from the cruise line, and on Disney and Royal Caribbean a non-surge strip is still a power strip. Other lines set their own rules, so check yours before you pack. Cruisers on X are giving the same advice right now: one wall charger with several USB ports, and skip the power strip (X ↗).
What to pack instead
- One multi-port USB wall charger with both USB-C and USB-A ports, so phones, watches and tablets can all charge overnight from one outlet. Disney's stateroom outlets and USB plugs are on the nightstands and desks (planDisney ↗).
- A cable for every device. The charger only has as many ports as you have cords.
- A small power bank for port days and long pool afternoons, when you're away from the room.
- Look for a certification mark (such as UL, ETL or CE) on the charger if you're sailing Royal Caribbean, since that's the condition in its policy (Royal Caribbean ↗).
- Pack your chargers in your carry-on day bag. Checked bags can take hours to reach your stateroom, and your phone will need a top-up after a long boarding day.
Quick answers
Can you bring a power strip on a Disney cruise?
No. Disney Cruise Line prohibits power strips, extension cords, multi-plugs and surge protectors, including non-surge power strips. A multi-port USB wall charger that plugs straight into the outlet is allowed, and the ship's Chief Electrical Engineer may inspect it.
Can you bring a power strip on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
No. Royal Caribbean's prohibited-items policy lists extension cords, power strips and multi-plug outlets as prohibited. Device and USB chargers are allowed if they carry a recognized U.S. or European conformity certification. Prohibited items may be confiscated at the terminal or on board.
Are "cruise approved" power strips really allowed?
Not on Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean. "Cruise approved" on a product listing is the seller's label, not the cruise line's. Both lines' current rules prohibit power strips regardless of surge protection, so pack a multi-port USB wall charger instead.
What should I pack to charge phones on a cruise?
One multi-port USB wall charger (USB-C and USB-A ports) for the cabin, the cables for every device, and a small power bank for port and pool days. Check your own cruise line's prohibited-items list before you go, since rules differ by line.
Planning a Disney sailing? Our Disney Cruise Line dry docks & deals page tracks current offers and onboard changes, and the Disney Believe booking guide covers every inaugural sail date.
Booking tip while you're packing
If you're still pricing a Disney sailing, note that the Disney Cruise Line site now shows an average price per person for most of the booking process, and the full stateroom total only appears at the final cabin-selection step, as reported Oct 21, 2026 (WDW News Today ↗). Compare totals for your whole party, not the headline number. And once you're booked, fares and offers can still change before final payment, which is when a price check pays off.