A Cruiser’s Power Strip Survived 20 Voyages, Then Norwegian Took It

A passenger boarding the Norwegian Luna in Miami had a plain, non-surge power strip taken away at security, according to a weekly travel recap. The cruiser said he had carried the same item on more than 20 previous cruises without a problem, and a supervisor backed the decision at the terminal.

What makes the story interesting is the paperwork. The writer read Norwegian Cruise Line’s list of prohibited items, which runs to 36 entries, and found that power strips, surge protectors and extension cords are not on it. That raises the question of whether the line adopted a new rule or is simply enforcing one more strictly ahead of an update to its policy.

Commenters on the recap pointed out that many cruise lines have long banned power strips for fire-safety reasons, particularly surge-protected ones. In other words, the rule may not be new across the industry, but the inconsistency in how it is communicated and applied is what caught travelers off guard.

The practical advice is to avoid relying on a power strip. Cabins often have limited outlets, so travelers who need to charge several devices may do better with a USB charger or a cable-based adapter, and it is worth reading your cruise line’s most recent list of restricted items before packing.

Sources: Eye of the Flyer