No, Carnival Hasn’t Banned Power Strips — Record Set Straight

It is no surprise that social media is filled with misinformation, false claims, rumors, and downright lies. Carnival Cruise Line has dealt with more than its share of such troublesome details, but the brand ambassador, John Heald, is quick to debunk ridiculous claims.

The latest rumor sailing further than a world cruise concerns power strips and charging cables. Frequent cruisers are well aware that plugs and outlets are at a premium in cruise ship cabins.

With so many people dependent on cell phones, tablets, e-readers, and laptops, having enough space to charge those devices can be a challenge.

One anxiously angry cruise guest has reached out to Heald about the latest rumor and is adamant about their opinion on the issue.

“Very infrequently do I get as angry as I am today,” the guest began. “Carnival Cruise Line have banned us from bringing on power strips and chargers. Really?!! There has been no warning. I would not have known this if I had not seen an Instagram video.”

The guest is so infuriated that, despite being just days from setting sail on Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk, Virginia, they claim to be “angry enough to cancel this cruise and take the hit.”

Over a power strip? Seriously? Even the most expensive power strips cost far less than a cruise vacation, particularly a 6-8 night getaway like Carnival Sunshine is offering. No number of devices or outlets for charging them would be worth that reaction.

“Why doesn’t Carnival do like [another cruise line] are doing and provide a standardized power strip in each stateroom that is acceptable to the cruise line with 4 charge units and USB outlets. We have 4 devices that needed charging each night. This is farcical,” the guest concludes.

It should be noted that all cruise ships offer a “standardized power strip” in each stateroom. They’re called outlets, and they’re next to the vanity/desk mirror, on the nightstands, or on table-mounted or low sconce light fixtures.

Older, less updated ships may have fewer outlets, that’s true, but USB ports and additional outlets are often added while ships are in dry dock for maintenance and refreshment.

Read Also: No Fooling! Carnival’s Top 10 Debunked Rumors in 2025

Heald does respond to the guest, noting the Carnival Cruise Line has not changed its power strip policy.

“Please calm down as this lady has provided you with the wrong information, no shock there,” he said. “You can bring a power strip. We have not changed our rules and providing it does not have a surge protector and is in excellent working condition then pop it into your carry on and bring it on board.”

Carnival’s policy on power strips and extension cords is clearly noted on the Prohibited Items List. In fact, they are listed under the “Exemptions and other considerations” subheading as follows:

“Power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are allowed when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard, they will be removed and returned on debarkation morning.”

If a cord were to be frayed, cracked, or obviously damaged, it would be confiscated, but otherwise, guests can bring power strips and extension cords with them.

More Rumors Carnival Has Debunked

The “banning” of power strips is a recurrent rumor Carnival Cruise Line has to deal with, but it is far from the only one. One of the most persistent rumors the cruise line has debunked in recent months is the idea that all guests on all departures and itineraries will be required to have valid passports.

Topics such as charging $20 for every checked bag brought onboard, no longer permitting cash to be used for onboard accounts, and even secrets related to butter or margarine have all been popular rumors.

Fortunately, guests can always reach out to John Heald for clarification of what is or isn’t just a rumor, if they are unable to find confirmation on Carnival’s website.