Can you bring an extension cord on a cruise?
It depends on your cruise line. Carnival, Norwegian, Holland America and Virgin Voyages allow it with limits. Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Disney and MSC ban it.
Pick your cruise line
Extension cords are allowed only if they have no surge protection. Security can take one away if it looks unsafe.
All 9 lines side by side
- Allowed with limits Carnival, Norwegian, Holland America, Virgin Voyages
- Not allowed Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Disney, MSC
| Cruise line | Status | What the rule says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Allowed with limits | Extension cords are allowed only if they have no surge protection. Security can take one away if it looks unsafe. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean | Not allowed | Extension cords are on Royal Caribbean's banned list. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Norwegian | Allowed with limits | Bring a cord about 6 feet long, in good shape, with no surge protector. Screening may hold it for a check and return it if it's safe. Guest Services has a few to lend. This rule sits on the CPAP page. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Princess | Not allowed | Princess's power FAQ says extension cords are generally not permitted. Its banned-list footnote allows some cords after an electrical check. Check with the line before you pack one. Pages disagree: The prohibited-items footnote says extension cords, with or without surge protectors, are allowed after the onboard electrical team inspects them. The Electronics and Power answer on the same page says extension cords are generally not permitted. We show the stricter rule. We show the stricter rule. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Celebrity | Not allowed | Extension cords are on Celebrity's banned list. If you use a CPAP or BiPAP machine and need a cord, tell Celebrity at least 30 days before you sail. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Disney | Not allowed | Extension cords are banned by name on Disney's prohibited items list. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| MSC | Not allowed | You can't bring your own extension cord. If you need one, for example for a CPAP, ask for one when you book. There is a charge if you don't return it. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Holland America | Allowed with limits | An extension cord without a surge protector is allowed if you use it with care. Cords with surge protectors are banned. Crew can take any cord they think is unsafe and give it back on the last day. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Allowed with limits | Extension cords are allowed only if the ship's electrician inspects and approves them. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
Rules checked on Nov 6, 2026. Independent guide. Not affiliated with any cruise line. Rules change, so confirm with your cruise line before you sail. Security staff have the final say at the terminal.
Banned on five lines
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Disney and MSC ban extension cords outright. Princess shows as banned too, because its own pages disagree: its power FAQ says cords are generally not permitted, while a footnote on its banned list allows some after an electrical check. We show the stricter rule.
The other four allow them with limits. Carnival and Holland America allow a cord with no surge protection. Virgin allows one only if the ship's electrician inspects and approves it. Norwegian's only rule sits on its CPAP page.
If you use a CPAP or other medical device
This is where most people need a cord, and the lines that ban cords still help. Celebrity asks CPAP and BiPAP users to request a cord at least 30 days before sailing. MSC lends one if you ask when you book, and charges you if you don't return it.
Norwegian's CPAP page says to bring a cord about 6 feet long, in good shape, with no surge protector. Screening may hold it for a check and return it if it's safe. Guest Services also has a few cords to lend.
What security looks for
On lines that allow cords, surge protection is the deal breaker. Carnival, Holland America and Norwegian all say no surge protector. Carnival and Holland America add that crew can take any cord that looks unsafe, and Holland America gives those back on the last day.
A cord in good shape, with no frayed spots and no surge protector, is the safest bet on those lines.
Questions people ask
I use a CPAP. Can I bring an extension cord?
Often, yes, but ask first. Norwegian's CPAP page says to bring a cord about 6 feet long with no surge protector. Celebrity and MSC can supply one if you ask ahead. Check your line's medical page.
If my line allows cords, can security still take mine?
Yes. Carnival and Holland America both say crew can take any cord that looks unsafe. Bring one in good shape with no surge protector.
Why does Princess show Not allowed?
Princess's pages disagree. A footnote allows cords after an electrical check, but its power FAQ says extension cords are generally not permitted. We show the stricter rule. Ask Princess before you pack one.
Is an extension cord the same as a power strip?
Not on most lists. Lines often treat them as separate items with separate rules, so check both pages if your cord has extra outlets.