Royal Caribbean bans an item many cruise travelers find essential

A major cruise line is banning a staple item for many tourists.

Royal Caribbean recently updated its list of prohibited items, adding "multi-plug outlets" to the list, according to Royalcaribbeanblog.com . The devices are popular for cruisers looking for multiple charging sources to best utilize limited plugs in cruise cabins.

Extension cords and power strips were already on the list of banned items.

All of the items are listed under the flammable items category of prohibited items. That list includes candles, irons, travel steamers, hot plates, incense and burners, hookahs and water hookah pipes.

USB blocks and charging cords for phones are allowed, as are curling irons and hair dryers.

Officials have long warned of onboard fire hazards posted by power strips and surge protective devices due to differences in wiring on the vessels.

"Most commercially available (surge protection devices) are design for use ashore and will interrupt only the hot conductor when a surge occurs," the Coast Guard explained in a statement. "It means while these devices may provide protection in our homes and offices these same devices may be a fire risk onboard vessels."

Other banned items include, per Royal Caribbean:

Illegal drugs and substances

Guns, including replicas and ammunition. This ban includes BB guns, pellet guns or realistic replicas of firearms.

Explosives, including fireworks or replicas of explosives.

Knives and other sharp objects. All knives with a blade length of 4 inches or greater are prohibited, including knives that are designed to look like regular objects such as credit card holders, pens, etc. Knives that incorporate locking blades are not allowed. Scissors with a blade length of 4 inches or greater that could be used as a weapon are not allowed. Other banned sharp items include box cutters, ice picks, and razor-type blades.

There are exceptions for recreational diving knives but they must be held in the custody of the Chief Security Officer until they are used. They must be checked in and out by the owner. You are allowed personal grooming items such as metal nail files, cuticle tools, scissors for trimming facial hair and manicure sets.

Most tools are prohibited, including hammers, drills and other tools greater than 7 inches in length. Any type of martial arts or self-defense items such as brass knuckles, night sticks and mace are banned.