Extension Cord vs. Power Strip?

OzzyMom · #1 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2008, 07:06 PM

Is there an advantage to packing a power strip over an extension cord? A power strip seems a little bulkier. Is there a safety concern with an extension cord or are there just more outlets on a power strip?

Thanks for your input. I'm doing my last minute shopping for our cruise next weekend! YEAH!!!

JoeMo · #2 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2008, 07:13 PM

Bring a POWER STRIP with an internal breaker. An extension cord is an invitation for trouble if you plan to plug in multiple cords. We leave our cords plugged into the power strip, but turn it off when out of the stateroom.

Mike M · #3 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2008, 08:13 PM

I used to take both. At one time I used a CPAP and I needed the extension cord to plug the CPAP in. It was on the night table next to the bed but the outlet was at the desk across the room. I also used the power strip for charging multiple items: I.E. camera batteries, etc.

I unplugged the CPAP during the day and stowed the extension cord.

Take care,
Mike

Trip · #4 (**permalink**) July 26th, 2008, 10:41 PM

Foe years we never took a power strip, now we would be lost without one.

dottiel · #5 (**permalink**) July 27th, 2008, 07:55 AM

We always take a power strip. Never have taken an extension cord.

They pack nicely in luggage, not big or bulky.

You'll be sorry if you don't take one!

Shahk · #6 (**permalink**) July 27th, 2008, 12:28 PM

You definitely need a power strip. The are never enough outlets for ipods, hairdryers, camera rechargers, etc.

It doesn't take up any extra room in your luggage, so why not take one?

Irish Shark · #7 (**permalink**) July 27th, 2008, 12:35 PM

Never taken either one and never had an issue with not enough receptacles.

lifeisschool · #8 (**permalink**) July 27th, 2008, 03:45 PM

my vote:

extension cord (maybe, if you need something to be plugged in away from the desk)

power strip (DEFINITELY, for everything...especially if you need more than one thing plugged in at a time)

MTSFP · #9 (**permalink**) July 27th, 2008, 05:16 PM

I have been on eight cruises and have never even thought about taking an extension cord or power strip until this last trip. The only reason I considered it this last trip is that I have been put on a CPAP machine and needed to get the power to the other side of the room.

mehawk · #10 (**permalink**) July 27th, 2008, 05:38 PM

I do the same as Irish stated.

2Littletime · #11 (**permalink**) July 28th, 2008, 07:15 AM

We always take a power strip with us, it's more convenient to have extra places to plug in all those digital gadgets that you inevitably travel with. As for extension cords, we were able to get one from the pursers desk, there was a deposit charged but when we returned it the deposit was promptly refunded.

ncstate7991 · #12 (**permalink**) July 28th, 2008, 08:16 PM

OzzyMom, the answer is NEITHER! We take something that is even smaller (see the link below). It turns one outlet into three and works great, especially on the Conquest size ships, is cheap and takes up zero space!

http://www.firefold.com/images/products/3outlet.jpg

CA Cruiser · #13 (**permalink**) July 28th, 2008, 10:26 PM

We did the power strip a couple of times when the boys cruised with us but now we just bring an extension cord. Wrap it up tight and stick in inside a shoe, takes up no space. We charge the camera battery and cell phone while we sleep. I can plug in the hair dryer and flat iron in the 2 plugs they have on the vanity. I don't remember using it on the last cruise but will bring it just in case.

Mike M · #14 (**permalink**) July 28th, 2008, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CA Cruiser

We did the power strip a couple of times when the boys cruised with us but now we just bring an extension cord. Wrap it up tight and stick in inside a shoe, takes up no space. We charge the camera battery and cell phone while we sleep. I can plug in the hair dryer and flat iron in the 2 plugs they have on the vanity. I don't remember using it on the last cruise but will bring it just in case.

It is nice that many ships now have two plugs on the vanity. If you do not have multiple pieces of electronic equipment, two plugs can do.

On our last cruise on the Norwegian Jewel we had two 110 plugs and never unpacked the power strip. We were able to charge the camera batteries and, at the end of the cruise, the cell phone, with no problem.

Take care,
Mike

monkeythyme · #15 (**permalink**) July 29th, 2008, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ncstate7991

OzzyMom, the answer is NEITHER! We take something that is even smaller (see the link below). It turns one outlet into three and works great, especially on the Conquest size ships, is cheap and takes up zero space!

http://www.firefold.com/images/products/3outlet.jpg

That's what we carry too. Some large wall-warts will cover two outlets, but we only plug in one cellphone charger, one noise machine and occasionally a small electronic keyboard.

CruisinBrian · #16 (**permalink**) July 29th, 2008, 12:59 PM

I know a lady at our table had a power strip in her cabin and the room steward turned her in and was she came back on board security wanted to escort her to her cabin and take it away as they said it was illegal....so I would say don't leave it out in the open if you take it. Can't beleive they think one plug in a room is enough.

Roynala · #17 (**permalink**) July 29th, 2008, 01:45 PM

I have never taken either and it has never been an issue for my wife.

dottiel · #18 (**permalink**) July 29th, 2008, 08:44 PM

Where does is say you can't have a power stip? Never heard of them being an "illegal" item.

We've always left ours out in the open and no problems.

Ro · #19 (**permalink**) July 29th, 2008, 09:24 PM

I take an extension cord it works for what I need to use it for and its lightweight to pack.

Mike M · #20 (**permalink**) July 29th, 2008, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CruisinBrian

I know a lady at our table had a power strip in her cabin and the room steward turned her in and was she came back on board security wanted to escort her to her cabin and take it away as they said it was illegal....so I would say don't leave it out in the open if you take it. Can't beleive they think one plug in a room is enough.

I would have taken that with a grain of salt. There are thousands of cruisers who cruise each week with power strips. Perhaps it was what was "plugged into" the strip what caused her to be turned in.

Take care,
Mike

ragtiki2005 · #21 (**permalink**) July 30th, 2008, 08:37 AM

Ro, I love that blue wave thing in your message.

Ro · #22 (**permalink**) July 30th, 2008, 07:39 PM

Thank You Rag I choose it from the ones they suggested on this site.

ragtiki2005 · #23 (**permalink**) July 30th, 2008, 10:45 PM

Ro, where is the link on this site to find that? Bob

Mike M · #24 (**permalink**) July 30th, 2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragtiki2005

Ro, where is the link on this site to find that? Bob

You can find a number of different images at:

http://www.cruisemates.com/gallery/

Take care,
Mike

candigirl41 · #25 (**permalink**) August 3rd, 2008, 02:01 PM

I bring a power strip and also a little plug with three outlets, it has a nightlight on it which is great when you have to get up in the night.

Candi

REDWITCH 13 · #26 (**permalink**) August 10th, 2008, 11:08 AM

I took both and never had a problem...
I too take many things to plug in....

Darlene

huffca · #27 (**permalink**) August 13th, 2008, 11:48 PM

The newer power strips are lighter in weight and make things very convenient. I've always taken one. But I have just picked up a new one. Same # of outlets but lighter. I also like being able to flip a switch to turn off things. I also take an extension cord and a night light.

EMG · #28 (**permalink**) August 16th, 2008, 09:04 AM

You really need some sort of extension of outlets, if you can get by with the couple they give you, YOU ARE THE "WO"MAN!!

misguidedangel · #29 (**permalink**) August 16th, 2008, 03:57 PM

I brought a power plug with four plugs on it and never used it!!!! The thing is this, I have two digital cameras--one lithium and the other AA batteries-I have an extra lithium battery and I will have four rechargable AA's and EIGHT AA titanium batteries with me....I won't worry about battery power....Also, I'm bringing both videocameras (one just for the battery as TSA only allows TWO spare lithium batteries) so I have that extra battery. I won't be needing to recharge those batteries too often...

I am bringing my tripod this time because when I brought it last time I used it, and I didn't bring it last time and I needed it......It is a mini-tripod so it is small and light!