Q: What is the voltage in cruise cabins?

A:

It depends on the ship and the cabin class.

While all modern 5-star ships on the Yangtze are built to international standards, there is no single universal standard for cabin voltage. The majority of cabins on ships like the Century Paragon, Glory, and Oasis, as well as the Victoria Sabrina, are equipped with both 220V (European/Chinese standard) and 110V (North American standard) outlets. These are typically located at the desk/vanity area. However, on some older ships or in standard cabins, you may find only 220V outlets.

The key difference often lies in cabin category. Suites and higher-grade balcony cabins on newer vessels are more likely to have a greater number of dual-voltage outlets, and sometimes even include dedicated USB charging ports. It's also common to find a 110V outlet specifically in the bathroom for electric shavers. Don't worry—the outlets are almost always the North American two-flat-pin type or the European two-round-pin type, so the physical shape of the plug is less of an issue than the voltage itself.

> Director's Note: Most modern ships now feature "universal" outlets that physically accept both North American flat pins and European round pins, but the voltage supplied is still 220V. Always check the small print on the outlet itself, which will indicate if it is dual voltage (110V-240V) or single voltage.

My practical advice is to always bring a travel adapter and a converter for 110V-only appliances. A small, multi-port USB charging station is also an excellent idea, as it allows you to charge multiple phones and tablets from one adapter. If you are bringing a high-wattage device like a hairdryer or curling iron, check with your cruise line beforehand, as many provide 1600-watt dryers in the cabin. Relying on the ship's equipment can often simplify your packing. When in doubt, pack for 220V and bring the necessary adapters and converters for your essential electronics.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard!