Voltage converters

[Suico]

We are taking our first European river cruise this fall and have a question about voltage converters. The literature says that there are mostly 220v outlets but there is one 110v outlet in each stateroom suitable for battery chargers, hair curlers and PC's. Has anyone had any problems with these outlets providing enough electricity for digital camera battery chargers, hair curlers etc. ? Also, they state that there are hair dryers in the stateroom. How good are they and would you recommend their use or bringing our own? Are voltage converters necessary on the river boats? Thanks...

[paul929207]

In most places in Europe, the 110 outlet in the bathroom will only accommodate electric razors. We always carry a converter and adaptor so we can plug in other electric things.

[lddam]

We recently completed a Danube River cruise on Avalon's Artistry. My wife used the hair dryer provided and she had no problems at all. The dryer, by the way, was located by the vanity in the cabin, not in the bathroom. The 110V outlet in the bathroom is adequate for recharging camera batteries as well as for electric shavers. We brought converters, but only had occasion to use it once and that was in one of the hotels. No problems on the riverboat at all.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[FlyerTalker]

The first step is to look at the devices you wish to power....are they labeled for only 110, or are they rated for 220 as well? If they will run on 220, then all that you need is an "adapter" - so that you can plug your device into the wall outlet onboard.

 

If the device does NOT run on 220, then you need a "converter". This is a device that changes the voltage of the current.

 

Using the 110 outlets in bathrooms is often not a good idea. The circuits are only designed for lower wattages, which is why you see the notation for shavers. Most battery chargers are low wattage - look on your power block for specifics. Curlers and devices that heat up draw heavy wattage, and would likely overload a circuit designed for shavers.

 

If you come back with specifics on the devices you plan to use (look at the label for voltages and wattage), I can give more specific info.

[coasters]

We are taking our first European river cruise this fall and have a question about voltage converters. The literature says that there are mostly 220v outlets but there is one 110v outlet in each stateroom suitable for battery chargers, hair curlers and PC's. Has anyone had any problems with these outlets providing enough electricity for digital camera battery chargers, hair curlers etc. ? Also, they state that there are hair dryers in the stateroom. How good are they and would you recommend their use or bringing our own? Are voltage converters necessary on the river boats? Thanks...

Suico... aside from the info already provided about the ship outlets, - if you look CAREFULLY at the battery charger you may find that it will operate "internationally" with 110 or 220V. Most newer chargers and AC adapters for PC's and cameras do so automatically. If so, all you should need is an ADAPTER to compensate for the shape of the plug.

To be sure, if needed, use a magnifying glass to read the info on the nameplate.

Hair dryers often will need "converters". You may want to look for 110/220 units that cost no more than the converters... for the future.

Jerry

[TwoFortwo]

The comments about adapters vs. converters are right on. The chargers for virtually all electronics made in the last 5 or 10 years can handle both 110V and 220V. In small print on the charger you will see something like "Power 110-220V~, 50-60Hz" Multi-voltage chargers allow manufacturers to stock only one model of charger for worldwide use -- all they need to do is supply the appropriate cord and plug for each region.

 

Some older hotels and possibly some older ships have American-style outlets for two-prong plugs, generally in the bathroom, for shavers and hair dryers. You should avoid using them with anything other than shavers and hair dryers, because the 220V to 110V conversion is done in a crude way that can damage electronics.

 

On the new Amadeus ships like Amacello the outlet in the bathroom vanity is a European style grounded 220V outlet that can be used for electronics with a 110-220V charger.

 

Some newer European hotels have American-style outlets for 3-prong grounded plugs that do supply clean 110V current for any 110V device.

 

When in doubt, ask the cruise director, concierge, or someone else who knows.

 

Randy

[40yearcruiser]

Good advice to check the voltage available on your existing chargers, etc. If you intend to travel internationally again, it is a good investment to look for dual voltage appliances--like hair curlers, travel irons, etc. It is much more convenient than having to carry around a converter. And with tighter weight restrictions on luggage saving the weight of even a few ounces helps. Adapter plugs are available at most discount stores and luggage stores.

[FlyerTalker]

An excellent option is the iGo charger system. Using this, you can charge many different devices with only one "brick". For example, I can power my laptop, phone, PDA and MP3 player - all by using different "tips". They make smaller versions that won't handle a laptop, but can do all the rest. No need for several different chargers.

[Suico]

Thanks to all who responded. Good advice! I decided to not take any chances with the 110 offered on the river boat and have purchased a converter with an assortment of international plugs. By the way, anyone interested in getting a converter, I found mine on e-bay at a great price.

[npphotog]

Bought my voltage converter/plug adapter combo at local WalMart. Turned out that most hotels/river boats had a 110 outlet. Better to have the combo with you just in case. Willard

[coasters]

Bought my voltage converter/plug adapter combo at local WalMart. Turned out that most hotels/river boats had a 110 outlet. Better to have the combo with you just in case. Willard

 

Suggest you carry a short heavy duty extension cord with multiple taps on the end. Doing so will allow you to connect more than one standard US electronic device at a time (to the extension) to an appropriate voltage outlet. In this way only one plug adapter (on the extension cord) is used.

Should you have 3 prong devices, be sure your extension cord will accommodate these.