Using a mobile phone charger on an American ship

[DSJ]

We're travelling on an American cruise liner in the Meditteranean very shortly. We'd like to be able to top up our mobiles on board (for use when we are on shore excursions) but the voltage is different. Has anyone got around this problem? Suggestions please.

[jno]

not my specialist subject, but wouldn't a converter do the trick?

http://www.roamingfox.co.uk/USA-Voltage-Conver ters-c-280.html

[DSJ]

We ordered a converter from our local shop last month and they had to send away for it. When it came last week, we were horrified to see its size and weight. As we are flying out to join the ship, we cannot possibly take it with us. Of course, having ordered it, we had to buy it! Anyone want a large heavy converter?

Thanks for your suggestion anyway, jno.

[pauln90]

If you search you should be able to find a phone charger that works on 110v - 230v supply. I know Nokia have one for their range of phones.

A few years ago I had the same problem and I took 3 batteries with me ( they only cost a couple of quid each on ebay)

Then when on board I found that the staff on reception had a number of chargers available and would charge your phones for free. Have you enquired with the cruise line to see if this service is offered.

[jno]

okay, how about these lightweight adapters - you buy things like this at airports, and maybe at Boots

http://www.roamingfox.co.uk/Universal-Travel-A dapter-pr-16507.html

[DSJ]

Pauln90 - Thanks for your suggestion. I will e-mail the cruise line.

jno - Thanks also. I have a plug adapter already but it is the different voltage that is the problem. Pauln90 may have come up with a solution.

Thank you both for taking the trouble to post.

[spudqueen]

My phone charger works fine in the States using an adaptor, though Mr Spudqueens doesn't and he had to use a car charger.

[BenDToy]

The different voltage should not normally affect a phone charger, other than to be slower (pr perhaps quicker - I can't remember the physics) to charge the phone. All you need is the simple plug adapter which you already have. I travel regularly to the US and have never had an issue. (usually Nokia phones though!) I charge my laptop this way as well. Not sure why Mr Spudqueen's phone doesn't charge but I am fairly certain it isn't because of a different voltage - unless his charger is dodgy in some way.

[DSJ]

Thank you for your advice.

[Cathyhuns]

Look at the small print on the charger. If it says 240V or 220V to 240V then it won't work on a US ship. If it says 110V to 240V (or something similar) then it will work fine.

Most newer chargers will work over the full range and it's only the older ones which won't.

[DSJ]

Thank you.

[snowangel_uk]

Hi There

Which cruise company are you travelling with ?

Carnival definitely have a 220V plug in their cabins.

[DSJ]

We have just returned from our cruise. We found the solution to our problem when we were on the plane flying out to Venice to join the cruise. Amongst the goodies for sale on the duty free trolley was a small battery-operated charger so we bought one & found it excellent. It takes two AA batteries and works a treat!