Do Walkie Talkies Work On Cruise Ships? Yes! Best For 2024

Table Of Content

• Why Do Walkie-Talkies Not Work Well In The Cabin?
• Using a walkie-talkie on a cruise ship – Battery Life and Power Options
• Why Don’t Walkie-Talkies Work Well in Cabins?
• Can walkie talkies be used to communicate with other cruise ships in the vicinity?
• Are walkie-talkies completely banned on all cruise ships?

With 16 channels, 121 privacy codes, and up to 12 hours of usage time, this two-way radio is ideal when you spend a lot of time surrounded by water. Apart from that, it is small, making it great for both adults and young people. But most importantly, this device is capable of producing crystal-clear audio to ensure smooth communication. This walkie talkie set is the perfect answer for communicating on a cruise ship. It is easy to carry throughout the ship, and it has a lot of great features. Many types of walkie talkies do not work well in the cabin on a cruise ship.

Why Do Walkie-Talkies Not Work Well In The Cabin?

Outside on the promenade deck, lounging on the sun deck, or the pool deck, they should work well, assuming you are comfortably within range and both outside. The fewer obstacles between you both less interference you will incur. Walkie-Talkies are primarily designed for use in the open air and should work well if both users are outside, ideally in line of sight.

Using a walkie-talkie on a cruise ship – Battery Life and Power Options

As for charging, each walkie-talkie has a USB charging port and dedicated charging cable. The Retevis RT22 is an FRS two-way radio that does not require any license to use. In short, walkie-talkies should work reasonably well if used outside the cabin.

Why Don’t Walkie-Talkies Work Well in Cabins?

When embarking on a cruise ship adventure, the importance of seamless and efficient communication cannot be overstated. Remember that Walkie-Talkies are not quite as straightforward a way to communicate or as discrete to use as cell phones. Walkie talkies therefore offer a practical solution for communication onboard the ship, especially if you’re traveling in a large group. Yep, a simple thing like that can make all the difference between a good handheld radio and a bad one.

The walkie talkies easily fit into pockets, making them unobtrusive and easy to carry. Another factor to consider is the cruise ship’s size and construction. Larger ships with more decks might pose a more significant challenge for signal transmission, especially if you’re trying to communicate from one end of the ship to the other. This Midland set is good quality too, with the reassurance of a well-known brand.

The quality of the earpiece isn't that of AirPods or other high-end earbuds, but it is a neat feature. Now, I'm here to share my love of cruise ships and help you plan your perfect cruise. This Midland two-way radio is the most reliable choice among walkie-talkies. However, due to the need for a license and the potential legal issues in ports, it’s best suited for serious enthusiasts.

Are walkie-talkies completely banned on all cruise ships?

Since there are many obstacles within the cruise ship, it is better to get a VHF FRS walkie-talkie for the best performance. Join me as we explore the captivating world of cruise ships together. So, in the above decks and other open areas of the cruise ship, Walkie Talkies are worth it. The kind of walkie-talkie that works best on a cruise ship depends on your needs. I suggest using codes, channels, or secure features on advanced models to boost security. However, if it’s necessary for you, try using the Ultra High-Frequency (UHF) walkie-talkie.

Do Walkie Talkies Work Inside the Cabin on a Cruise Ship?

As mentioned above, the effectiveness of walkie-talkies on board a cruise ship is limited by the ship’s structure. When on a cruise ship, you should also be mindful of local laws and regulations regarding radio communication. Some of the countries you are visiting might have different rules, so it’s crucial to research and comply with the specifics in each area you’re visiting. The devices are relatively inexpensive when compared to a smartphone. Walkie talkies are also simple to use, require no internet connection, and most cruise lines allow their use on board.

Different frequencies are assigned to specific named ranges for different services. For instance, a range of frequencies is reserved for FM radio and another set aside for television signals. In most cases, the device’s range covers an entire ship when the other person is outside the cabin or on the upper deck. As mentioned earlier, the Walkie Talkies range depends on the obstructions interfering with communication, and a cruise ship has many of them. If both end users are on the top deck, they can communicate without interruptions, even on the largest cruise ship, no matter how far they are from each other.

Opt for walkie talkies that support the same frequency range or have the ability to switch between different channels. While smaller devices may be more convenient to carry, they might have limited range and weaker signals. Opt for walkie talkies that provide a good balance between size and range, ensuring that you can communicate effectively across the ship. Overall, the best walkie-talkie for cruise ships is the Retevis RT22 model, which comes with good build quality and range, ease of use, and is lightweight.

The most effective form of communication is always going to be over WiFi through something like WhatsApp or Messenger. That’s a lot of technical jargon so let’s break it down a little, so that you can better understand which type works and also which type isn’t worth your time. But please note that the fees can be quite high, considering your carrier may charge for international calls.

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Thanks to their high power output, they can do a better job of penetrating obstructions around the ship such as doors and walls. This feature enables it to cover a wider area on the ship, including rooms and other indoor spaces. You and your travel buddies can use them to talk to each other while on the ship. Hence, you’ve got to do your research to find the best ones for your travel needs.

We agree that the handsets we purchased for use on the cruise are not high-end commercial models. Instead, they are a widely available model at an affordable price — which means they are a type more likely to be purchased by cruise passengers. According to the instructions that were included with our set, to get maximum range from the handsets, it helps to be out in the open with no obstructions. For instance, two boats at sea (where there are no trees or buildings to block signals) would likely see a range for miles. With one person staying behind the in the cabin, we set out around the ship testing reception. Unfortunately, it became apparent quickly that the handsets would not be an effective solution on the ship.

When both handsets were used out on the open deck or an open area of the ship, the reception was great. If you’re going on a cruise and expect to be separated from your group for various activities, walkie-talkies might be a good option for staying connected. Using Wi-Fi onboard can be pricey, as cruise lines often charge for the entire journey. Though some cruises offer their own messaging apps without Wi-Fi fees, these apps might not be efficient, often requiring frequent logins to check messages. The Motorola T100 Talkabout Radio is another excellent product from Motorola that offers reliable communication in the cruise ship environment. The radios offer 22 channels and have a range of up to 16 miles in open areas, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication.

FRS walkie-talkies were made for families to use easily and don’t interfere with essential services. They range from simple toys to good-quality gadgets that can work for a couple of miles. Understanding the role and effectiveness of walkie-talkies on a cruise ship can significantly enhance your cruising experience. With this information, you should be well-equipped to select the perfect walkie-talkie for your next cruise ship adventure.