Can I use walkie-talkies on my cruise ship?

When you don't want to buy a WIFI package on your cruise ship. But you want to communicate with your family and friends. Two way radios are the most viable option for you. But many people are always confused when they buy radios for cruise ships.

Is it possible to use 2 way radios on cruise ships? We hope this article will help you.

Answer 

Walkie talkies are allowed on cruise ships. Even the cruise staff uses them as their main form of communication. So, you can use radio on cruise ships.

The legality of using two way radio at sea is very complicated. However, it is possible to use a Family Radio Service (FRS) radio. On the other hand, GMRS can be a big problem when used, especially outside the United States. For official reasons, only licensed radio can use GMRS channels.

Also, the situation is different when using radio in ports. You should research the rules and regulations for intercom operation to prevent tapping into public frequencies in foreign countries, even if they are FRS channels.

Be aware that when using FRS channels in other countries/regions, you may accidentally use commercial and public safety communications. It is always better to be safe than sorry and stay informed.

So, for safety and personal use, use FRS radios, especially if the equipment is unauthorized. Finally, limit use to ports to avoid utilizing one of the foreign channels. Legal implications when using radios are the last thing you want to happen.

Limitations of Using Walkie Talkies on Cruise Ships

On cruise ships signals may be interfered with due to power as well as weather conditions.

Increased obstructions may significantly reduce the distance and clarity of your communication.

There can also be a big difference between inside and outside the cabin, and the best place to use them is on deck.

On deck because the top deck is virtually free of obstructions and has a visible line of sight, which allows the handset to work properly.

Inside and outside the cabin, there are more obstructions which can result in poorer communication quality and distance. However, as long as you are within communication coverage you don't have to worry too much about this.

Summary

Two way radios can be used on cruise ships, but FRS radios are the best choice. You also need to be aware of the legalities involved. Of course, if you want to have almost perfect communication with your friends, it is better to choose a deck with fewer obstacles. In the next post you will see the relevant recommendations for walkie-talkies. If you have any questions you can leave them in the comments section.

After knowing all this, hurry up and start your cruise!