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There is nothing better than setting out on a cruise ship for a well-deserved vacation with your family or friends, but how are you going to stay in touch with everyone while on board? You may be wondering if walkie-talkies will work on a cruise ship. Understanding the limitations of a walkie-talkie while on a cruise ship will keep you connected to your group.
Walkie-talkies can work on a cruise ship, but there are some things to keep in mind:
- Certain factors can limit how well they work
- Ultra-high-frequency units are the most reliable option for staying connected
- They must be used on the correct frequency to prevent interference with official communications
For more information on how to communicate with walkie-talkies when vacationing on a cruise ship continue reading.
What Kind of Walkie-Talkies Work Best On a Cruise Ship?
Whether you’re in a party of two or ten it’s important to be able to stay in touch with one another if you get separated or decide to do different activities.
More and more people have taken to using a walkie-talkie system when vacationing on a cruise ship but there are some things that you should know before you set sail and expect to talk to your companions when they leave the cabin.
Walkie-talkies come in different frequencies. The kind of walkie-talkie that works best on a cruise ship depends on your needs.
- Low-range: A low-range set of walkie-talkies can usually reach between 500 – 1000 feet which is fine if you are in an area with minimal obstacles.
- High-range: A high-range set of walkie-talkies can generally reach a radius of 10 – 20 miles.
- Ultra-high-range frequencies: If you really want to be sure you can communicate with your whole gang, a set of ultra-high-frequency walkie-talkies can reach a radius of up to 100 miles in some cases.
Now, let’s take a look at what issues you might run into using a walkie-talkie on a cruise ship.
What Makes Using a Walkie-Talkie Difficult On a Cruise Ship?
Walkie-talkies can be helpful when you are trying to stay in touch with your traveling companions; however certain things can cause the signal to be weak or non-existent when on a cruise ship. The list below details the things that can make it difficult to use a walkie-talkie while on board a cruise ship.
Communicating From the Cabin
Trying to talk to your travel companions via walkie-talkie while in the comfort of your cabin is nearly impossible. Unless the person is standing right outside the door it is unlikely that walkie-talkies will be a reliable method of communication.
Walkie-talkies work best when used outside of the ship’s cabins. The closer you are to the top deck the better your reception will be as there will be fewer obstacles to block or interfere with the radio’s signal.
Electrical Interference
A cruise ship is loaded with wiring and electronic devices that can interfere with the reception of a walkie-talkie. Certain areas of the ship may be emitting more signals that can make it difficult to communicate.
Longer Distance Means Less Signal
The distance between the walkie-talkies can be an issue in some cases if they are not rated for long-range use. Using high-range or ultra-high-range walkie-talkies is the best option if you are going to be more than 500 feet apart.
Structural Interference
Walkie-talkies work best when there are no obstacles in the way because they get a more clear signal. A cruise ship has all kinds of obstacles to block the signal such as thick walls, and layers of steel framing. That is why using walkie-talkies on a cruise ship is best when you are above board.
Continue reading to learn about the top 3 walkie-talkies recommended for use on a cruise ship.
Top 3 Walkie Talkies to Use On a Cruise Ship
Listed below are three great options for walkie-talkies that will keep you and your group communicating.
Retevis RT49P Waterproof Walkie-Talkies
If you are traveling in a party of two and need an affordable and reliable way to communicate these walkie-talkies are a great addition to your gear bag. With a range of ½ – 2 miles staying in touch while on the top decks should be no trouble at all. This set is in the $50.00 price range.
Cobra PX650 Walkie-Talkie Set
This six-pack is great for large groups of people to stay in communication while sailing the high seas. Waterproof and voice-activated, these units are designed to work through thicker walls and longer ranges. This set is in the $300.00 price range.
Wishouse Family Friendly Walkie-Talkies
These lightweight, waterproof walkie-talkies are designed with families in mind. Great for young children and easy to use. They come in bright colors with long-range capabilities. These walkie-talkies are in the $40.00 price range.
Conclusion
As you have learned it is possible to use walkie-talkies however certain areas of the ship may limit the signal strength. Staying above deck will ensure you and your travel companions can keep in touch while you have fun and explore all that the ship has to offer.
