You may have been waiting for this dream cruise ship experience to turn into reality. And finally, the long wait is almost over for sailing the sea and enjoying life away from some crowded and noisy land atmosphere. Aside from enjoying your most awaited solitude, it is also one way to escape from technology. This will then come in your preparedness for such an adventure. And the best way to be prepared is to have a handy walkie talkie within the walls of a cruise ship.
Choosing and selecting a walkie talkie may not be that simple as it seems by just purchasing one. It is necessary to be equipped with the right information in getting the walkie talkie that you will have to use on the luxury cruise ship. One is to understand these key points: First, you have to see what you want to achieve with the walkie talkie. This would help you determine the specific features you would like to have towards your communication idea. Second, it is critical to note that various receivers have different functions and distinct services for attaining specific goals.
Well, there’s no need for you to worry about that area that much, for we got you covered and have listed the 7 best walkie talkies you can bring in a cruise ship.
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7 best Walkie Talkies for a Cruise Ship
#1 Motorola T200
Motorola has been long recognized as one of the trusted brands when it comes to communication and durability. And if you want to have a durable and reliable walkie talkie onboard, then this Motorola T200 is undoubtedly right for you. The Motorola T200’s NiMH battery can last up to 12 hours and over 29 hours with three double AA batteries. This means that this two-way radio set is best suited for whole day usage.
It also has an EcoSmart attached to it, which will allow you to consume less power turned on and not in use. T200 also has 121 privacy codes and 22 channels that can be used within family or friends only. There are 20 tones that you can choose from in assigning friends accordingly. Its range can reach up to 20 miles that would work for multi-generational vacations. This could give you the freedom to be wirelessly connected within any FRS/GMRS range. Another good thing that is great to note is the backlit LCD. You can operate it day or night.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 20 miles
- Power output: 0.5 watt (FRS) / 2 watts (FRS/GMRS)
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 6.42 x 2.13 x 1.24 inches
- Weight: 0.4 lb
- Waterproof: no
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T200
- The walkie talkie is easy to use, lightweight and durable.
- The signal is clear enough.
- It is affordable.
- You don’t need a license if you use it within FRS channels.
Cons of the Motorola T200
- The handsets are not waterproof.
- The features may be too limited if you plan to use if for professional.
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#2 Motorola T400
Ever wanted a walkie talkie that is not just reliable but also aesthetically attractive? This yellow and black Motorola T400 walkie talkie is a perfect fit for you. The T400 has a LED light, which comes in handy when it comes to emergency cases such as blackouts. Its audio performance is also recognizable for its loudness and clarity to help talk in any noisy area or venue. The best thing that can be noted with this Motorola model is it comes with four different models. These models are available in Emergency, Active, Preparedness, and Family and hunting.
If using this on a cruise, it is better to choose the Family model, which is perfect for communicating with your loved ones. Motorola T400 is packed with outstanding features such as waterproof design. Aside from this, it also has a quiet talk interruption filter, which is also dustproof. You can choose ten audible tones for this Motorola model. You can use the FRS/GMRS frequency on this one with privacy code and channel.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 35 miles
- Power output: 2 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 3 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.54 x 2.26 x 1.37 inches
- Weight: 0.43 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP54)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T400
- The Motorola T400’s weatherproof design makes it easier to use since Motorola T400 comes with rubberized grips.
- The walkie talkie has a low and high volume push-to-talk button, which controls your voice volume.
- The Talkabout T400 can also use its features like the VOX and Quiet Talk with the other models like T460 and T482.
Cons of the Motorola T400
- Some people don’t like the voice quality of the radio.
- Range depends on both user’s positions.
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#3 Midland GXT1000VP4
In a survival mode, one must be equipped with the right tool to outlive– and the Midland GXT1000VP4 has proven a point on this one. This Midland walkie talkie is ideal for you on a cruise. This is great for people who would love to have a safe adventure. The GXT1000VP4 is packed with useful tools that you can rely on in any emergencies on a cruise ship.
It is designed with a solid built that gives that dominant survival impression. It gives you that long 36 miles range communication that would help you communicate effortlessly within the cruise ship walls. It comes with 50 channels and 142 privacy codes to ensure privacy. It is also waterproof in case of any altercations that might happen on your cruise ship journey. It is also nice to know that it has the NOAA scan, which helps you receive emergency signals and weather updates.
Specifications
- Brand: Midland
- Range: 36 miles
- Power output: 5 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: NiMH rechargeable battery or 4 AA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 7.9 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 lb
- Waterproof: yes (JIS4)
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- It has a crisp audio quality.
- The GXT1000VP4 has silent features like the whisper function and vibrate mode.
- The range of the walkie talkie is excellent.
- It has eVOX hands-free.
Cons of the Midland GXT1000VP4
- The Midland GXT1000VP4 is not waterproof.
- It is expensive compared to other similar or more simple radios.
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#4 Baofeng BF-888S
The Pitch black Baofeng BF-888S gives you that rugged and sturdy impression. You will also notice the absence of the keypad, which is unlikely with the walkie talkie. However, it is not a complete absence, but rather, it gives you a security of two orange buttons, which are located on the left-hand side of the device. And above these securing buttons, there is the PTT switch, which is the monitor button. The lower orange button is the power button of the integrated LED flashlight and a function button.
The Baofeng BF-888S gives you 10 hours of battery life in regular use, which wouldn’t take more than 4 hours to charge.
Specifications
- Brand: Baofeng
- Range: 4 km
- Power output: 3-5 Watt
- Frequency ranges: 400-470 MHz
- Battery: 1,500 mAh Li-ion Battery
- Size: 8.4 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches
- Weight: 0.44 lb
- Waterproof: yes
- License needed: yes (amateur license)
Pros of the Baofeng BF-888S
- The BF-888S has a very low price and is easy to use.
- You can program it.
- It is waterproof.
Cons of the Baofeng BF-888S
- The walkie talkie has a really low range.
- You need a license to use this device.
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#5 Retevis RT22
The Retevis RT22 is the best option if you want a budget yet powerful walkie talkie on a cruise ship. You can confidently use this walkie talkie in a one-kilometer range. This brand is well-known for being the reliable two-way radios in a cruise ship, given its tactical features. It has 16 channels, 121 privacy codes, and it’s handy designed built, which can perfectly fit your pocket. Aside from its exact physical point, it produces crisp audio, making the communication understandable and accessible.
It has a set of CTCSS DCS privacy codes, allowing you to appreciate the private connection. Retevis’ Squelch control helps mute the background noise or makes this a noise-canceling feature of a walkie talkie. It has a battery that can last up to 8 to 12 hours. This radio does not require any license.
Specifications
- Brand: Retevis
- Range: 2 miles
- Power output: 0.5-2 Watts
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS)
- Battery: rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Size: 12.6 x 8.4 x 6.3 inches
- Weight: 4.75 lb
- Waterproof: no
- License needed: no (exclusive for FRS use only)
Pros of the Retevis RT22
- The Retevis RT22 is lightweight and easy to carry around.
- It has auto squelch for background noise reduction.
- The walkie talkie has an anti-fall and dustproof feature.
Cons of the Retevis RT22
- It is not water-resistant.
- Auto squelch only operates well with other Retevis handsets.
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#6 Motorola T100
The Motorola T100 walkie talkie is perfect for bringing in a cruise ship. It is packed with features that will let you enjoy the vacay while feeling secured with loved ones. It has 22 channels that effortlessly allow you to connect with a large group of people. This Motorola model is compatible with any radio as long as it has the same frequencies. This radio is compatible with any FRS/GMRS radios irrespective of the kind of model. The keypad has a lock that helps you avoid accidental dials. It also comes with a VOXX hands-free feature that boosts the signal or clarity of communication. It is also nice to note that it can reach 16 miles range, providing you just what you need on your trip.
Specifications
- Brand: Motorola
- Range: 16 miles
- Power output: 0.5 watt
- Frequency ranges: 462-467 MHz (FRS/GMRS)
- Battery: 3 AAA Alkaline batteries
- Size: 5.22 x 1.91 x 1.10 inches
- Weight: 0.25 lb
- Waterproof: no
- License needed: yes, Â if GMRS channels will be used (FCC license)
Pros of the Motorola T100
- The walkie talkie is simple to use, cheap, compact, and lightweight.
- You don’t need a license if you use it within FRS channels.
Cons of the Motorola T100
- The range may easily be limited and hampered if not used within the ideal conditions.
- It cannot be used at night or in dimly-lit areas because it does not have a backlit LCD.
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#7 Cobra RX680
This walkie talkie is a tough one and compatible for people who take their adventures in the ocean from its name. The Cobra RX680 is waterproof and specifically designed for marine use. However, this one can’t be used on the land. RX680 comes with different power settings of 1, 3, or 6 warts to help you control your overall power usage depending on the frequencies and range. Its rechargeable lithium-ion battery can serve you for fourteen hours. You can use the buttons even without checking on the user guide. The radio also comes with a microphone for people who prefer to use it in the hands-free mode.
Specifications
- Brand: Cobra
- Range: 38 miles
- Power output: 2 watts
- Frequency ranges: 462.550-467.7125 MHz
- Battery: 2 Lithium-Polymer Batteries
- Size: 15 x 2.4 x 3.2 Inches
- Weight: 0.76 lb
- Waterproof: yes (IP54)
- License needed: no
Pros of the Cobra RX680
- The Cobra RX680 has a small size.
- It does not need a license to use.
- The walkie talkie has a built-in LED flashlight and an ultra-clear reception.
Cons of the Cobra RX680
- It can be a bit pricey for some
- The complexity of setting personalization if you wish to customize the device.
How to choose the best Walkie Talkie for a Cruise Ship
Whether what cruise ship you are on, all you need to consider is the vast location you will partake in. And choosing walkie talkies is a crucial thing, for you have to be concise on its usage. You must take note that the best walkie talkie that will be used in a cruise ship is that tool that allows you to communicate without interruption while wandering around. Aside from this, you have to consider multiple things:
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Range
The range of most walkie talkies is sufficient to cover all small and large cruise ships. However, there are many obstructions on a ship. Therefore you should get a device with a long range to communicate clearly despite all circumstances.
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Channels and Privacy Codes
When talking to friends or family, one usually does not want strangers to listen. However, with walkie talkies, anyone who has the same channel set can listen. On a cruise ship, many people are in a small area. It is, therefore, not unlikely that several walkie talkies on board have the same channel set. This can be avoided by using privacy codes. A combination of channels and privacy codes results in countless subchannels. This makes it much less likely that strangers will use the same channel and listen to your conversations.
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Frequency Programming
It’s also important to take note that a programmable walkie talkie can help you stay on the right side of the law. It should be programmed in a way that the transmit frequency range always stays within bounds. If your cruise is going to visit ports in other countries, you must need to be informed of their frequency requirements.
Is it legal to use a Walkie Talkie on Cruise Ships?
Yes, it’s legal, depending on the location you are currently in. However, you have to follow the basic requirements. Some of these basic requirements are the 10-mile coverage range, about 5 watts of power, operated transmission, an internal voice, and there should be no external mounting antenna.
The laws in using various radio equipment types while at cruise ship can be somewhat complicated, but for FRS (or PMR446) radios, it’s not something I’d personally worry about. The frequencies that the devices used are allocated for this type of casual unlicensed use only within the US (or EU for PMR446).
How far can Walkie Talkies reach on Cruise Ships?
Using unlicensed walkie talkies, you have to choose either the Family Radio Service (FRS) radios in the US or Personal Mobile Radios (PMR446) in the EU. The two are somewhat the same product concept, but they work on different frequencies and are not compatible. Having walkie talkie in the cruise ship doesn’t mean that it can cover all the places within for Cruise ships are complex and wide, which also means more obstructions on-board. The ship’s amenities and thousands of passengers may interfere with the walkie talkies’ signal.
Read more here: Do Walkie Talkies work on Cruise Ships?
Conclusion – The 7 best Walkie Talkies for a Cruise Ship
With all the information written above, it is important to say that having a handy walkie talkie must be on a cruise ship. It is the go-to tool for emergencies and not having signals to rely on during a critical situation. And before purchasing right then and there, you have to understand the type of functions you want to have and need. You also need to stay updated with the requirements or restrictions in having a walkie talkie.
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So, from what I just read, I need two types of walkie-talkies. One for Europe and one for the USA?
Yes, if you want to use a license-free walkie-talkie, youn need different types of walkie talkie for Europe and the USA.