Cruising is a fantastic way for families to bond, explore new destinations, and enjoy a variety of onboard activities. However, with ships as large as floating cities—some, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, spanning over 1,198 feet—staying connected with your travel companions can be a challenge. For many families, walkie-talkies have long been a go-to solution for quick, reliable communication without the need for costly WiFi or cellular service. But not all cruise lines are on board with this tradition. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), in particular, has walkie-talkies on their list of prohibited items, creating a unique challenge for cruisers.
The Appeal of Walkie-Talkies on Cruise Ships
Walkie-talkies, also known as two-way radios, are a favorite among cruisers, especially families with children. Unlike smartphones, which may require expensive WiFi packages or incur roaming charges at sea, walkie-talkies operate on radio frequencies, allowing instant communication without additional costs. They’re particularly useful for:
- Parental Peace of Mind: Parents can check in with kids exploring youth clubs, pools, or other onboard activities without needing to be physically present.
- Group Coordination: Large travel groups can stay in sync, whether planning to meet for dinner or coordinating shore excursions.
- Reliability: Cruise ships, with their steel structures, can disrupt WiFi or cellular signals, but walkie-talkies often work well in open areas like decks or public spaces.
Despite most of us relying on digital communication methods, such as text messaging via cruise line apps or ship WiFi, walkie-talkies remain a nostalgic and practical choice for many.
Cruise Line Policies on Walkie-Talkies
- Royal Caribbean: Guests can bring Family Radio Service (FRS) walkie-talkies, which are license-free and suitable for short-range communication. General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios, which require a license, should be avoided due to potential interference with emergency frequencies.
- Disney Cruise Line: While not explicitly banned, cruisers should use FRS radios to comply with regulations in various ports, as GMRS radios may violate local laws.
- Carnival Cruise Line: FRS walkie-talkies are recommended, and are quite popular among Carnival cruisers.
- NCL: The ban on walkie-talkies is strict, likely due to concerns about interference with ship communication systems or port regulations.
Cruisers should also be aware that walkie-talkies may not work reliably in all areas of the ship, particularly in cabins or areas surrounded by metal. For optimal performance, use them in open spaces like the lido deck or public lounges, while being cognizant of those around you when it comes to volume levels and amount of “chatter.” After all, nobody likes someone talking endlessly on a speakerphone in a public space, the same applies with walkie-talkies.
Alternatives to Walkie-Talkies on Norwegian Cruise Line
Fortunately, NCL offers several alternatives for staying connected, though each has its pros and cons:
NCL’s Mobile App:
- NCL’s app includes a messaging feature that allows guests to send texts to others in their party for free when connected to the ship’s WiFi.
- Pros: No additional cost for messaging; accessible on smartphones or tablets.
- Cons: Connectivity can be inconsistent, and some features may have age restrictions. The app’s reliability depends on the ship’s WiFi infrastructure.
- Cost: Free for messaging, but other app features may require a WiFi package.
Ship’s WiFi Packages:
- Purchasing a WiFi package allows cruisers to use messaging apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, or others to communicate.
- Pros: Enables full internet access, including texting, browsing, and social media.
- Cons: Can be expensive, especially for multiple devices. Prices vary but can range from $10-$30 per day per device.
- Cost: Varies by ship and package; expect to pay for each device needing access.
Stateroom Phones:
- All NCL cabins are equipped with “old-fashioned” phones that can call other cabins or public areas of the ship.
- Pros: Free to use for cabin-to-cabin calls; no additional equipment needed.
- Cons: Not portable, making it impractical for real-time communication while moving around the ship. However, there are phones scattered around the public areas of the ship where you can call staterooms.
- Cost: Free.
Families with young children or large groups may find these alternatives less convenient than walkie-talkies. For example, cabin phones require someone to be in the cabin to receive calls, and WiFi packages can quickly become costly for multiple users. The NCL app is a viable option, but cruisers should test its functionality early in the voyage to ensure it meets their needs. If children are too young to use smartphones, parents may need to rely on pre-arranged meeting points or more frequent check-ins at designated locations.
Staying connected on a cruise ship is essential for families and groups looking to make the most of their vacation. While walkie-talkies remain a popular choice for their simplicity and reliability. By understanding individual cruise line policies and planning ahead, you can ensure seamless communication and a stress-free voyage. Whether you’re sailing with NCL or another line, always check the prohibited items list and pack accordingly to avoid delays at embarkation.