Last updated on July 30th, 2022 at 11:43 am
Walkie talkies are the best companions for your family vacations on a cruise ship. They not only aid you in having a social media free getaway but also spare you the fortune of using cellular data at the sea. If you want to make communication cheap on your trip, then you have arrived at the right spot!
Accompanied by a buying guide, this article will help you discover 8 best walkie talkies for cruise ships. These are not only budget-friendly but also a value for your money. Whether you are looking for walkie talkies for your offshore adventures or your onboard job, you will find everything in this article!
BUYING GUIDE FOR CRUISE SHIP WALKIE TALKIES
Walkie talkies are not really a complicated gadget. However, they can be a nuisance if you are unaware of its technicalities. It is advised to read the buying guide below so you can have a trouble-free walkie talkies cruise ship experience.
What type of walkie talkie do I need?
Generally, there are two types of walkie talkies, Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service channels (GMRS). The main difference between the two is that FRS needs no license while GMRS does require you to be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As a recreational user, you don’t need to get into the depth of these two terminologies; simply get FRS as it is ideal for non-professional purposes.
- Walkie Talkie Range
The range of any walkie talkie depends on several factors like antenna design, antenna height, power output, and obstructions. You may ask, “With a walkie talkie in FRS can I communicate with my cousin who is 3 rooms away from me on the cruise?” Yes, you can. Generally, with the line of sight blocked by a few cruise rooms or hallways, FRS will have a range of about 0.5 to 1.5 km (0.3 to 1 mile). This range is sufficient for short-distance communication, thus there is no guarantee that it will cover the entire ship.
- Ease of use and flexibility
Water resistance: When you are on a cruise you will likely be engaged in water-based activities and if not your walkie talkies for cruise ships may still be at risk of water encounter. So, it is advised to buy a waterproof water talkie to avoid any inconveniences.
Long battery life: Some walkie talkies are rechargeable while others are battery-powered. If you choose a battery-powered one, make sure it has long battery life. On average, a two-way radio battery will last between 18 and 24 months. Still don’t forget to pack a couple of spare batteries with you. If you choose a rechargeable one make sure it charges quickly and lasts a long time before the next charge.
What are some terminologies and codes I should know of?
Large and alien terms associated with walkie talkies for cruise may sound overwhelming to first-timers. But for the efficient use of walkie talkie on cruise ships, it is vital to have an understanding of them.
Voice Operated Exchange: Voice operated exchange (VOX) or voice-activated transmission is a sound sensor feature. This allows for the transmitter to automatically turn on as soon as the user starts talking, and turn off when there is no sound. This feature makes operation of onboard walki talkies a breeze. This will come in handy when you have just woken up and don’t have the energy to press buttons.
Squelch: Squelch means a noise gate designed to suppress weak signals. On some walkie talkie for cruise ships, this feature prevents that white noise sound from being transmitted when no one is talking. Many walkie talkies for cruises have this feature and allow you to enjoy calls with verbal pauses without feeling any annoyance.
CTCSS & DCS: It is very likely that many other passengers onboard may be using the same channel as you, thus they can easily eavesdrop your conversations. To keep your communication protected, you can use privacy codes like a continuous tone-coded squelch system (CTCSS) or digital-coded squelch (DCS). The efficiency of these codes is not 100% reliable, but they will help you maintain privacy to a certain extent. You can connect your walkie talkie for cruise to earphones/headphones to further ensure privacy.
Now you are all set to level up to the products’ section! After immense research, we have shortlisted 7 best walkie talkies for cruise ships (that are a hit in the market) for you!
7 BEST WALKIE TALKIES FOR CRUISE SHIPS
1. Arcshell AR-5 Rechargeable Two-Way Radio
FEATURES
- Model: Arcshell AR-5
- Dual-band or Single band: Single band
- Dual-frequency or Single frequency: Single frequency
- Frequency Range: UHF 400-470MHz
- Frequency Stability: ±2.5ppm
- Channel Capacity: 16 Channels
- Channel Spacing: 25KHz
- Battery Type: 1500mAh Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
- Operated Voltage: 3.7 V
- Antenna Impedance: 50Ω
- Operated Temperature: -30°c-+60°c
- Plug: 110V-240V AC Wall-wart Type A
- Radio Dimensions (with battery, without antenna): 4.53 x 2.36 x 1.30 inches
- Antenna Length: 4.3 inches
- Radio Weight (with battery/antenna): 6.3 oz
- Item weight: 1.95 pounds
Pros
- Reliable 5-mile communication radius
- Long-lasting battery
- High-quality built-in speaker Built-in
- LED flashlight 16 pre-programmed channels
Cons
- No notable cons reported as of yet
The arcshell ar-5 frequencies have a range of 5 miles. Many field specialists tested this range and concluded that even in the densest of areas, there is a guaranteed radio reception of up to 2.5 miles. Therefore, it is a reliable item to pack on your cruise trip.
It has a high-quality built-in speaker which provides a loud and clear sound. The device features a push-to-talk button as well as a VOX function. This 2 piece set has one earpiece attached to each walkie talkie.
These rechargeable walkie talkies come with a 1500mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery and a charging dock. It takes 2.5 hours to fully charge. The battery lasts from 8 hours to 96 hours, depending on how much you use it. For a week-long cruise adventure, you might not need to charge it more than once if you are occasionally using it.
Furthermore, it has English as well as a Chinese voice prompt. The 1.95 pound item weight makes the item easy to carry. It measures 4.53 inches x 1.30 inches x 2.36 inches. The length of the antenna is 4.3 inches. The fact that it is water-resistant makes it one of the best walkie talkie for cruise ship. This is walkie talkie cheapest on the list!
Customer reviews:
4.5 out of 5 stars
4,947 customer reviews (at the time of writing this article)
2. Midland Walkie Talkie Pair Pack
FEATURES
- 22 channels (28 extra privacy code channels)
- 142 Privacy Codes
- JIS4 Waterproof
- X-TRA TALK Power – Maximum allowed by law
- Xtreme Range – Up to 36 miles
- Channel Scan
- 10 Call Alerts
- Weather Alert Radio w/ Weather Scan
- Vibrate Alert
- Item weight: 4.8 pounds
Pros
- An impressive 36 mile range!
- Splash resistant
Cons
- The advertised range may be misleading
Some customers have complained the receiver is too noisy. This may limit range by increasing the noise floor.
This 2-way radio exceeds the usual walkie talkie 10 mile range by a whopping 26 miles! This wide range will be more than enough for a cruise ship. It also has the VOX feature that will turn on/off your device by detecting your voice. It features 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels as well as a channel scanner to check for activity.
If you are concerned about keeping your conversations confidential then this is the best walkie talkie for you! It is flexible with 142 CTCSS/DCS privacy codes, which provide you with 3,124 channel options to connect with. This way you can easily block irrelevant communication.
Another striking feature is the NOAA Weather Scan. NOAA broadcasts on channels available to 95% of the United States. This will provide you with detailed weather updates so that you can plan your schedule accordingly. If there a risk of severe weather conditions the alarm will alert you of it.
Besides, this can withstand water splashes. This is currently the best walkie talkie for cruise on the market and the high customer reviews are evidence of the fact.
Customer reviews:
4.3 out of 5 stars
4,480 customer reviews (at the time of writing this article)
3. Motorola T260TP Talkabout Radio 3 Pack
FEATURES
- Range: 25 miles
- 22 Channels, Each with 121 Privacy Codes.
- iVOX/VOX Hands-Free.
- NOAA Weather Channels and Alerts.
- Dual Power
- Micro-USB Charging
- 20 Call Tones
- Scan
- Item weight: 6.4 ounces
Pros
- Compatible with both FRS & GMRS
- Durable in all environments; Mountain to Valley, Open Water, Neighborhood
Cons
- No notable cons reported as of yet
This Motorola model gives you the option to power the radio in two ways: you use the included NiMH rechargeable batteries for up to 10 hours or use 3 AA batteries for up to 29 hours. It has 11 weather channels, so you can be always up-to-date on the weather conditions. This provides you with a scanning feature that allows you to quickly see channels that are currently in use.
It is has a wide range of 25 miles. It features 22 channels each with 121 privacy codes, totally 2,662 combinations. So, you will easily find a channel for just you and your friends. It measures 6.42 inches x 2.13 inches x 1.24 inches. This is a pretty standard size and will fit perfectly in your hand. Package contents include 3 x T260 Radios, 1 x Y Cable and 1 x Single Cable Adaptor, 3 x Belt Clips, 3 x (AA) NiMH Rechargeable Battery Packs, and a User Guide.
Overall, this product is of outstanding quality and will be as loyal as a dog to you on your cruise trips. A customer had this to say, “My friends and I drove in a group of 9 cars to the race track and these things lasted the 2 hour drive there and 2 hour drive back….Overall, amazing product for what it is. The battery was at 2/4 bars after the entire day. Made the road trips more enjoyable than any music can.”
Customer reviews:
4.3 out of 5 stars
2,488 customer reviews (at the time of writing this article)
4. Topsung M880 Walkie Talkies
FEATURES
- Range differs in different terrains (Up to 1 / 4 / 16 miles)
- 22 main channels and 121 privacy codes (2662 Combinations)
- Auto squelch system
- Auto monitor function
- Auto memory function
- Auto-scan function
- Item weight: 8 ounces
Pros
- Switches to power saving mode when the radio is not in use
- Light-weight & palm size LCD screen with backlight
- Certified by Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Durable & environmentally friendly
Cons
- No notable cons reported as of yet
Topsung has an auto squelch system. This will block out the annoying, fuzzy background noise that transmits on call. It has a very smart system, so it will do almost all the jobs on its own like, checking and scanning for signals, switching to power saving mode when the radio is not in use, keeping all the setting saved when the walkie talkie is turned off, and it also reminds you to charge or replace your batteries.
Just like our third candidate, Motorola T260TP, this features 22 channels with 121 privacy codes, totaling 2,662 combinations. It has a range of 1 mile to 16 miles and it depends on factors like the terrain, obstructions, etc. It is powered by 3 AA batteries that are not included in the package.
These walkie talkies will be your perfect travel assistants, as they are very light-weight and palm-sized. You can easily adjust the power and volume. The backlit LCD helps you operate the walkie talkie in darkness as well. It also has the VOX feature. These walkie talkies are very easy to operate so young children can also use it on cruise trips. This is available in 5 different exciting colors. The best part is that Topsung gives you a 30-day return service. Apart from cruise trips, this gadget will work great for professional jobs with walkie talkies too.
Customer reviews:
out of 5 stars
1,151 customer reviews (at the time of writing this article)
5. Wishouse Rechargeable Walkie Talkies for Kids (3 pack)
FEATURES
- Voice Activated
- One to Many Transmission
- Flash Light
- Key Lock
- HD Voice
- Lanyard
- Auto Power Saver
- Call Tone
- Rechargeable Batteries and adapter
- Item weight: 1.45 pounds
Pros
- Easy to use
- High-quality audio
- Very durable
- Attractive design Certified by FCC
Cons
- No notable cons reported as of yet
Does your child always throw away those boring looking walkie talkies on the trip? Well, then these funky Wishouse walkie talkies can promise to be your child’s new favorite toy! Coming in a variety of colors and designs, these colorful and efficient gadgets are not only for children but also adults!
It has 22 channels and offers long-distance transmission, of up to 3 miles (in neighborhood conditions) to 6 miles (in open water conditions). This will be ideal to use anywhere from playgrounds to cruise ships. You can easily scan and monitor channels to find an available one. The also features the auto squelch feature. This will reduce background noises on call, not make a hamper the range of the walkie talkie, and will make audio more clear and smooth. You can also adjust the volume level.
The package contains a USB charger and pairs of rechargeable 3*AA1000mAh batteries. The auto power-saving mode makes the battery last longer. It also has a built-in flashlight, this makes this a great walkie talkie deal. Almost all of the reviews on this product are highly positive and appreciative. A mother shared her experience with the walkie talkies in the following words, “These walkie talkies are highly recommended to everyone, easy to use. My daughters are so excited playing with them every day since we got them. We have gone to the park, camping, lakes, and many family trips, this works really great….”
Customer reviews:
4.5 out of 5 stars
1,272 customer reviews (at the time of writing this article)
6. Uniden MHS335BT Floatable IPX8 Submersible Bluetooth Handheld VHF Radio
FEATURES
- Channels: All USA, International and Canada Channels (Includes the new 4-digit channels, Canadian
- “B” channels, and all Weather Channels)
- Transmit Power : 1.0 / 2.5 / 6.0 Watts
- Weather Resistant: IPX8 / JIS8 Submersible Waterproof Level
- DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
- GPS Capabilities: Yes, Position, Time, Plotting, Direction
- Emergency Strobe Light
- Rechargeable Radio
- Battery Life: up to 12 Hour
- NMEA 0183 Interface: Yes, Output
- NOAA Weather Alerts
- Submersible to 4.9 feet for 30 minutes
- Item weight: 1.4 pounds
Pros
- High water resistance
- Noise cancel for received and transmitted audio text message walkie talkie
Cons
- No notable cons reported as of yet
Are you planning to take your cruise vacation to the next level by scuba diving from the cruise? Sounds exciting! This walkie talkie is exactly for such purposes. It has a water resistance of IPX8, so you can easily go on diving with this. It is very light-weight and has a floating quality. The Water Activated MOB and Water Activated Emergency Strobe Light features activate automatically in water to ensure maximum safety. It features NOAA weather channels, so you can stay updated on weather reports. It also features an integrated GPS receiver.
Moreover, this allows for two way radio text messaging. Use the smartphone walkie talkie app for cruise ship via Bluetooth to set up the radio and to text message other VHF text message capable radios. You can also use the app to keep your radio’s firmware up to date for optimal performance. The packages includes a VHF Radio, AC/DC Charging Cables, Charging Cradle, Li-Ion Battery, Alkaline Battery Tray, Wrist Strap, Belt Clip, Antenna, and Printed Materials.
Conclusively, this is an impressive text walkie talkie. It is one of the best texting walkie talkies. A customer commented, “….Reasonably priced and considering the quality a down right steal. So, what are you waiting for buy it!”
Customer reviews:
4.3 out of 5 stars
230 customer ratings (at the time of writing this article)
7. Rivins RV-7 Walkie Talkie (4 pack)
FEATURES
- Frequency: 462.5625~467.7125 MHz
- Channel Memory: 22 Preset Channels
- Privacy Codes: 99 sets of CTCSS tunes
- Transmit Power: 2 Watt
- Modulation Type: FM-F3E
- Channel Spacing: 12.5 kHz (Narrowband)
- Transmit Range: 0.6~2 Miles (Max 5 miles)
- Built-in Speaker & Microphone
- LCD Display: Supported
- VOX transmit: Supported
- Channel Scan: Supported
- Roger Beep: Supported
- Ring Tones: Supported
- Keypad Lock: Supported
- Headset Jack: Supported (2.5 mm type)
- Item weight: 1.35 pounds
Pros
- trong range/connectivity
- Light-weight
- License-free in the US
Cons
- No notable cons reported as of yet
This walkie talkie has 22 preprogrammed GMRS/FRS channels, and 99 sets of CTCSS privacy codes, totaling to up to 2,178 combinations. It is battery operated. It requires four AAA alkaline batteries and four AAA rechargeable batteries (these are not included in the package). If you are using this in the United States you would not require a license to operate this.
The communication range is 0.6-1.2 miles (in congested areas) to 5 miles (in open fields). It is great for both indoor and outdoor activities like hiking, cruising, rock-climbing, road trips, etc. It is easy to use for both kids and adults. If you want an inexpensive way to help your kids contact you on the cruise, then this is what you need.
The backlit LCD displays the battery status, channel number, sub-tones, signal status, volume level, etc. It also has a built-in flashlight for use in darkness. It has the VOX feature that supports the earbuds operation. The keypad itself locks when the walkie talkie is not in use so that you don’t accidentally press any buttons. A cool feature is the call tone, this is just like using a mobile phone; call tones enable you to ring other radios before transmitting your message.
Overall, this product is reliable and is high-quality. This will be a valuable asset on your cruise trip. A customer appreciated Rivins in these words, “My kids and I were able to generally get in touch virtually all over the ship. From the pool on the 11th deck to the rooms on the 7th deck. Love these!”
Customer reviews:
4.2 out of 5 stars
868 customer ratings (at the time of writing this article)
CONCLUSION
So, which one is the best walkie talkie for cruise ships? If you ask us, all of them. All of these 7 products are best-sellers in the market and their quality is top-notch. To make the right decision for yourself, just consider your budget and preference, the rest is all sorted out! We really hope these walkie talkies clicked your fancy and you found something that was right up your street.
Happy cruising!
FAQs
- Why do people use walkie talkies?
People use walkie talkies for efficient, short-range communications. - Do walkie talkies work on cruise ships?
Yes, they do. You are allowed to use them for your communication onboard. The four categories of hand-held radios that you are permitted to use on a ship are, FRS, GMRS, eXRS, and UHF radios. - Does royal caribbean have a communication app?
The royal caribbean texting app is available. It allows for easy text communication without the need for an internet plan. - how much do walkie talkies cost?
Higher quality two-way radios tend to fall into the $400-$600 range. - How do walkie talkies work?
Walkie talkies are powered by a battery and made for transmitting and receiving messages and are manufactured to work to specific radio frequencies. - What does exrs radio with text mean?
eXtreme Radio Service (eXRS) is a proprietary personal communication technology marketed by TriSquare in the United States - Is it illegal to use walkie talkies while hunting?
No, it is not. Hunters can use walkie talkies to communicate with their group. - What is the best frequency for using walkie talkies outdoor?
VHF (Very High Frequency) at 136-174 MHz. Best Suited For Outdoor. - Can Walkie Talkies be traced?
Yes, they can be traced but it is very difficult to do so. - How many walkie talkies can connect?
There is no limit to the number, however, as all connected walkie talkies will be sharing the same frequency band, only one person can talk at a time.
