Do cell phones work on the ship?
Jan 3rd, 2005, 02:45 PM
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Do cell phones work on the ship?
I will be taking a cruise with my 3 teenagers. We are used to keeping in touch with each other via cell-phones. Is there any way to keep in touch with each other while on the ship?
Jan 4th, 2005, 05:22 AM
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Most people don't realize how cell phones work. They are very LOW power and cannot transmit more than 5 miles or so.
The reason they seem to work everywhere you go is that they communicate with those cell towers you see almost everywhere these days, and switch to the nearest one to you. Each tower is considered a "cell" and you are moving from cell to cell without knowing it as you move, drive, etc.
In short, as soon as you are about 5 miles from shore you can no long communicate with one of these towers and your phone stops working. You'll get a message like "no service available" etc.
As you approach ports on your cruise you might be able to use it again, but be careful as you're likely to get very high roaming charges, etc.
I agree with others, most stores sell the small hand held "walkie-talkies" mentioned by others. They work well on ships to stay in touch with each other.
The most common complaint from those using them is too many kids get on them and fill up the channels with "can you hear me now" chatter.
Look for any brand you like in all major department stores that say they are for FRS use, or Family Radio Service use. They will state that they have a range of 2 miles.
A word of caution though, many stores also sell GRS radios with a range of 5-9 miles which require a license from the FCC to us in the U.S. and might be illegal to operate in other ports. I've never heard of anyone having them confiscated or hasseled, but just so you know.
Have fun on you cruise
The reason they seem to work everywhere you go is that they communicate with those cell towers you see almost everywhere these days, and switch to the nearest one to you. Each tower is considered a "cell" and you are moving from cell to cell without knowing it as you move, drive, etc.
In short, as soon as you are about 5 miles from shore you can no long communicate with one of these towers and your phone stops working. You'll get a message like "no service available" etc.
As you approach ports on your cruise you might be able to use it again, but be careful as you're likely to get very high roaming charges, etc.
I agree with others, most stores sell the small hand held "walkie-talkies" mentioned by others. They work well on ships to stay in touch with each other.
The most common complaint from those using them is too many kids get on them and fill up the channels with "can you hear me now" chatter.
Look for any brand you like in all major department stores that say they are for FRS use, or Family Radio Service use. They will state that they have a range of 2 miles.
A word of caution though, many stores also sell GRS radios with a range of 5-9 miles which require a license from the FCC to us in the U.S. and might be illegal to operate in other ports. I've never heard of anyone having them confiscated or hasseled, but just so you know.
Have fun on you cruise
Jan 4th, 2005, 03:55 PM
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I can vouch for the FRS radios. We use them when a group of us have gone to outside shows/rallies and need to meet up at the end of the day. Although we all have different brands, we just make sure when leave for the day that the same channel works for everyone and we're set. Works great and the initial cost (+ batteries) is the only expense.
Last Mango
Last Mango
