walkie talkies
 

My son wants walkie talkies for our cruise. What is better, rechargable or just buy a lot of batteries? Do they work well? Is it worth the cost? Did anyone find them useful? Any problems? Thanks

I have had the battery type of walkie talkies for our recent cruises. I just bought new ones that happen to have rechargable batteries, but the battery type was fine. The batteries lasted the length of the cruise. They are useful for brief messages; "where are you?, meet me at the pool", etc. I would avoid anything more. First of all, everyone is on the same channel, no matter what channel you pick and it is annoying to a lot of guests.

Thanks for the info. Did you leave them on all the time (except when asleep!) and the batteries still lasted? Did you use them on shore excursions?

I wouldn't be too concerned about batteries. Most of them take 2to4 AA batteries, and they are readily available on the cruise ship store, or bring an extra set with you. ((b))

We didn't take them on shore excursions because we stayed together. When my son went off by himself however, we turned them on. Take an extra set of batteries. We did, but never used them

thanks everyone

There is only one type of "walkie talkie" radio(s) that you'll want to buy. Regardless of the brand, make sure they say they are for FRS (Family Radio Service)use. They do NOT require a license and have a range of up to 2 miles (a lot less inside a steel ship).
They are sold at almost any large store like WalMart, Kmart, Circuit City, etc. You should be able to buy a good pair for under $40.00. Cobra and Motorola are two good names.

Do NOT buy radios that say they are for GRS use. These look identical, but require an FCC license to use and are not legal in other ports (countries). Many people buy these thinking they work better because they say their range is 3, 5, 7 or 9 miles... which is true, but to operate them legally you must get a license from the FCC, and it is only legal in the USA. They look just like the FRS radios.

The biggest problem will not be batteries, they last a long time. The real problem is that these radios are so common that you'll be driven crazy listening to everyone elses kids saying "can you hear me now", etc. over and over. All newer versions of FRS radios have at least 15 channels on them, so try to find a channel that is quiet(er) each day.

We always take a pair and they do work well in most areas of the ship, but to avoid the constant talking we limit their use. Instead of leaving them on and listening to the constant talking, we'll set times to turn them on and listen for each other.

Hope this helps, I'm a Ham radio operator so I if you have any follow up questions just post them here and I'll try to help.

Thanks, that information helps alot. I didn't even think about the liscencing end of it. I definatly want the FRS. Also, that's a great idea about turning them on only at certain times during the day. Thanks for your help.

Here's another question. Today I went to a few different stores and looked at the 2-way radios. The majority of them required the FCC license. The very few that did not were big and bulky. We want something small. One we liked had a wrist strap so you could wear it like a watch, but it required a license. How strict are the ports in the Caribbean about using these radios?

I had to replace my 2 mile range radios and the only ones available with multi channels are the ones with a 5 mile range. No, I won't be getting an FCC license and I would bet that most people who own them won't be getting one either.

kadao:
I recommend you keep looking. I bought a couple Cobras about 5-6 years ago. No license required and they are about 4 inches long by 3 inches wide. They had a clip so you can clip them to your belt if you wish.

My nephews have used them at amusement parks and when several cars were traveling together to another state. Seemed to work okay. Back then I think they were around $30.00.

P.S. There are ship phones located around the ship also that I have seen. If the interference becomes too bad, those phones could be used once contact by walkie talkie had been made (call cabin, etc.)

Have fun. Keep track of your young ones!! :-)