The 14 Best Walkie Talkies to use on Cruise Ships

What are the Best Walkie Talkies to use on Cruise Ships?

Whether you are touring the stunning islands of the Caribbean on a Disney Cruise, the majestic fjords of Scandinavia via P&O, or popular locations around the United States on Holland America, going on a family cruise with your loved ones is an exciting experience. The problem becomes how big cruise ships are. For instance, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas has 14 levels, but this pales compared to the Icon of the Seas, which tops the list of the world’s largest cruise ships, with a whopping 20 floors!

With such a large area to cover, having a simple way to communicate with your loved ones is important. We will explore the best walkie talkie options for cruise ships.

Why Walkie-Talkies?

When you are going on a cruise vacation on a big ship carrying thousands of people, walkie-talkies are a great way to keep in touch with your loved ones. It doesn’t matter if you are on the upper deck and your children or partner are at opposite ends of the ship. A good system will enable you to enjoy reliable communication with them, giving you peace of mind that they are happy, safe, and reachable whenever you need to contact them.

It pays to have an economical way to keep in contact with your family members, particularly your children, who might be off enjoying some of the many different activities they can do on board a cruise, such as Kids Club, a game zone, or various sporting pursuits.

Unfortunately, cell phones aren’t always practical because you often can’t get reception in the middle of the open sea and can experience a limited range when you are in your cruise ship cabins. The onboard Wi-Fi for your electronic devices can also be expensive if you want to send a text message. It is always a good idea to have a plan B, and that is where long-range walkie-talkies or two-way radios come in.

So, what are the best walkie-talkie devices to use during your cruise?

In this article, we’ll look at 14 of the best 2-way radios and long-range walkie-talkies you can use to ensure your communications with your family are as smooth as your sailing.

Best Walkie-Talkies For Cruise Ships

The selection of walkie-talkies outlined below are randomly presented. However, they have all been picked because they offer good signal strength and power output on all major cruise lines. This means you can use them just as well on the top deck as you can at the bottom of the ship. So, they make excellent alternatives to mobile phones.

Retevis H-777 Two-Way Radios

This brand is a great choice if you are looking for a device to provide reliable communication during the cruise. These radios offer loud and clear sound, providing crisp communication over long distances. They come with a programmable frequency range, which allows users to set channels that suit their needs.

The radios have an easy-to-use push-to-talk operation, which makes them very user-friendly. Moreover, their compact design makes them easy to handle, while their sturdy build enhances durability. They come with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that ensures a long-lasting supply of power.

Another notable feature of the Retevis H-777 is its intelligent charging base system, which automatically prevents overcharging. This, in turn, extends its battery life. The radios also feature a built-in LED flashlight, which provides increased visibility in darker areas of the ship.

They do not have a display, which could make operating them a bit challenging for some non-tech-savvy users. Another pitfall is their rather limited range compared to other models, including the Retevis RT. Notwithstanding, for its price range, it offers a terrific set of features and reliable performance across different frequencies.

Midland T290VP4 GMRS Two-Way Radios

These professional-grade radios offer top performance and longer ranges than most competitors, making them ideal for a cruise. These radios, boasting 36 channels and a communication range of up to 40 miles in open areas, ensure robust and crystal-clear communications.

The radios possess an impressive 121 privacy codes, which facilitate secure conversations. They can also provide NOAA weather alerts, which might be useful when voyaging at sea. Additionally, they have a water-resistant design that provides added protection and durability when used in marine environments.

The devices also offer a handy dual power option, allowing you to use rechargeable or 6 ‘AAA’ batteries to ensure they remain fully powered during your cruise ship adventure. While their high price point might put people off purchasing them, if you prioritize high performance over cost, you should be happy with the professional-grade features, maximum range, general mobile radio service, and overall durability they offer.

MOICO Walkie-Talkie Set

As handheld radios or walkie-talkie devices go, this MOICO option is a decent choice. With a 5-mile range within open areas and 22 channels, you’ll enjoy efficient and reliable communications if you take it on your next cruise.

These radios are perfectly suited for large vessels as they are sturdily built and have plenty of user-friendly features. One of its most prominent features is the clear sound quality, which is supported by a volume level you can easily adjust and an automatic squelch system that significantly cuts out background noise. Additionally, these radios support voice-activated transmission, which means you can use them hands-free.

They also have a backlight LCD display screen and built-in flashlight, which can be very useful at night or in emergencies. They are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. However, before splashing out on them, you should be aware that their range can decrease quite significantly to 0.6-1.2 miles if there are any obstacles around, which can be problematic on a cruise ship. That said, they do the job well if you have a clear line of sight in public areas with whom you are talking.

Topsung M880 Two-Way Radios

For regular cruisers in large groups, this brand of two-way radio is perfect as it can be used equally well in cruise ship cabins and for outdoor use, as it can by the pool or in other open spaces.

These two-way radios possess a strong range of features designed to make communication easier and more effective. One standout feature of the Topsung radios is their ultra-long-range capabilities, which ensures communications are clear even over vast cruise ship distances. They are also user-friendly, with a large LCD screen with built-in backlight and easy-to-understand buttons that make them simple to navigate for all family members, including children. They are lightweight, compact, and comfortable to carry around, and they have a hands-free function for voice-activated transmission, which is great for when you need to multitask!

Overall, Topsung M radios are pretty durable, as their sturdy construction can withstand the occasional drop or impact. Additionally, their long battery life means they should last a while. In addition, the radios are quite affordable. So, all things considered, they are a decent choice.

Motorola TALKABOUT T210

Motorola T is a trusted brand that provides cruise ship holidaymakers the best way to contact their loved ones when their mobile phones aren’t working.

While many of their rivals offer a 10-mile coverage range in open areas, the Motorola TALKABOUT T210‘s range is double that. It also has 22 channels, which ensures users can enjoy uninterrupted and clear communication, along with fantastic reliability and performance over a long distance and for a long time.

As they have a dual power option, you can use rechargeable battery packs or 3 ‘AA’ batteries to operate these walkie-talkies. The devices boast up to 18 hours of battery life. The Motorola T210 also features easy pairing, hands-free capabilities, and a backlit display. 

Pxton 999S Walkie-Talkies

If you are looking for a device that is simple to use and has good functionality, the Pxton is a popular choice.

It provides a wide range of up to 5 miles within open areas in optimal conditions (although this can significantly lessen in areas with obstacles), radio waves that cover 38 different channels, and privacy codes that minimize unwanted interference from other devices such as GMRS walkie-talkies.

Impressively, these radios are powered by rechargeable batteries, ensuring a prolonged power supply on a single charge. They are also compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around with you throughout the ship.

With an LCD indicator that shows call status at a glance and a hands-free function for more convenient use, it has enough bells and whistles to be more than effective on a cruise.

Retevis RT22 Walkie-Talkies

Another option to consider from Retevis is their RT22 model.

If you are looking for a lightweight and compact option you can carry around with you or slip in your purse, you should enjoy their small size. While they might appear diminutive, they offer superb sound quality and an excellent range in open areas. They also come with a 16-channel system to reduce interference from other users and a hands-free function for more convenient use.

Additionally, the radios have a rechargeable battery, while their solid build makes them durable. These devices are drop-resistant for up to 2 meters and feature a keylock function to prevent accidental changes in settings. They also come with a USB charging cable, which makes charging more convenient. The walkie-talkie has a fixed antenna, which may limit its range in certain parts of the ship. 

Baofeng BF-888S

If you are looking for a no-frills option with different ways to contact your loved ones other than on your cell phones, the Baofeng BF-888S may fit the bill.

They come with 16 memory channels and offer a range of around 2 miles in open areas, so you should be fine with using its radio signals to contact other members of your party outside of areas with big obstructions.

Thanks to its power-saving function, this device has a long battery life. It also has a built-in LED torch and clear sound, which makes it suitable for long cruises.

SANZUCO Long Range Walkie Talkies

The SANZUCO Long Range Walkie Talkies feature 16 channels and a 5-mile range in open areas. Like many other models featured on this list, these devices can struggle through walls and closed-in areas.

Their robust design makes them durable yet easy to navigate, and the large backlit display makes operating these walkie-talkies easy, even in darkness or bright light. 

Additionally, it facilitates excellent sound quality with its high-definition speaker and mic, ensuring that you are heard loud and clear even in the noisiest environments. Thanks to its extended power supply, it also has a 2000 mAh rechargeable battery, which means you will not have to recharge as frequently.

These walkie-talkies also can switch between high and low power modes, where high mode allows for a stronger signal, while low power mode saves the battery life. 

Ansoko Long-Range Walkie Talkies

The Ansoko brand is worth considering for those looking for a device that offers versatility, durability, and high performance. Built to last, these walkie-talkies are renowned for their ability to withstand harsh conditions and handling. They also have decent long-range capabilities that extend up to 3 miles in open areas. So, you will be able to use them at home as well as on the ship. 

Thanks to its 16 pre-programmed channels, you can easily switch channels using the channel knob. As they run on a rechargeable, fast-charging lithium-ion battery, they also deliver battery performance that should easily last the duration of your cruise. Moreover, the radios have a dependable power-saving function that extends their battery life when not being used. This means they should always be ready to use when you need them.

Perhaps the one drawback of this brand of walkie-talkies is that they do not have a screen. So, some users might find it difficult to operate. However, once understood, the voice prompt feature, which allows for hands-free operation, and the LED flashlight should come in handy. They also come with earpieces that allow for private conversations.

Surprisingly, given its many features, the Ansoko brand of walkie-talkies is quite affordably priced. They also represent excellent value when you consider their reliability and the degree of high-quality communication they offer.

Retevis RT49P Waterproof Walkie-Talkies

If your cruise or life takes you to places prone to harsh weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rain, it might be worth investing in this Retevis model.

As its name suggests, this brand of walkie-talkie is waterproof (it has an IP67 rating), so you can fully submerge it in water and still use it without compromising its performance. You will also have access to 22 channels, which go a long way towards minimizing interference from other people’s devices and creating clearer communications.

One of the coolest features of this device is that it is designed for outdoor use and will float on water. These radios also contain a rechargeable battery, a power-saving feature, and a built-in flashlight and emergency alarm, which provides plenty of functionality despite the walkie-talkie’s slightly large size.

Cobra RX680

With a range that extends to an incredible 38 miles, the Cobra RX680 will enable you to talk to your family members on another cruise, let alone the one you are sailing on!

Offering one of the longest ranges of all the walkie-talkie brands on this list, they also have 60 channel presets. The Cobra RX680 has voice-activated transmission, which allows for hands-free usage of the device. Plus, the patented vibralert feature notifies you of incoming transmissions so you never miss your communications even in loud scenarios. 

Designed to be waterproof and drop-proof, these walkie-talkies are renowned for their durability and performance. The Cobra RX680 has weather channels that provide NOAA alerts, a micro-USB charging cable, and a rechargeable battery.

Topsung 2 Way Radios Walkie Talkies

While this Topsung model sits at the lower end of the price point scale, it does a very decent job. So, if you are looking for a way to keep in touch with your children on the cruise ship without spending a fortune, this is a decent device.

The range is a very acceptable 4 miles in open areas, although it drops significantly in places with more obstructions. It also has 22 channels through which you can enjoy reliable and clear communication with your loved ones.

This radio has an ergonomic and compact design and is very easy to operate and handle. 

Motorola T114 Talkabout Two-Way Radios

If the Motorola T210 didn’t do it for you, the T114 version might suffice. Another excellent walkie-talkie model for cruise ships, it has a sizable range of 16 miles in open areas and 22 separate channels.

This device is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry. It is also known for its ease of use, with a push-to-talk button that is very simple to use. Conveniently, it also has a keypad lock system that prevents the user from accidentally changing the settings.

Like many other brands of walkie-talkies on the market, it doesn’t perform as well in an obstructed area. However, the radio is powered by 3 AAA batteries and has an alert that tells you when the battery is getting low and needs replacing.

Conclusion

When it comes to staying connected with your loved ones on a cruise ship, walkie-talkies offer a reliable and cost-effective solution. From the long-range capabilities of the Motorola T210 and Cobra RX680 to the waterproof design of the Retevis RT49P, there’s a wide variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize durability, range, or simplicity, you’re sure to find a walkie-talkie that will keep you in touch throughout your cruise adventure. Remember to consider factors like battery life, number of channels, and ease of use when making your choice. Ready to ensure seamless communication on your next cruise?

Shop all walkie-talkies on Amazon and find the perfect pair for your family’s maritime adventures.

Happy cruising!