Why You Should Think Twice Before Packing A Walkie-Talkie For Your Cruise

There's no shortage of spectacular cruise lines to book for your next family vacation. However, the more people you bring along, the harder it can be to communicate and stay organized as a group. Cruise ships are equipped with numerous amenities — pools, game rooms, restaurants, spas — and without a way to stay in touch, it can be difficult to know who went where. That's why some cruisers pack walkie-talkies to stay connected with others in their party.

However, you might want to think twice before following in their footsteps. While most cruise lines allow walkie-talkies on board, the devices can often be more trouble than they're worth. Thanks to the metal structures that make up cruise ships, it can be difficult to get a good signal with the average walkie-talkie, especially if the person you're talking to is inside a cabin or indoor facility. You may have more luck if everyone in your group is near each other on an outdoor deck, for instance, but the lack of reliability means you might be better off using another form of communication.

Walkie-talkies can also be a nuisance for other sailers and can quickly ruin the otherwise relaxing atmosphere. Some devices make loud screeching and crackling noises from feedback or interference. You might also inadvertently yell when using a walkie-talkie to ensure the person on the other end can hear you. To put it simply, toting a handheld radio around is among the most embarrassing mistakes you can make on a cruise.

If you decide to ditch the walkie-talkies on your next cruise, know that there are still ways to stay connected with your family on board. If you don't mind splurging a little, buying a cruise ship Wi-Fi package gives you access to your usual voice and text messaging apps so you can easily keep in touch. However, everyone in your group will need to purchase Wi-Fi for this method to work, and, unfortunately, the internet connection can sometimes be weak on the ship.

A similar option is the cruise's messaging app. Many major cruise lines have their own app with a chat function, though some require passengers to purchase Wi-Fi to use them. For those that don't need paid Wi-Fi to work, cruise messaging apps can be an inexpensive and convenient way to contact loved ones on the ship. Note that some cruise line apps have age restrictions, so they may not be a good way to stay connected with any children in your group.

Don't overlook simple, tried-and-true communication methods when cruising. If your friends and family are split up among different cabins, you can use the phone provided in your room to ring their accommodation. If you need to pass a message along to a loved one who isn't in their cabin, you can leave a sticky note instead. Some cruisers even bring their own whiteboards to communicate. And if you ever need to find a friend or family member ASAP — such as if your child ran off and you can't track them down — ask a crew member for help. They can initiate a search and make an emergency announcement if needed.