Walkie Talkies

[HoneyGV]

Don't know if anyone's asked this question before or not.

I've seen people using Walkie Talkies onboard the ships I've been on...do they really work anywhere on the ship?

Just curious:confused:

[Stevesan]

We've used them twice, on Veendam and Grand Princess. Not to say they don't exist, but we never did experience any dead spots. They're a good way to keep track of active youngsters.

Warning: This thread will bring out a few of posters anxious to lecture you on the courteous use of walkie talkies. I presume you're an intelligent adult. Just ignore them.

[Pilot70D]

We always take a pair of our walky talkies on our cruises. They are a great way of communicating aboard the ship as well as on land when we go ashore.

We have used our radios on the Grand Princess, Golden Princess, Volendam and the Veendam. The Veendam was the only vessel on which we encountered dead spots.

We use rechargeable batteries in all of our bettery powered portable devices. Just as a packing tip bring an power strip with you because there aren't very many electrical outlets in any of the cabins. We also bring a small battery charger capable of recharging 4 AAA or AA batteries. We also bring two small flashlights along (just in case) that use the same AA batteries our radios do.

Hope this info is helpful and have a great day.

[lvtotrvl1]

I guess I am one of those that don't appreciate to listen to walkie talkies while I am on vacation...I also don't like cell phones everywhere I go either. People and families have cruised forever without the use of them...why start now? People are vacationing to relax, and get away from all the annoying things that are found at home and work. Sorry, just my opinion.

[HoneyGV]

We've used them twice, on Veendam and Grand Princess. Not to say they don't exist, but we never did experience any dead spots. They're a good way to keep track of active youngsters.

Warning: This thread will bring out a few of posters anxious to lecture you on the courteous use of walkie talkies. I presume you're an intelligent adult. Just ignore them.

ROTFL! I'll whisper into it and use an earphone;)
My partner and I usually split up during the day, but maybe want to meet somewhere at a certain time and it would be a good thing to give a "shout" (whisper) to (whisper) out a reminder that when the ship's bell gongs 8 times...it's time to check in.:)

[HoneyGV]

I guess I am one of those that don't appreciate to listen to walkie talkies while I am on vacation...I also don't like cell phones everywhere I go either. People and families have cruised forever without the use of them...why start now? People are vacationing to relax, and get away from all the annoying things that are found at home and work. Sorry, just my opinion.

I'll make sure I'm nowhere near you.:D

[ekerr19]

I think you may want to check out reviews of different brands on a website like shopping.com, because I think some brands work better at sea than others.

We have used them in the past, very sparingly - now we just tell the kids what time to be in a certain place and they show up. At first we were a bit worried about the kids on the ship, but they know their way around better than we do, more often times than not. Luckily, my DH prefers to frequent certain locations of the ship, I have never had a problem finding him... yet. ;)

On our last cruise, there was a guy shouting into his walkie talkie while he was eating, unfortunately, he was at the table next to ours - I guess he thought if he yelled loud enough, the kids would understand him, but the more he yelled, the more they just yelled back and got him all worked up. He was definitely the exception though, most folks use common sense and common courtesy. :)

[HoneyGV]

I think you may want to check out reviews of different brands on a website like shopping.com, because I think some brands work better at sea than others.

We have used them in the past, very sparingly - now we just tell the kids what time to be in a certain place and they show up. At first we were a bit worried about the kids on the ship, but they know their way around better than we do, more often times than not. Luckily, my DH prefers to frequent certain locations of the ship, I have never had a problem finding him... yet. ;)

On our last cruise, there was a guy shouting into his walkie talkie while he was eating, unfortunately, he was at the table next to ours - I guess he thought if he yelled loud enough, the kids would understand him, but the more he yelled, the more they just yelled back and got him all worked up. He was definitely the exception though, most folks use common sense and common courtesy. :)

Thanks. I have a set of Cobras. We tend to split up during the day. My DP and like to go to different things at different times and it would be nice to use them just to check in to make sure one of us is on time for dinner or something interesting that we'd like to meet for.

Actually, I'd not ever think of using it where someone can hear my frisky conversations.....some people are so nosy!:D

[amusea]

There are a limited number of channels on most walkie talkies and I have found that many times other folks are on the same channel so it becomes confusing.
This is mostly true when the ship is docked or anchored and you can pick up the conversations of people on land as well. While at sea it should be no problem. In my case I have found that they were of little use but then I don't have children with me. It also was my experience that the batteries seemed to die very quickly.

[RevNeal]

Given how difficult it can be to find one's traveling companion, I think it might be a good idea ... at least worth investigating. Oh, I'd never carry on long-winded, intruding conversations over it ... but for finding out where someone is so that you can find 'em, it's not a bad idea.

And for those with miniature replicates to keep track of, it sounds like a VERY good idea. :D

[rjbean4]

Mom & I use them all the time as we don't tend to spend much time together on sea days during the day. If we need to find each other they can come in handy. They will work with whoever else you are keeping in touch with as long as you are within range of each other. 2 way radios come in defferent mileages as to what thier range is. Over the years they have been increased in the number of miles thier range is and are smaller. One thing to keep in mind though is that if you are on the same channel & code as other people on the ship you will get their conversations on your radios. If you don't want to hear it then you will need to change your channel and or code on your radios. For people that go to Half Moon Cay the crew that are working ashore will probably be seen using them becasue its easier that way for them to keep up with keeping things stocked. There was one time we were there that we let one of the crew use ours and we just changed the channel & code. We called it the Island Channel.

47 cruises on HAL at the age of 41
504 days at sea on 11 different DAM SHIPS
500 day gold medllion holder
9/06 Trans Canal - Westerdam
12/06 Christmas & New Years - Westerdam
if Holland America doesn't go there WE DON'T GO!!!!

[bellebaby]

My DH and I do our own thing on sea days. We use the walkie talkies sparingly to touch base. It's a safety thing for us.

B

[whogo]

Walkie talkies have been a topic of conversation regularly on these boards. A search for "Walkie talkie" on the just the HAL boards got 8 hits. A search of all the boards returns 247 hits.

Here are a few of my favorite comments from walkie talkie posts:

How about someone TALKING ON A WALKIE TALKIE IN THE PINNACLE GRILL!!:eek:

Please keep in mind that people take cruises to get away from things such as people yelling into cell phones... walkie talkies are no better. Maybe you could just leave each other a note and agree to meet at a specific time.

My wife & I are farther apart in a shopping mall, yet don't see the need to add to the cacaphony of sound which permeates the air.

Personally, I figure if party members aren't competent to check in at a certain place at a certain time, they should be outfitted with a chest harness attached to a leash that is tightly wrapped around the wrist of whoever is worried about them

We got some to use a couple years ago when we took DD on a cruise for her graduation. All I ever heard on it was "Mom? Mom? Mom? can I get a soda?" and it wasn't my kid, I was picking up someone else. I was half tempted to reply "Sure, go ahead and get one for all your friends too!" ;) . Whenever we tried to use them, they were essentially useless.

Absolutely HATE rampant cell phone or walkie talkie use.

We were on the Constellation last year and we were waiting to get some ice cream. There was a father with his daughter ahead of us, with a walkie talkie. So the father hands the walkie talkie to the kid, who is all of 5 years old. She starts SCREAMING into the walkie talkie "MOMMY I'M GETTING ICE CREAM!!! MOMMY I'M GETTING ICE CREAM! MOMMY WHY AREN'T YOU ANSWERING ME???" So the father finally takes the walkie talkie away after he realizes no one else thinks it's cute, and holds it so the kid can talk to the mother about her ice cream, while we waited and waited and waited.....turns out the mother was on the other side of the Lido eating lunch. Evidentally this conversation couldn't wait until the father and daughter walked back around to the other side.
Now you tell me, was that really necessary?

The beauty of these ships is that they are so huge. The ugly is that they are not huge enough to avoid families who THINK (or, more aptly, DON'T THINK) they NEED to use walkie talkies to 'keep in touch'. If you want to keep in touch, stay together! If you must be separated make arrangements to meet somewhere at a pre-determined time.

GMRS radios are only legal in the USA. They require an FCC license. The license fee is $75 for 5 years. They can have up to 50 Watts of power. Many less than 2 Watts have been introduced.
FRS radios are only legal in the USA and Canada. They can have up to .5 Watts of power. Using either of these 2 way radios elsewhere is probably against the local laws. If you're planning on using them overseas, check with the local authorities first. Aslo, check with the Captain before using the higher power GMRS radios aboard the ship, as they can interfer with the ship radios.

[dosperegrinos]

Bravo, Whogo. Well stated.

[whogo]

I was just quoting.

[Timethief]

People and families have cruised forever without the use of them...why start now?

Lvtotrvl1, I am with you -- I am not a fan of cell phones or walkie talkies on a ship, or anywhere for that matter, regardless of the fact that I have one on my belt! But I understand the reasons for needing one - at home or away.

But to say that people have done without them before is no reason to do without them now. Humans managed to have about 6 million years of exsistence without a cruiseship, but I don't care if those who came before me didn't get to cruise! I'm still going in October!

I just have to hope that those who use them use common sense. If I get really bugged, then I have to save up more money so I can do a private charter, rather than a mass market cruise. There are trade offs for everything.

Just my 2 cents worth (that's really an inflated price for my opinion, if you ask me!).

Keep Smiling!!!:D

[HoneyGV]

Hmmm, all I have to say to the people who are so adamant against other people using modern technology to keep in touch and try to stay safe is....tune out the people that bother you...I tune out peoples' screaming kids, and other peoples' loud conversations all the time...I KNOW it can be done, because I see them tuning out their own kids!;)

Ok, I promise to stay away from anyone it annoys...if you see me anywhere near you using my walkie talkie...just come up to me and grab it out of my hand and throw it overboard.:D

[HoneyGV]

Hmmm, all I have to say to the people who are so adamant against other people using modern technology to keep in touch and try to stay safe is....tune out the people that bother you...I tune out peoples' screaming kids, and other peoples' loud conversations all the time...I KNOW it can be done, because I see them tuning out their own kids!;)

Ok, I promise to stay away from anyone it annoys...if you see me anywhere near you using my walkie talkie...just come up to me and grab it out of my hand and throw it overboard...You can even smack me around a little!:D

[WNYCRUISER]

But have you ever noticed, say on a Vista ship when one is in the Lido,and calls the other party and finds out they are in the Vista Lounge awaiting bingo, that the conversation gets much louder??? Seems the further away the person is, the louder they feel they have to scream into them???

[rjbean4]

HoneyGV,

Just go for it and use them. When we have seen other people use them they have usually been pretty good about it. Mom & I only use them during the day and not in the evening hours. Mom always knows where to find me at that time anyways.

Where would we be without modern technology. If people are posting here they must at least have a computer at home. Isn't that cosidered modern technology? When it comes to cell phones I don't know very many people who don't have one. Have a co worker who doesn't have a lan line any more and instead eveyone in his familiy uses a cel phone. Gee, can't we make long distance calls on a cell phone and not pay extra for it unless you exceed your monthy minnutes???? My mom calls my brother that way all the time who lives in Minnesota and we are in Florida. The call shows up on her monthy statement for her cell phone but there was no charge for the call. I have also called a freind of ours in CA using mine. When my freind was here in Tampa who is working on the Veendam he would send a text messgae as they were comming in late every friday night or early Saturday morning so that I would know when he was going to get off and I would go over to the pier accordingly. It was a big help and cut down on the waiting I would have to do. Could I say that if we didn't also have modern technology we wouldn't have cruising the way we do today.

We are getting on the Westerdam the end of September and going through the canal to Ft. Lauderdale. Will be a busy day as I found that 5 ships are supposed to transit that day. Will be a flotilla to the Caribbean. Maybe some should look at how the canal saves the trip around South America and that the canal still operates today using a lot of the same equipment that it did when it first opened. One piece of modern technology are the mules that are used when the ships are in the locks. This will be our 4th transit.

What would we rather do. Sit down in front of a old typewriter and having to fix typos using white out or a computer where we have spell check and a printer. Being a FL resident part of a hurricane supply kit is to have extra batteries for a cell phone. Bet a lot of us have chordless phones in our homes these days. If you lose power they are useless. Unless you have a simple phone you can just plug the phone line in then the only other way to make calls is a cell phone. As in modern technology.

When we last did Hawaii for the Holidays on the Statendam, we were in Lahaina on Christmas day arriving around 12 noon. As we started to make landfall on the island of Maui, Molokai and one other island it was actually quite funny as I remember the sight of seeing so many people out on deck who had gone back to thier cabins to get thier cell phones. After 4 1/2 days at sea we had the chance to use our phones again and everyone was wanting to call other family & releatives to wish them a Merry Christmas. What's wrong with that.

Oh yeah. Can't we buy a car these days with built in GPS navigation, DVD players and satelite radio?

47 cruises on HAL at the age of 41
504 Days at sea on 11 different DAM SHIPS
500 day gold medallion holder
9/06 Ttrans Canal - Westerdam
12/06 Christmas & New Years - Westerdam
If Holland America does't go there WE DON'T GO!!!!

[7x5090g]

If you have to use one, get a pair that has privacy channels. i.e. You can tune into Channel 4 but there could be 30 sub channels under Channel 4. Otherwise, you are bound to run into someone who chooses the same frequency that keep yakking away looking for their kids. Get off my channel!!! I am not your son.:mad:

[Copper10-8]

Hmmm, all I have to say to the people who are so adamant against other people using modern technology to keep in touch and try to stay safe is....tune out the people that bother you...I tune out peoples' screaming kids, and other peoples' loud conversations all the time...I KNOW it can be done, because I see them tuning out their own kids!;)

Ok, I promise to stay away from anyone it annoys...if you see me anywhere near you using my walkie talkie...just come up to me and grab it out of my hand and throw it overboard...You can even smack me around a little!:D

Awwwrighty then HoneyGV:eek:

Here's some codes for your walkie talkie use;) :

Ankle biter... Young Child
Back... Over(Back to you)
Back at ya... Answering
Big ten-four... Yes
Bleed over... Interference from another channel
Blowing my windows out... Strong signal
Catch a few Z's... Sleep
Catch you on the flip-flop... Speak to you on the return trip
Come back... Answer back
Come on... Answer back
Do you copy?... Can you here me?
Eighty eights... Love and kisses
Five and nine... Good strong signal
For sure... Definitely
Four on that... Yes
Give me a shout... Answer back
Handset... Walkie talkie
Hit the hay... Sleep
Little woman... Wife
Motor mouth... Walkie talkie user who talks too much
Negatory... No
One-eyed monster... Television
Ratchet jaw...Walkie talkie user who talks too much
Roger that... Yes
Rug Rats... Kids
Seat cover... Attractive woman
Ten Four... Yes,Ok,Roger etc.
Wall to wall and treetop tall... Good strong signal
You got a copy on me... Can you here me
ZZZZ's... Sleep time

[serendipity1499]

My DH is like the wind - one minute he's there & the next minute he's dissappeared..I lost him in Rome and sure wished we had Walkie Talkies then..My friends & I finally found him at the Trevi Fountain after an hour and a half of hunting..I was so worried & then Angry!:mad: We now take them with us in port just in case we lose track of each other...Like having them as a backup..Never use them on board as we can usually find each other sleeping (err reading) out on the Promenade Deck or having coffee in one of the lounges..

Also have a Virgin Atlantic cell phone, which I hardly ever use but so glad to have it in case of emergency..It's pay as you go & only have to top it off every three months for $15.00..Won't leave home without it..;)

Happy cruising everyone..:) Betty

[gizmo]

Please keep in mind that people take cruises to get away from things such as people yelling into cell phones... walkie talkies are no better. Maybe you could just leave each other a note and agree to meet at a specific time.
Absolutely HATE rampant cell phone or walkie talkie use.

We were on the Constellation last year and we were waiting to get some ice cream. There was a father with his daughter ahead of us, with a walkie talkie. So the father hands the walkie talkie to the kid, who is all of 5 years old. She starts SCREAMING into the walkie talkie "MOMMY I'M GETTING ICE CREAM!!! MOMMY I'M GETTING ICE CREAM! MOMMY WHY AREN'T YOU ANSWERING ME???" So the father finally takes the walkie talkie away after he realizes no one else thinks it's cute, and holds it so the kid can talk to the mother about her ice cream, while we waited and waited and waited.....turns out the mother was on the other side of the Lido eating lunch. Evidentally this conversation couldn't wait until the father and daughter walked back around to the other side.
Now you tell me, was that really necessary?



LOL. I hate them also.

My experience was the SCREAMING Mom and Dad with "Joey, Joey where are you? " "Answer me Joey", you get the picture.

We were on deck waiting for fireworks in Curacao. The couple next to us had one. The guy was SCREAMING into it, "where are you?" "What ? I can't hear you, what did you say ? " The other couple was a deck below us. The SCREAMING continued about what they did after dinner, who won what at the casino on shore. That was bad enough, then the guy hands it to his wife and the SCREAMING started all over again. :eek:

[BobMartha]

This last cruise was the first time we took them along and believe me fellow cruisers / posters we were aware of who was around when we used them. We used them to touch base with our two DD's when they went to club hal- just to check in that they were there and or when they were leaving.
If we received a ring in a public area I would always step out into a hall, and if our conversations lasted 30 seconds it was alot. I agree they can be annoying but remember its not the actual walkie talkie that's the problem...its the user of it! Most parents who bring them along use it as we did to keep tabs on the kids so that we know where and what they are doing - I think thats being more responsible then not checking in.

[RevNeal]

Here is my thinking on why two adults might want to use them (not to keep track of replicants but just to keep in-touch):

1. I've grown very tired of SEARCHING for Christopher around the ship ... only to discover that he's been wandering the ship looking for me, too.

2. He NEVER checks the phone, or thinks to call the cabin to see if I'm there or to leave a message in case I come back.

3. THREE times, now, he has locked himself out of the cabin ... but if he had his WT he would have been able to call me to let him in.

From what I've seen, and from the experiences I've had of people SCREAMING at others through their WTs, I would be VERY discrete about using them and would never carry on a conversation over them (just find out the other's location and set point of intercept).

[HoneyGV]

Awwwrighty then HoneyGV:eek:

Here's some codes for your walkie talkie use;) :

Ankle biter... Young Child
Back... Over(Back to you)
Back at ya... Answering
Big ten-four... Yes
Bleed over... Interference from another channel
Blowing my windows out... Strong signal
Catch a few Z's... Sleep
Catch you on the flip-flop... Speak to you on the return trip
Come back... Answer back
Come on... Answer back
Do you copy?... Can you here me?
Eighty eights... Love and kisses
Five and nine... Good strong signal
For sure... Definitely
Four on that... Yes
Give me a shout... Answer back
Handset... Walkie talkie
Hit the hay... Sleep
Little woman... Wife
Motor mouth... Walkie talkie user who talks too much
Negatory... No
One-eyed monster... Television
Ratchet jaw...Walkie talkie user who talks too much
Roger that... Yes
Rug Rats... Kids
Seat cover... Attractive woman
Ten Four... Yes,Ok,Roger etc.
Wall to wall and treetop tall... Good strong signal
You got a copy on me... Can you here me
ZZZZ's... Sleep time

ALLRIGHT!!!...and when I see a Rug Rat running around the ship when it shouldn't be I'll call in a Ten-Ninety-Eight!!! :D

[HoneyGV]

Here is my thinking on why two adults might want to use them (not to keep track of replicants but just to keep in-touch):

1. I've grown very tired of SEARCHING for Christopher around the ship ... only to discover that he's been wandering the ship looking for me, too.

2. He NEVER checks the phone, or thinks to call the cabin to see if I'm there or to leave a message in case I come back.

3. THREE times, now, he has locked himself out of the cabin ... but if he had his WT he would have been able to call me to let him in.

From what I've seen, and from the experiences I've had of people SCREAMING at others through their WTs, I would be VERY discrete about using them and would never carry on a conversation over them (just find out the other's location and set point of intercept).

Exactly! Mine also has a vibration that I can use instead of the audible ring. I don't think adult to adult usage should be compared to people who have kids who use them. In the first place, parents seem to get more frantic when they can't locate their kids.

It's just like me using my cell in the grocery store. Sometimes when I stop in at the store, I'll discretely call my neighbor who's a shut-in and see if he needs something from the store while I'm there.

I'm considerate of those around me, and I don't believe ALL WT or cell phone users should be lumped in generally with everyone else.

[RevNeal]

Exactly! Mine also has a vibration that I can use instead of the audible ring.

What model Walkie-Talkie do you use? I didn't know they had "cheap-thrill" too, like my cell phone.

[Copper10-8]

ALLRIGHT!!!...and when I see a Rug Rat running around the ship when it shouldn't be I'll call in a Ten-Ninety-Eight!!! :D

Roger that!;)

[Alexborngal]

Don't know if anyone's asked this question before or not.

I've seen people using Walkie Talkies onboard the ships I've been on...do they really work anywhere on the ship?

Just curious:confused:

They really do work anywhere on the ship. We've used them on quite a few cruises and they're part of our must-take items.

[hammybee]

ALLRIGHT!!!...and when I see a:) Rat running around the ship when it shouldn't be I'll call in a Ten-Ninety-Eight!!! :D
Rats-hate em.

[hammybee]

I find the entertainment potential in those who talk on the W/T. Specifically, if someone feels compelled to hold the conversation, within my earshot, well then, by golly, I might just listen in and hear what's cookin.

My personal favorite, and I mean this in the kindest of ways, are the folks that head to the Lido early and report back what's for breakfast. Some do the same routine, every morning, of every day.

Maybe I missed something, but there does not seem to be any surprises in the LIDO, for breakfast. They inch down the line and describe the sausage versus the bacon, crisp versus limp versus mystery meat... the texture of the oatmeal and so on. And oh my godness all hell-o breaks out in the Omelet line when describing what might be tossed in.

And for all I know, it's a dear soul trying to make breakfast come alive for someone who can't easily make it to the Lido. This is the juice of cruising.

[Timethief]

You know, you can get earpieces for the walkie talkies. We use them at wedding to coordinate people at insane affairs. No one can hear the color comentary except me!

Keep Smiling!!!:D

[HoneyGV]

What model Walkie-Talkie do you use? I didn't know they had "cheap-thrill" too, like my cell phone.

I just got them on sale at Walmart..Cobra Microtalk...supposed to get up to 12 miles. Of course, that's with a straight line with no obstructions, clear day, 80 degrees and no humidity...and every other seen or unseen possibility that could cut down the signal. Rechargeable batteries with a charger OR you can use 4 AA's for each one.

Clearance $54.00

I was just checking them out and sure enough when you hit the call button, it rings and vibrates, but you can set that...supposed to be 22 channels. I have NO idea how they'll be.

I don't know what the usual type is that most people buy, so I'm not sure if they'll work or not.

I also noticed that when I was onboard the ship on my last few cruises that they sell them either in the sundry shop or in the camera shop. Don't know what brand they are though.

Wonder if you can rent them onboard? Never thought of that.

[HoneyGV]

Rats-hate em.

Wonder how many times a rat, who doesn't respond ends up saying, "well....I WAS trying to get back to you and we were out on the promenade deck and just as I was going to answer you, we hit a little bump in the water and ...over it went." ?

[HoneyGV]

You know, you can get earpieces for the walkie talkies. We use them at wedding to coordinate people at insane affairs. No one can hear the color comentary except me!

Keep Smiling!!!:D

Oh, yeah, I forgot...mine came with earphones too.
Greg, I think I musta gotta good deal:D

[OceanLiner]

I'm hoping that we can get a list of what ships might be renting these devices, so that I can avoid with all do urgency any chance of ever cruising on those ships.

[mariner]

I second that OceanLiner.

I'm around cells, walkie-talkies and every imaginable type of electronic device at work. When I'm on vacation, I cringe every time I see one.

Was relaxing by the Lido pool one day, when the beep and squelch of my neighbor's thing went off. His wife wanted to tell him about an item she just bought.

Just like an idiot behind the wheel on a cell has no clue about his surroundings, they went on and on and on. In the time it took for them to converse, one or the other could have just met and looked at the thing.

For kids I can see them, although most kids, IMO, would rather be left alone.

I think it would be nicer if adults just make plans to meet.

[RevNeal]

I just got them on sale at Walmart..Cobra Microtalk...supposed to get up to 12 miles. Of course, that's with a straight line with no obstructions, clear day, 80 degrees and no humidity...and every other seen or unseen possibility that could cut down the signal. Rechargeable batteries with a charger OR you can use 4 AA's for each one.

Clearance $54.00

I was just checking them out and sure enough when you hit the call button, it rings and vibrates, but you can set that...supposed to be 22 channels. I have NO idea how they'll be.

I don't know what the usual type is that most people buy, so I'm not sure if they'll work or not.

I also noticed that when I was onboard the ship on my last few cruises that they sell them either in the sundry shop or in the camera shop. Don't know what brand they are though.

Wonder if you can rent them onboard? Never thought of that.

Thanks, Honey, that's VERY helpful. We may well be getting a set to use on the Hawaii cruise.

[the2ofus]

My DH and I used to use walkie-talkies at flea markets or similar big events. I found the constant chatter from other people on the same channel to be very annoying. Never thought the thing was very useful, because we really couldn't hear each other if we talked softly, didn't want to scream into it. Plus, the batteries always gave out at the wrong time, leaving one or the other saying "I called but you didn't answer."

I just hate it when people assume that their cell phone or walkie talkie conversations couldn't possibly be bothering anyone and blithely chat on about all kinds of stuff for what seems like eternity. Sometimes, if I can't distract myself with a book or something I will get up and move. If I'm a captive audience, sometimes just for fun I assume a rapt expression, gaze directly at the cell-phone user and even add some comments of my own.:D

[AAAAmerican]

The parent CCL:NYSE , now is doing a CELLULAR Water event...:confused:

Wireless Customers, Including Those From Cingular and Other Carriers, Can Now Use Their Personal Cell Phones on Carnival Cruise Lines' 'Fun Ships'
New Fleetwide Cellular Service Allows Guests to Send and Receive Calls as Well as Transmit Text and Multimedia Messages



Cruising is oft-cited as the idyllic vacation choice for complete relaxation and escape. The lifestyle of today's consumer, however, often means that to truly relax and enjoy, people want an easy and convenient way to keep in touch with family, friends, or the office. What could be easier than using your own cell phone aboard ship the same as you can at home?


Through an exclusive agreement between Carnival Cruise Lines and Wireless Maritime Services (WMS), a joint venture of Cingular Wireless and Maritime Telecommunications Network, Carnival guests sailing aboard the "Fun Ships" can now enjoy a new communications option that allows them to stay in touch with people back home using their personal cell phones while in port or at sea.


"Consumers view cell phones as a necessity in today's world. We've been exploring cellular phone service for some time and have developed a capability that provides unparalleled connectivity and convenience to allow guests to keep in touch with friends, family members and business associates back home," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO.
"WMS is excited to offer Carnival guests the opportunity to stay connected while cruising worldwide," said Leighton Carroll, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wireless Maritime Services. "Whether making a voice call, responding to email, sending a picture message, or accessing the Internet to check on local happenings back home, what a great convenience for Carnival guests to enjoy the same features of their wireless service at sea as they would roaming on land."


Utilizing WMS' state-of-the-art high-bandwidth technology, the new fleetwide service is compatible with any cellular phone and enables guests sailing on Carnival to make and receive calls anywhere in the world from any cruising region. The technology is currently available aboard the Carnival Triumph, with the balance of the line's 21-vessel fleet scheduled to be completed by early next year.


The new fleetwide cellular phone service requires no additional software or special dialing procedures -- guests simply make and receive calls as well as transmit text and multimedia messages as they would on land using their personal cell phone. International roaming fees apply to all shipboard cell phone calls.
Consumer benefits to having wireless service while at sea:


* Connectivity -- keep in touch with family, friends and business associates through voice calls, email or text messages. Guests can also share travel highlights while at sea through photo messaging.


* Convenience -- no need to rent a local phone while at port; guests can be reached by the wireless number their friends and colleagues know.


In addition to being able to use their phones on Carnival "Fun Ships," Cingular customers can also enjoy competitive international roaming rates as well as a greater selection of quad-band devices than any other carrier.


For additional information on pricing, please visit http://www.cingular.com/cingularworld or http://www.cellularatsea.com .

:eek:
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Will it come on HAL now too ?
Just wait they will be talking in the chow lines too soon.

Well new regulations inthe dining halls have to be established as well other public area as well..

This I M H O is going to produce more revenues now in this Telecom Avenue...

[love2relax]

We used them on the Westerdam during our day in Glacier Bay. We had a suite on one side of the ship, and my sister had a suite on the other. When we were both out on our balconies, we couldn't reach each other by phone if we saw something (like the many whales before we entered Glacier Bay). It was a great way to contact each other to hustle to the other side of the sip to take photos. Otherwise,we left them in our suitcases.

[hammybee]

If I'm a captive audience, sometimes just for fun I assume a rapt expression, gaze directly at the cell-phone user and even add some comments of my own.:D

There is something about joining in on the conversation that appeals to me. Thanks for the idea.

[RuthC]

If I'm a captive audience, sometimes just for fun I assume a rapt expression, gaze directly at the cell-phone user and even add some comments of my own.:D
hammybee's not the only one who likes the idea. I do, too! :)
If Greg's going to bring them on the Voyage of the Spammed he'd better be very careful with us around. :D

[RevNeal]

Originally Posted by the2ofus
If I'm a captive audience, sometimes just for fun I assume a rapt expression, gaze directly at the cell-phone user and even add some comments of my own. :D

Ah, a lady after my own heart. Sounds like something I might be tempted to do. :D

[RevNeal]

hammybee's not the only one who likes the idea. I do, too! :)
If Greg's going to bring them on the Voyage of the Spammed he'd better be very careful with us around. :D

But, Ruth dear ... you don't understand. The ONLY time I'd be using one is if I can't find Christopher around the ship or on a shore excursion ... Christopher can easily lose himself in a fabric store and I just can't find him (or he can lose ME in a book store!). I would NEVER use one in the dining room, or sitting in public in a lounge. I might go out into a hall and WHISPER into it to try and find him or let him know where I am, but that would be about the only way I'd use it. Certainly NEVER sitting at the table!!!!! I consider talking on Cell phones at the dinner table to be just shy of the ultimate HEIGHT of impropriety.

[OceanLiner]

In most horror movies the monster comes from the sea. In this case, the monster is going to sea. Cell phones and walkie talkies at sea. I just do not understand the need for instant verbal gratifaction for every need that comes into someones head.

This entire thread defies the most basic tenent of cruising, to just relax. So what if you miss the whale on the port side, or the bannana pancake in the lido? Enjoy the moment instead of rushing around as if we are in a New York subway with a hull.

I really hope that HAL puts some sort of restriction on the use of these things or they can count me out.

[hammybee]

So what if you miss the whale on the port side, or the bannana pancake in the lido? Enjoy the moment instead of rushing around as if we are in a New York subway with a hull.

I forgot. Tell me again which line carries the whales and banana pancakes. Thank you.:)

[NoNoNanette]

I forgot. Tell me again which line carries the whales and banana pancakes. Thank you.:)

:D:D:D

[Copper10-8]

I forgot. Tell me again which line carries the whales and banana pancakes. Thank you.:)

That would be Celebrity or X that carried the whale (unfortunately already expired) into Seward, AK

As far as the banana pancakes, you'll only find them being carried in the Carib. by locals (but they will climb a tree for you for a price). Has something to do with the climate!;)

[hammybee]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=navy]That would be Celebrity or X that carried the whale (unfortunately already expired) into Seward, AK

This is soooooooo bad and I am still laughing.

[serendipity1499]

In most horror movies the monster comes from the sea. In this case, the monster is going to sea. Cell phones and walkie talkies at sea. I just do not understand the need for instant verbal gratifaction for every need that comes into someones head.

This entire thread defies the most basic tenent of cruising, to just relax. So what if you miss the whale on the port side, or the bannana pancake in the lido? Enjoy the moment instead of rushing around as if we are in a New York subway with a hull.

I really hope that HAL puts some sort of restriction on the use of these things or they can count me out.

Unfortunately you are going to see more & more cell phone use on Cruise Lines..

And I too hope that there are some restrictions as to where & when they can be used...

Betty

P.S. Oh yeah, I'm a wildlife lover so please call me when you see the whales... And I really enjoy Banana, Blueberry, Mango or Apple Pancakes (Very thin like crepes)...Please call me if they have them in the Lido! ;)

[kakalina]

I tremble in horror struck worry that now people can reach me when I am supposed to be incommunicado at sea! The pity of it all. No,no,no,no,no; we mustn't let this happen to our serene days on board. Before we know it Copper10-8 will be listening to police bands. Someone will overhear, panic and think the crime they are hearing about is on the ship. Next thing you know, widespread panic at sea. This is not a good idea. . .

[RevNeal]

This entire thread defies the most basic tenent of cruising, to just relax. So what if you miss the whale on the port side, or the bannana pancake in the lido? Enjoy the moment instead of rushing around as if we are in a New York subway with a hull.

I hear you, OceanLiner ... and totally agree with regard to Cell Phones. I have NO interest in carrying on cell-phone conversations while at sea. And, in my case, the use of a walkie talkie would be to aid in relaxation. Rather than wandering the ship trying to find my cabin mate, I can just page him and ask him where he is. Or visa versa. No need to wander around, looking for him, and missing him everywhere I go because he's wandering around opposite me, looking for me. And ... if you question WHY I'm looking for him, or he's looking for me ... well ... we just are; it would add to anxiety to NOT know where he is. :)

Don't worry ... you won't even know I've got one -- unless you're being so nosey that you DESERVE to find out. :D

[Copper10-8]

I tremble in horror struck worry that now people can reach me when I am supposed to be incommunicado at sea! The pity of it all. No,no,no,no,no; we mustn't let this happen to our serene days on board. Before we know it Copper10-8 will be listening to police bands. Someone will overhear, panic and think the crime they are hearing about is on the ship. Next thing you know, widespread panic at sea. This is not a good idea. . .

Don't hold your breath on that one! Kamu gila!;)

[rjbean4]

Speaking of cell phones at sea. I have read that the cruise lines that are making it available on their ships also have some strict rules in place so that the useage of them ins't allowed in certain areas on the ship and maybe during certain activintes and times of the day. My mom & I just use our radios during the day and especially during sea days. We are never the only ones and there are always some using them at times we don't.

My mom uses her cell frequently when making long distance calls but spends pretty much the rest of the time turned off. Mine is also off most of the time. I do carry it while at work but leave it off despite the fact that I see co workers with theirs on and using them. My supervisor chewed me out once when I was using mine to keep the phones there open and trying to check on my mom at home to see if she had made it back from Orlando during some severe weather. This is one of only a couple of times I have ever used it from work. My supervisor is BIPOLAR so is very moody. If one of her kids were out in the same situation she would probably do the same thing. But when anyone else does it, well that's a different story.

There is a time and place for people to use a cell phone and there are a lot that have no consideration when using them. Aren't we on a cruise for a vacation to get away from it all? I know people have said when we are cruising that they don't even want to get on a computer to check email when I mention something about that I do some email myself.

My mom's pet peeve is people that have to use thier phones while grocery shopping. Problem is people aren't watching what they are doing and especially with their carts. She frequently has a problem and really lets the other person have it because of their careless actions.

47 cruises on HAL at the age of 41
504 days at sea on 11 different DAM SHIPS
500 day gold medallion holder
9/06 Trans Canal - Westerdam
12/06 Christmas & New Years - Westerdam
if Holland America doesn't go there WE DON'T GO!!!!

[Thogek]

It's sad how a perfectly good tool can acquire such a terrible and vitriolic reputation, not because there's anything at all wrong with the tool, but because so many clueless unthinking people use it so poorly and inconsiderately...

I like cruises for a few reasons, one being that it's a chance to get away from all the things I normally have to deal with day in and day out. These things include searching endlessly for kids that've wandered off and not made it back, having to keep track of specific time schedules that dilute my attempts to relax and impulses to wander at will, etc. Cruising with a family, the FRS radio (or something equivalent) seems an inherently necessary tool for achieving that relaxing vacation, at least for me. And I know I'm not silly enough to scream into the radio or conduct extended conversations over it, especially when amongst others that might not be terribly interested in whatever I'm squawking about. I just want something to allow for quick check-ins and easier spontaneous meetings and the like, so that I can relax and not worry about any of that stuff.

The above is my personal opinion only, my opinions are not necessarily anyone else's, your mileage may vary, blah blah blah.

Revneal, BTW, said this all very well already, so I won't dwell too much on this. :)

What I am particularly interested in, and was hoping to find, was suggestions on what brands and models of FRS radios to use on today's cruiseships. I've only been on two cruises so far, and we brought FRSs with us both times. The first was about four years ago, my kids were seven and ten and eager to explore, and a simple set of FRS radios served as a perfect bridge to allow us to relax and not worry so much about where the kids were or planning our meeting times, although there were times when the radios just didn't seem to connect well. The second was about a year ago, and we bought some newer FRSs with purportedly longer ranges, but these were rather frustrating, had lousy sound quality, didn't reach halfway across the ship, and sometimes just didn't seem to be able to connect to anything. Now that we're coming up on our third cruise in about three months, I'd like to get a new set that we can be happier with, that does not require hollering into the unit or an endless series of "WHAT?"s to get anything across, something with enough channels to be able to avoid tapping into everyone else's "WHAT?"s, etc.

Does anyone have any recommendations along those lines?

Thanks.

[AAAAmerican]

It's sad how a perfectly good tool can acquire such a terrible and vitriolic reputation, not because there's anything at all wrong with the tool, but because so many clueless unthinking people use it so poorly and inconsiderately...

I like cruises for a few reasons, one being that it's a chance to get away from all the things I normally have to deal with day in and day out. These things include searching endlessly for kids that've wandered off and not made it back, having to keep track of specific time schedules that dilute my attempts to relax and impulses to wander at will, etc. Cruising with a family, the FRS radio (or something equivalent) seems an inherently necessary tool for achieving that relaxing vacation, at least for me. And I know I'm not silly enough to scream into the radio or conduct extended conversations over it, especially when amongst others that might not be terribly interested in whatever I'm squawking about. I just want something to allow for quick check-ins and easier spontaneous meetings and the like, so that I can relax and not worry about any of that stuff.

The above is my personal opinion only, my opinions are not necessarily anyone else's, your mileage may vary, blah blah blah.

Revneal, BTW, said this all very well already, so I won't dwell too much on this. :)

What I am particularly interested in, and was hoping to find, was suggestions on what brands and models of FRS radios to use on today's cruiseships. I've only been on two cruises so far, and we brought FRSs with us both times. The first was about four years ago, my kids were seven and ten and eager to explore, and a simple set of FRS radios served as a perfect bridge to allow us to relax and not worry so much about where the kids were or planning our meeting times, although there were times when the radios just didn't seem to connect well. The second was about a year ago, and we bought some newer FRSs with purportedly longer ranges, but these were rather frustrating, had lousy sound quality, didn't reach halfway across the ship, and sometimes just didn't seem to be able to connect to anything. Now that we're coming up on our third cruise in about three months, I'd like to get a new set that we can be happier with, that does not require hollering into the unit or an endless series of "WHAT?"s to get anything across, something with enough channels to be able to avoid tapping into everyone else's "WHAT?"s, etc.

Does anyone have any recommendations along those lines?

Thanks.

The ships are made of plate steel and not many if any radio waves will get through .. similar to a tunnel under water.. EG: Lincoln Tunnel going from NJ to Manhattan Borough, NYC, NY they had to install a copper wire like a dipole so the radio waves could modulate through and you had reception...
Now with the news I posted concerning HAL and other Ship Lines Cellular Phones will be able to be used aboard and much less coast than the ole Ship to Shore.. we had to use Radio Telephones years ago even in our car.. Yes an Amature (HAM) Radio License was/is required on most frequencies..

Aboard Ships Ocean or Air higher wattage units would/may interfere with the sonar , radios, satellite... DOPPLER etc....

Having the basic Ear Bud and Mouth piece is so very courteous to all around..


The Cellular allowed phones will be a great benefit to all the guests aboard and so much less to use to call than the previous methods..

Rev. Dr. Neal was very correct too. His vibrating alert is in a few models of Walkie Talkies.. a nice term coined by American GI's in WWII Europe ... that way nobody hears or feels it but you with an incoming....

I do think on the Left Coast there is the first HAL ship which is equipped with the new cellular available technology aboard...

[Navy_Chief]

Awwwrighty then HoneyGV:eek:

Here's some codes for your walkie talkie use;) :

Ankle biter... Young Child
Back... Over(Back to you)
Back at ya... Answering
Big ten-four... Yes
Bleed over... Interference from another channel
Blowing my windows out... Strong signal
Catch a few Z's... Sleep
Catch you on the flip-flop... Speak to you on the return trip
Come back... Answer back
Come on... Answer back
Do you copy?... Can you here me?
Eighty eights... Love and kisses
Five and nine... Good strong signal
For sure... Definitely
Four on that... Yes
Give me a shout... Answer back
Handset... Walkie talkie
Hit the hay... Sleep
Little woman... Wife
Motor mouth... Walkie talkie user who talks too much
Negatory... No
One-eyed monster... Television
Ratchet jaw...Walkie talkie user who talks too much
Roger that... Yes
Rug Rats... Kids
Seat cover... Attractive woman
Ten Four... Yes,Ok,Roger etc.
Wall to wall and treetop tall... Good strong signal
You got a copy on me... Can you here me
ZZZZ's... Sleep time

Now John, how could you possibly forget that classic "Kojak with a Kodak" (refering to the ship's photographers in this case) :D

[Copper10-8]

Now John, how could you possibly forget that classic "Kojak with a Kodak" (refering to the ship's photographers in this case) :D

Good one Chief!;)