GPS for Caribbean or Europe?

[silvercruiser]

I understand there are handheld GPS systems that include the Caribbean and also Europe. Does anyone have one? What brand? I looked at the Garmin website, but couldn't figure out the details on the different models. Can't find a phone number to call and ask. Sure would be nice to know what all those islands we sail past are all about.

[pms4104]

We have Garmin hand-held eTrex Legends loaded with USA maps. We do use them when we are in port, mostly to mark waypoints to help us back to the ship or a particular point of interest, should we get turned around.

Try the following numers to contact Garmin: 800-800-1020 or 913-397-8200.
We have contacted them on rare occasion, and they should be willing to direct you to someone in their facility to answer your questions.

Further ... I've not poked around on the Garmin website for awhile, but their likely is a "contact us" link.

[silvercruiser]

Thanks. I sort of wanted to just e-mail them, but will try the phone. There are so many to choose from and I don't really want an ultra expensive one. We gave up road trips a few years ago and now just cruise lots all over the world.

[pms4104]

I think the entry level hand-held that holds maps (the unit in the yellow case is not mappable) is approx $150 ... then again, I haven't checked prices lately and our units are a couple of years old. Magellan is another maker of reasonably priced handhelds, but I am not familiar with their mapping capability.

Our units were pre-loaded with basic US maps, and they came with software for more detailed US mapping. Not sure ... but you may need to buy the Europe or Carib software and it may be similar in cost to the actual unit.

You might try a Google search and see if you can find a retailer in your area who's willing to answer some of your questions. Sporting goods chains or electronic stores may have some knowledgeable staff to assist you.

[CrystalLady]

Sorry I can't answer your question, but I certainly compliment you on your most interesting tally of cruises! May you enjoy many more.

[silvercruiser]

Thanks for the suggestions...also on our choice of cruses. We just love cruising.

[ALB0711]

Garmin has a product called Garmin Mapsource World Map, do a search on Amazon and you will find it. I had a Garmin Etrex and have recently purchased a Garmin 60csx. Both of these had very basic world maps built into them, but the Mapsource world map adds a lot more detail.

On our last two crusies I've brought my GPS and knew hours before any offical announcements if we were going to be late to a port. They prove to be very handy!

Allen

[Ask4Jay]

I also have a Garmin e-trex Legend. On a cruise I normally do not use the map display, because it is too small to read. I just punch in the coordinates (from a good atlas) or I take a reading when in port, and accumulate those readings in a list. I then use the compass display that gives the direction and distance to the next port. Good enough for my purposes. Once in port, I update the position.

Crusing Latitudes & Longitudes
Barcelona 41°23N 2°11E
Belize City 17°30N 88°12W
Bermuda, K.W. 39°19N 64°50W
Bermuda, St.G. 32°13N 64°24W
Civitavecchia 42°03N 11°29E
Cobh, Ireland 51°51N 8°17W
Cozumel 20°43N 86°85W
Dover, GB 51°08N 1°19E
Funchal, Madeira 32°38N 16°54W
Georgetown, Gr. C.19°27N 81°34W
Gibraltar, Strait of 35°57N 5°36W
Grt Stirrup Cay 25°50N 77°55W
Hamburg, Germany 53°20N 9°35E
Hamilton, Berm. 32°15N 64°45W
Ibiza, Spain 38°54N 1°26E
Irakleion, Crete 35°12N 25°05E
Kiel, Germany 54°20N 10°08E
Miami, FL 25°76N 80°11W
Naples 40°31N 14°10E
Nassau, Bahamas 25°05N 77°21W
NYC Manh 40°46.22N 73°59.734W
Newport, RI 41°21N 071°20W
Oslo, Norway 59°55N 10°45E
Piraeus, Greece 37°34N 23°23E
Ponta Delgada 37°26N 25°24W
Reykjavik, Iceland 64°09N 21°51W
Roatan, Honduras 16°37N 86°47W
St. John's NF, 47°34N 52°43W
Statue of Liberty 40° 42N 74°03W
Verrazano Bridge 40°36N 74°03W

[infohunter]

We love our little garmin handheld.... used to have a legend and last year we added a eTrex Vista Cx. The color screen is so much nicer. To compare the different units go to http://www.garmin.com/garmin/cms/site/us/etrexseries.

Haven't used this on a cruise yet... back in 2002 we took a long trip to Australia. So we purchased the maps from Garmin for Australia and loaded that into our eTrex legend. We used the laptop interface to help us plot our routings each day and because of the small screen size would also use the laptop hooked to the garmin to use in the car.

We are looking forward to using the eTrex Vista in December as we cruise on HAL. Will probably purchase the world map CD for this trip.

Garmins page that lists available maps is at http://www8.garmin.com/cartography/ontheRoad/

Highly recommend Garmin units. We use the two units now in the car. A little small to read while driving but they do come in handy when we find that we are lost. At some point we may purchase a unit for specifically for the car just haven't justified that purchase yet. So many other gadgets that I would rather purchase.

[silvercruiser]

I don't quite understand how you input the info from the Garmin worldmap CD into the handheld, but if I buy one I'll figure it out. Thanks for all the advice.

[Suitegurl]

A good source is thegpsstore dot com. They sell all major lines and accessories. They are VERY helpful; often more than the manufacturer. Usually the best price on the internet. Look at bottom right corner for e-mail address.

[ALB0711]

I don't quite understand how you input the info from the Garmin worldmap CD into the handheld, but if I buy one I'll figure it out. Thanks for all the advice.

My GPS connects to my computer using the USB port. When you open mapsource, you can select regions you want on your gps and have those regions transferred into the gips unit by selecting the "send to gps" icon. Not too difficult once you've done it a few time.

[cruiserfromohio]

Just to clarify. GPS, per se, works worldwide. In addition, there are various augmentations to improve the accuracy of the GPS system. Many GPS receivers seamlessly integrate the basic GPS fix and the augmentation data into a fix, so the user gets the best available position fix. The maps are a "value-added" product that various manufacturers provide. The maps take the GPS navigation fix and translate the lat-long (with GPS you also get time) into the visual framework of a map. As was suggested earlier, thegpsstore.com is an excellent source of information and pricing on GPS receivers.

[webcruise]

Look at the NUVI 670. It has Europe maps built
in.

It is also called a travel assistant that has other features built in such as currency converter, world clocks, language translators, points of interest.

Some of these are extra cost software, but unbelievable capabilities . http://gpsnow.com/garmin_nuvi_670.htm#info
Jim