any amateur radio users out there?

[rfoust]

Hi,

 

Just wondering if there are any amateur radio users out there who have ever used a portable radio while on a cruise? Just got my license and will probably take my handheld along.

 

- Robbie

[sanjoseca]

I haven't taken a radio aboard, except a Marine UHF. Maybe I'll take a 2 meter handheld next cruise to see what I can hear. You have to ask for permission from the Captain in order to transmit.

 

73s

 

KI6ATL

[Lightsluvr]

Be careful when you are in territorial waters of a foreign country... unless you are licensed in that country, of course.

 

LL

(ex-AD1S)

[sanjoseca]

You're right, LL, but I will be on the Serenade Coastal....so Canada / US.

[sanjoseca]

You're right, LL, but I will be on the Serenade Coastal....so Canada / US.

[Sande]

This is the first time I ever saw a posting re ham radio on these boards. My Dad was W2LZX and I spent many hours sitting by his side when I was young (even bootlegged a bit myself). Brings back many fond memories.

 

73s & 88s

[starysacz]

Used my 2m HT on the Verandah while in port at Honolulu. Made many QSO'S. Never thought about bringing it on the cruise when cruising to foreign ports.

[Hypo]

I never took any of my radios, though I want to sometime. Technically, you need permission from the Captain or Chief Radio Officer before using any radio transmitting equipment on the ship.

 

Practically, no one asks permission. I know you won't get it from the head office in Miami, (Tried that) but you could ask at the radio room.

 

KC5VF

[alexeliz]

This is the first time I ever saw a posting re ham radio on these boards. My Dad was W2LZX and I spent many hours sitting by his side when I was young (even bootlegged a bit myself). Brings back many fond memories.

 

73s & 88s

 

Wow same here, remember some of the morse code as well I thought ham radio was a dying breed I guess not.

 

My dad still uses it, used to be VE3 FOG now is VE3JK

 

Have a good one.

[ISTDS]

WA1WST Here. First Cruise Coming up. Never even thought To bring any Of my gear.

[FunCruiser56]

My husband (KB0COW) always takes a handheld anytime we travel, cruise or otherwise. We usually just listen, alot of times we are picking up chit chat in languages we can't understand anyway.

When we were on the Song of Norway he did visit the radio room and got some great pictures of it. Course that was back in 1989 so security was not a big issue then...

 

Bev (KB0GLI)

[QTMichele]

WOW! So glad to read this thread! My grandfather is a HAM diehard (W2HD). I'd sit in his "radio shack" (his office with his radios :)) and listen patiently as he transmitted Morse code (never quite catching on to it... lol), but loving the experience nonetheless. What a wonderful art that is, thankfully, alive and well! Have a wonderful cruise! :D

[bovs]

I haven't taken a radio aboard, except a Marine UHF. Maybe I'll take a 2 meter handheld next cruise to see what I can hear. You have to ask for permission from the Captain in order to transmit.

 

73s

 

KI6ATL

 

Simple solution to that is to wait until you are ashore in a port and then transmit. Or you could just "copy the mail."

 

3's and 8s!

[wraithe]

Simple solution to that is to wait until you are ashore in a port and then transmit. Or you could just "copy the mail."

 

3's and 8s!

 

Unfortunately, that doesn't help with the fact that a US license isn't necessarily any good in foreign ports. Not all countries have reciprocal agreements with the US. Like someone else already said, you have to be careful transmitting in other countries territorial waters. Do your homework ahead of time, ensure that reciprocal agreements are in place, or apply for permission to use your equipment. FWIW, here's what RCL says about "radio" equipment, http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do;jsessionid=0000EVc0324hrbM3vs6ADDUgsf5:10ktdmqkf?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Life+Onboard&faqId=2717&faqSubjectId=334&faqType=faq.

 

KD4DYR

[Radiomark]

Although RCL lists "ham radio equipment" as not allowed, you will also read the following in the FAQ section:

 

Q: Are walkie-talkies allowed onboard? A: Dect phones (portable phones) are available to rent for $25.00 a week on Radiance and Voyager class vessels. Guests may reserve a set at the Guest Relations Desk, (price is subject to change). Guests are also allowed to have two-way radios, more commonly know as walkie-talkies, for onboard personal communications. Basic specifications are as follows: Up to 10-mile coverage range, Up to 5 watts power, Internal Voice, Operated Transmission, No external mounting antenna.

 

 

It would seem to me that an amateur HT operating at 5 watts would certainly qualify as a walkie-talkie just as much as an FRS radio or any other HT/walkie-talkie that you would bring on board. An HT antenna is attached and you would be operating voice. I don't think this is an issue. I think RCL is referring to large transceivers, external antennas, etc.

[ricka47]

Hi, I've never tried that and wonder what the XYL would say! I have heard some folks use their laptops to operate CQ100 though (http://qsonet.com/). 73 Rick, KQ4Y

[Tiggerbuddy]

While both my DW and I are licensed we use FRS radios to avoid any legal complication.

I always bring my trusty R-10 wideband receiver with me to monitor local traffic and do a little SWL off our balcony.

 

73 Mike WB2BLJ

[maxs mom]

Wow! This thread has brought a little tear to my eye as my late father was an avid ham radio operator (K4QMY). I, too, sat as a child in the 50's and early 60's in his "shack" and had a ball talking to folks all over the world. It was a great experience.

[lawsoncd3]

Wow... I haven't even thought of that before. I remember getting my license (KC7ENW) and having my kids sit on my lap when I would get on. Thanks for the smile this morning :)

 

D :)

[sharpie13]

I never brought any radio equipment on board. Hypo is correct, you need to aquire premission from the Captain or CRO before transmitting. I do see pesons with HTs on deck from time to time.

 

73s

KK6WZ

[Radiomark]

I had written Holland America for permission to use ham radio HTs (VHF/UHF) on our upcoming Alaska cruise. The response I got back from the cruiseline was that it would be ok to bring my radios and use them with no repercussions.

 

Mark

WØBG

[skedman]

I would definitely check the current list of countries with reciprocal agreements before I even thought about packing my rig.

 

Monty (KB7QQA)

[Radiomark]

Checking this list is certainly important. I can tell you that on our last cruise we had stops in Antigua, St Maarten, St Lucia and Barbados. We have reciprocal agreements with each these. Most of the Caribbean is covered.

 

Mark

[Houtx1559]

I never brought any radio equipment on board. Hypo is correct, you need to aquire premission from the Captain or CRO before transmitting. I do see pesons with HTs on deck from time to time.

 

73s

KK6WZ

 

Actually, permission of the CRO or Captain isn't enough legally. As ARRL notes..."If the ship is of foreign registry, you must obtain a reciprocal operating authorization from the country of registry"... which would have to be obtained from an Embassy or Consulate.

 

Here is a link to the ARRL FAQ:

http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/regulations/io/maritime.html#wife

 

 

Gene N5ABI

[bubbadog]

am thinking of bringing my scanner and picking up the marine channels to hear capt and pilot boats etc etc,sounds kinda fun to hear what they are chit chatting about lol:));)