How to Use FRS Radios on a Cruise Ship

FRS is like your personal shipboard "radio room."

Family Radio Service (FRS) radios offer an attractive option for staying in touch with family members aboard a large cruise ship. Short-range walkie-talkies, these radios require no license or technical knowledge to operate, and can be purchased at many discount stores prior to your cruise. Their simplicity make FRS an ideal cruise companion to help you keep tabs on your kids during the day or remind your spouse of evening dinner plans simply by pushing a button.

Things You'll Need

• 2 FRS units

Instructions

1. Press the "Talk" button and hold the button down while you speak. If you have more than two FRS radio units--one for your spouse, another for a child or teenager--it's usually best to say the name of the person you're calling.

2. Release the "Talk" button in order to listen for a response. FRS radios are "one way" communication: you must wait for the other person to finish speaking before they can hear you. When you press the "Talk" button, the radio will transmit, but not receive.

3. Try your radio in various locations aboard ship. FRS radios are short-range and walls, floors or ceilings can interfere with calls. Have your spouse try to call you when you are in your cabin and they are in the dining room or the ship's shopping area to find out how well the radios work in different locations aboard.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you board your ship, ask your travel agent if the cruise line restricts the use of FRS radios while on board.

• FRS radios may be used at sea, in the United States or its territories. They may not be used in territories controlled by foreign governments. (REF 1)

References

• FCC: Family Radio Service (FRS)

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Federal Communications Commission: Personal Radio Services