Royal Caribbean's policy on personal radios confuses many cruisers - and understandably so. The prohibited items list bans HAM radios, baby monitors, and "other transmitting devices," yet two-way radios are explicitly allowed. The distinction comes down to transmission characteristics, not device categories, though the reality of enforcing these policies at embarkation adds another layer of complexity.
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What Cruisers Should Know About Radio Policies
- Two-way radios meeting specific parameters - up to 5 watts, up to 10 miles range, internal antenna only - are explicitly permitted on Royal Caribbean ships.
- HAM radios are prohibited because they transmit at much higher power levels across frequencies that could interfere with ship navigation and safety systems.
- Baby monitors have been banned, unbanned, and banned again throughout 2024-2025, so verifying current policy before your cruise is essential.
- The "other transmitting devices" language in cruise policies is a catch-all covering travel routers, signal boosters, and similar equipment that could disrupt onboard systems.
- Standard FRS and GMRS walkie-talkies purchased at retail stores typically meet cruise requirements, but embarkation security may not understand these distinctions.
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A reader recently reached out confused about this exact issue - why would a cruise line ban baby monitors but allow walkie-talkies? I'm not alone in this - it is confusing and I've considered bringing my own FRS/GMRS handsets on board as an alternative to expensive international roaming charges or the hassle of eSIM setup for shore excursions. These radios work great for off-roading and would be convenient for keeping a group connected in port. But despite the policy being clear online, I've hesitated to risk having equipment confiscated by security personnel who may not understand the technical distinctions between compliant walkie-talkies and prohibited transmitting devices.
What Royal Caribbean Actually Allows
Royal Caribbean's policy permits two-way radios that meet specific parameters: up to 5 watts of power, up to 10 miles of range, internal voice operated transmission, and no external antenna. This describes standard FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) walkie-talkies - the kind families purchase at sporting goods stores for camping and cruise ships.
These devices operate on designated frequencies around 462-467 MHz that don't conflict with ship navigation, safety systems, or onboard communication infrastructure. Their push-to-talk operation means they only transmit briefly when someone presses the button, minimizing any potential interference.
For cruisers traveling with groups spread across a large vessel, walkie-talkies remain one of the most reliable ways to coordinate meetups and activities. If you're considering a pair, our review of the best cruise walkie-talkies covers models that meet cruise line requirements.
It's worth noting that not all cruise lines share this policy. Norwegian Cruise Line has banned walkie-talkies entirely - no exceptions, no specifications, just an outright prohibition. If you cruise multiple lines, always verify the specific policy for your sailing.
FRS vs. GMRS: What's the Difference?
Both FRS and GMRS radios are generally cruise-compliant, but they differ in important ways.
FRS radios are limited to 2 watts of power and require no license. They're the most common type sold at retail stores and work perfectly for shipboard communication where distances are relatively short.
GMRS radios can transmit at higher power levels - up to 5 watts on handheld devices - and technically require an FCC license ($35, valid for 10 years, covers your whole family). The additional power helps in port when your group might spread out across a larger area.
Both types fall within Royal Caribbean's stated parameters and won't cause issues at embarkation - at least according to policy.
Why HAM Radios Are Prohibited
HAM (amateur) radios operate in a completely different category. Licensed amateur radio operators can transmit at up to 1,500 watts across a wide range of frequencies - the kind of power and frequency flexibility that creates genuine potential for interference with ship systems. Maritime vessels rely on specific radio frequencies for navigation, communication with ports, and safety operations. A HAM radio transmitting on or near those frequencies could create serious problems.
The Baby Monitor Situation
Baby monitors have become a complicated topic on Royal Caribbean. The cruise line has flip-flopped on this policy multiple times throughout 2024 and 2025. In late September 2024, baby monitors were added to the prohibited list. By April 2025, they were briefly permitted again. As of recent policy updates, they appear to be prohibited once more, with Royal Caribbean citing potential interference with ship communication and navigation systems.
Modern video monitors transmit continuously on frequencies (900MHz, 2.4GHz, or DECT 1.9GHz bands) that can overlap with ship WiFi networks and internal communication systems. Unlike push-to-talk radios that transmit briefly, baby monitors broadcast constantly whenever powered on.
Given the policy instability, parents traveling with young children should verify the current policy directly with Royal Caribbean or consult with a travel advisor before packing a baby monitor. What's permitted today may not be permitted next month.
Travel routers and signal boosters fall under the same logic as other prohibited transmitters. These devices create their own WiFi networks or amplify cellular signals in ways that interfere with the ship's paid WiFi infrastructure and could affect other electronic systems.
The Embarkation Reality
Here's the uncomfortable truth: while cruise line security personnel generally do an excellent job keeping ships and passengers safe, the distinction between a compliant FRS walkie-talkie and a prohibited HAM radio is technical and nuanced. You can't assume that every security officer screening thousands of passengers will understand these differences, even when the cruise line's online policy is perfectly clear.
If your radios get flagged during screening, they'll be confiscated and held until the end of the cruise - assuming they don't get lost in the shuffle of managing thousands of confiscated items. For expensive equipment you rely on regularly, that's a real risk to consider.
One approach: print out Royal Caribbean's specific walkie-talkie policy showing the permitted specifications, and bring documentation showing your radios meet those parameters. It won't guarantee smooth passage through security, but it provides a concrete reference point if questions arise.
It's About Interference, Not Device Names
The key insight for confused cruisers: Royal Caribbean isn't arbitrarily banning some radios while allowing others. The policy targets transmission characteristics that could interfere with ship operations. Low-power, designated-frequency, push-to-talk devices are fine. High-power transmitters and continuously broadcasting monitors are not. Once you understand the logic, the policy makes considerably more sense - even if enforcement remains unpredictable.
If you have questions about what's currently permitted, contact Royal Caribbean directly or work with a travel advisor who can get you current answers. These policies change, and cruise hacks that actually work include knowing the rules before you pack.
Thanks for reading. We hope this was helpful!
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