10 Best Walkie Talkies Long Range For Cruise Ships 2025 in the United States

The Motorola Solutions T470 Talkabout radios are a solid choice for long-range communication on cruise ships or similar outdoor settings. They operate on license-free FRS frequencies, offering 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, which helps reduce interference from other users—useful in busy environments. The radios claim a range up to 1.6 kilometers (about 1 mile), which is reasonable for ship decks and nearby areas but less than the '35 miles' sometimes advertised under ideal conditions, so don’t expect it to work across large open waters.

Battery life is decent, with up to 12 hours using rechargeable NiMH batteries included in the package. The dual power option means you can also use standard AA batteries if needed, adding flexibility. The units are fairly lightweight (around 6.4 ounces each) and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating, so they can handle splashes and light rain but aren’t fully waterproof for heavy exposure.

Additional features like a built-in flashlight, NOAA weather alerts, and emergency alarms add practical value for safety and convenience during trips. The size is moderately compact but might feel a bit bulky in tight spaces. These radios cover basic durability and essential communication needs; however, the range and water resistance may not be ideal for very large ships or harsh marine conditions. The Motorola T470 radios suit cruise ship passengers or crew needing reliable, easy-to-use walkie-talkies for close to medium-range contact, balancing essential features with user-friendly design, though those needing extended range or full waterproofing might want to consider other options.

The Motorola Solutions T210 Talkabout Two-Way Radios offer a solid option for communication on cruise ships. With a range of up to 20 miles, these radios are suitable for onboard communication and may handle some off-ship excursions, though actual performance can vary depending on terrain and conditions. The 22 available channels and 121 privacy codes offer 2,662 combinations, helping to ensure you can find a clear line for communication even in busy environments. These units are compatible with any FRS radio, which can be useful for communicating with others who might have different brands of radios.

Battery life is reasonably strong with approximately 18 hours of use from the included 800mAH rechargeable battery, which should be sufficient for a full day of activities. The radios also include 11 weather channels to keep you informed of any changes in weather conditions, a valuable feature for outdoor activities. Durability and water resistance are adequate, making them a reasonable choice for a cruise ship environment where occasional splashes might occur. However, they are not fully waterproof, so they should not be submerged.

The compact size and lightweight design (1 pound) make them easy to carry around. Some users have noted the product's ease of use and clear sound quality as positives, although the range might be less than advertised in certain conditions. The Motorola T210 offers a good balance between performance and convenience for general use on a cruise ship.

The Motorola Solutions Portable FRS T114TP Talkabout Two-Way Radios offer a good mix of features that can be useful on a cruise ship. With 22 channels and 121 privacy codes, these radios provide 2,662 combinations, making it easy to find an available channel and maintain privacy. They are also compatible with any FRS radio, allowing communication across different brands, which is convenient if not everyone in your group uses the same model.

The radios claim a range of up to 16 miles, but actual performance will depend on the terrain and conditions, which means the range could be significantly shorter on a cruise ship with many obstructions. Battery life is decent at approximately 19 hours with three AA batteries, and a low battery warning helps ensure you are not caught off guard. However, they are not water-resistant, which is a notable drawback for use on a cruise ship where there is a risk of exposure to water.

The radios are lightweight at 2.7 ounces and compact, measuring 1.91 x 1.05 x 5.35 inches each, making them easy to carry around. Durability may be a concern due to the lack of water resistance and potentially limited ruggedness. The package includes three radios, three belt clips, and 24 personalization stickers, which is a nice touch for keeping track of each device. If water exposure is not a significant concern, these walkie-talkies offer good functionality and ease of use for communication on a cruise ship.