[MRCA] Cruise Ship MM

[Warren K2ORS]

Eugene,

     I tried operating MM from on an Alaskan cruise 10yrs ago with ZERO 
success. I had my Icom 706 and a B&W vacationer antenna (base loaded 
whip that I had out on the balcony with counterpoise wire). Heard NO 
signals whatsoever but did hear lots of electrical noise generated by 
equipment on the ship. Tried different bands/modes etc.
I did manage to blow out the telephone in my cabin though - I packed up 
my gear and told them the phone was broken, they replaced the phone.

      I can't say that my results are typical since I haven't done any 
other cruises to compare it with. Propagation is often poor in Alaska 
with high absorption since you are directly under the auroral oval. I 
had moderate success operating portable on the ground in Alaska. I have 
had good success operating from the Staten Island Ferry on 6 meter ssb 
and have operated 20m ssb from the cross Sound Ferry from Port Jefferson 
to New London where I checked into the maritime mobile net.

73 & have fun!

Warren K2ORS