[MRCA] Cruise Ship prohibited Items

[mstangelo at comcast.net]

I came upon an article today reporting that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has added travel routers to their list of prohibited items. It seems that people are working on cruises and using the routes to establish a single internet connection but the company wants you to pay for each internet connection.

I wanted to see what else was prohibited and found this list:

<https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/prohibited-items-onboard-policy>

Some observations.

- "HAM Radios or other transmitting devices are prohibited". They claim it could interfere with the ship's communications.

- They do allow "two-way radios, more commonly known 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". I assume they mean FRS radios. You may get away with a low power Amateur Radio HT but to follow the rules you would have to be licensed by the country of the ship's registry.

- "Restricted Clothing:
Barbados: Wearing camouflage and/or military apparel is illegal in Barbados. Clothing of this nature will be confiscated and the wearer may be charged by local authorities".

I wonder if Barbados would have issues bringing a military radio to the island.

Has anyone has experience using Ham radio on board a cruise ship recently? I remember you had to be licensed by the country of the ship's registry and get the permission of the ship's captain. Do any cruise line allow it these days?

Mike N2MS