Walkie Talkies Are Not Allowed on Carnival Cruise Ships

Carnival Cruise Line prohibits passengers from bringing walkie talkies, two-way radios, or any similar communication devices aboard their ships. This rule applies to all vessels in the Carnival fleet, regardless of the length of your cruise or your cabin location. The policy exists because these devices can interfere with the ship's own communication and navigation systems, which are critical to safe operation at sea.

If you pack a walkie talkie and it is discovered during the security screening at the port, Carnival staff will confiscate it. You will not be able to retrieve it during your cruise, and in most cases you will not get it back after disembarkation either. The device becomes the property of the cruise line once it is seized.

Key Takeaways

  • Walkie talkies and two-way radios are prohibited on all Carnival ships and will be confiscated at the security checkpoint before boarding.
  • The ban covers any device that transmits on radio frequencies, including family radios, CB radios, and amateur radio equipment.
  • Carnival provides free cabin phones and charges a daily fee for cell phone service through their onboard network, which are the approved ways to stay in touch while at sea.
  • If you need to communicate with family members on the ship, you can use the ship's phone system, text messaging through the Carnival Hub app, or meet in designated public areas.
  • Confiscated devices are typically not returned, so do not pack communication equipment you cannot afford to lose.

Why Cruise Lines Ban Two-Way Radios

Walkie talkies operate on radio frequencies that can overlap with or interfere with the ship's navigation, radar, and internal communication systems. A cruise ship relies on precise radio signals for bridge-to-engine communication, weather monitoring, and coordination with other vessels and port authorities. Even a low-power handheld radio can create interference that disrupts these critical systems, especially when the ship is at sea far from land.

Beyond safety concerns, cruise lines also restrict personal communication devices to protect their own revenue from onboard phone and messaging services. Passengers who could use walkie talkies to stay in contact with family members in their cabins would have no reason to purchase Carnival's communication packages. This is a business decision as much as a safety one, but the safety argument is genuine and is the reason cited in Carnival's official policies.

What Communication Devices You Can Use Instead

Carnival provides a cabin phone in every stateroom at no charge for outgoing calls to other cabins on the ship. You can call another passenger's cabin directly if you know their cabin number, or you can ask the front desk to connect you. This is the simplest way to reach someone in another part of the ship without leaving your cabin.

The Carnival Hub mobile app allows you to send text messages to other passengers on the ship for free if you both have the app installed. You can also use the app to check your onboard account balance, view dining reservations, and access the daily program. This is the most practical option if you and your travel companions all have smartphones.

Carnival also offers a paid cell phone service called Viya Mobile that works at sea. Rates vary depending on your plan, but a daily pass typically costs between $7 and $10 per day. This allows you to use your own cell phone to make calls and send text messages as if you were on land, though the connection is slower and less reliable than shore-based networks.

Items Confiscated at Security and Not Returned

Carnival's security screening at the port entrance is thorough, and officers are trained to identify communication devices. If a walkie talkie is found in your carry-on bag or checked luggage, it will be removed before you board. You will receive a receipt, but this receipt does not may provide return of the item.

In practice, confiscated walkie talkies and radios are rarely returned after your cruise ends. Some cruise lines have policies that allow return of prohibited items after a certain period, but Carnival's standard practice is to retain them. If the device is valuable or irreplaceable, the loss is yours to absorb. This is why it is critical to review the prohibited items list before packing.

Other Prohibited Communication and Electronic Devices

Walkie talkies are not the only communication devices banned on Carnival ships. The prohibited list also includes CB radios, amateur radio equipment, satellite phones, and any device that transmits on radio frequencies. Personal drones are also prohibited, as are devices that jam or interfere with radio signals.

Laptops, tablets, and e-readers are allowed, and you can use them to connect to the ship's Wi-Fi network (which requires a paid package). Standard cell phones are allowed but will not work at sea unless you purchase the Viya Mobile service. Bluetooth speakers and headphones are permitted for personal use in your cabin.

How to Prepare for Your Cruise Without Walkie Talkies

If you were planning to use walkie talkies to stay in touch with family members while exploring different areas of the ship, plan an alternative strategy instead. Agree on a meeting time and location in a public area like the main atrium or a specific dining venue. Most families find that the ship is small enough that you can reconnect easily without constant communication.

If you are traveling with children and want to keep tabs on them, the Carnival Hub app is your best option. You can message them from your cabin or from anywhere on the ship, and they can reach you the same way. For families with very young children, consider staying in nearby cabins or booking a larger suite where everyone can stay together.

read the Carnival Hub app before your cruise and set it up with all traveling companions while you are still on shore. This way, everyone will be familiar with how to use it and you will not waste time troubleshooting technical issues once you board.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I bring a walkie talkie and it is found?

Carnival security will confiscate it at the port before you board. You will receive a receipt but the device will not be returned after your cruise. You will lose the walkie talkie entirely, so do not pack any communication device you cannot afford to lose.

Can I use my cell phone to call other passengers on the ship?

Your cell phone will not have a signal at sea unless you purchase Carnival's Viya Mobile service, which costs $7 to $10 per day. To reach other passengers, use the cabin phone in your stateroom (free for calls to other cabins) or the Carnival Hub app (free text messaging between passengers).

Are there any exceptions to the walkie talkie ban for families with children?

No. Carnival does not make exceptions to the communication device ban for any reason. Families with children should use the cabin phone, the Carnival Hub app, or plan to meet in public areas of the ship instead.

Do I need to buy Wi-Fi to use the Carnival Hub app?

Yes. The Carnival Hub app requires an internet connection, which means you need to purchase a Wi-Fi package from Carnival. Packages range from daily passes to full-cruise plans. Once you are connected, messaging other passengers through the app is free.

What if I forget and pack a walkie talkie by accident?

Tell a crew member at the security checkpoint before your bag is screened. Some cruise lines will allow you to ship the item back to your home address or leave it with the port authority, though this is not may provide. It is better to check your bags carefully before arriving at the port.