Yes, your cruise line (and others) specifically prohibits ham gear ...
http://tinyurl.com/no-ham-rccl
Personally, my wife and I found it difficult to find much spare time on our week-long cruise from Vancouver to Alaska ... Maybe because it was our first cruise ... I imagined relaxing and reclining on deck in a chaise lounge, reading ... that NEVER happened ... (grin)
I would approach your travel agent. He/she know the right people to contact for such requests. Ours got some "magic" done for us, and we were very appreciative.
Clint Bradford, K6LCS Cruise pics - http://tinyurl.com/k6lcs-cruise
Thanks, Clint -- I noticed that the same cruise line allows walkie-talkies up to 5 watts. That sounds like an HT to me, but we'll see.
http://tinyurl.com/rccl-htYour cruise photos looked great! Makes me miss Alaska even more...
On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM, Clint Bradford [email protected]wrote:
Yes, your cruise line (and others) specifically prohibits ham gear ...
http://tinyurl.com/no-ham-rccl
Personally, my wife and I found it difficult to find much spare time on our week-long cruise from Vancouver to Alaska ... Maybe because it was our first cruise ... I imagined relaxing and reclining on deck in a chaise lounge, reading ... that NEVER happened ... (grin)
I would approach your travel agent. He/she know the right people to contact for such requests. Ours got some "magic" done for us, and we were very appreciative.
Clint Bradford, K6LCS Cruise pics - http://tinyurl.com/k6lcs-cruise
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Our Alaska cruise was on Holland America ... and they KNEW we were an amateur radio club. I had a party in my suite ... took my laptop along. Learned firsthand all about "international roaming charges" with my Verizon Wireless plug-in card (grin).
I even rented a sat phone - but only used it once. We had a family health situation that we wanted to keep on top of ... but all went well.
By the way - leave the tuna sandwiches at home. They have a little food on board these things. One night the ship's physician ate at our table. I leaned over and asked him quietly, "Doctor, what are the symptoms of 'salmon overdose'? 'Cause that's all my wife has been eating the past several days ... "
Clint, K6LCS http://tinyurl.com/YURI-K6LCS
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that allow it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
This topic comes up over and over, and someday when I retire, I too am going to want to go on cruise, AND take ham radio along, and so I too will be asking this question.
So this is a good INFO topic that we need to collectively nail down, and then get it permanently posted on the AMSAT web page...
Thanks... Then we can UPDATE it as new info comes in (everyone write their cruise ship and indicate you're not taking their cruise if you cannot bring your radio)...
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Bryan Green Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 1:50 AM To: Clint Bradford Cc: [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Ham Radios on Cruises
Thanks, Clint -- I noticed that the same cruise line allows walkie-talkies up to 5 watts. That sounds like an HT to me, but we'll see.
http://tinyurl.com/rccl-htYour cruise photos looked great! Makes me miss Alaska even more...
On Mon, Feb 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM, Clint Bradford [email protected]wrote:
Yes, your cruise line (and others) specifically prohibits ham gear ...
http://tinyurl.com/no-ham-rccl
Personally, my wife and I found it difficult to find much spare time on
our
week-long cruise from Vancouver to Alaska ... Maybe because it was our
first
cruise ... I imagined relaxing and reclining on deck in a chaise lounge, reading ... that NEVER happened ... (grin)
I would approach your travel agent. He/she know the right people to
contact
for such requests. Ours got some "magic" done for us, and we were very appreciative.
Clint Bradford, K6LCS Cruise pics - http://tinyurl.com/k6lcs-cruise
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
_______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that allow
it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
Not really. The cruise line I used prohibits it - on their Web site. But our group asked and was allowed free reign with our gear.
So a Web page citing that Holland America prohibits anything is irrelevant.
The best advice, IMHO, is to ask your travel agent for assistance with any "extraordinary" requests.
Clint, K6LCS
NO, this is exactly the info we need. The entry would be:
Holand America - Prohibited. But exceptions have been made *
*And then site the exceptions, who, when.
That is a LOT more info than NO listing at all.
Bob, WB4APR
-----Original Message----- From: Clint Bradford [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 12:21 PM To: Bob Bruninga Cc: 'Bryan Green'; [email protected] Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Ham Radios on Cruises
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that
allow it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
Not really. The cruise line I used prohibits it - on their Web site. But our group asked and was allowed free reign with our gear.
So a Web page citing that Holland America prohibits anything is irrelevant.
The best advice, IMHO, is to ask your travel agent for assistance with any "extraordinary" requests.
Clint, K6LCS
I just do not see the point of a "list" of cruise lines. Exceptions are made every day to accommodate guests' requests.
The most accurate, informative, and responsible statement we could make is ...
"On most cruise Web sites, you will find that ham radio gear on board is listed as "prohibited." But a savvy travel agent - or a personal request to the proper authority - can probably accommodate your urge to take ham gear with you on your cruise."
... Holland America - Prohibited. But exceptions have been made ...
On Tue, Mar 1, 2011 at 9:57 AM, Bob Bruninga [email protected] wrote:
NO, this is exactly the info we need. The entry would be:
Holand America - Prohibited. But exceptions have been made *
*And then site the exceptions, who, when.
That is a LOT more info than NO listing at all.
Bob, WB4APR
Bob, I get the feeling that would be the entry for all the cruise lines. Perhaps a document representing the current experience and advice would be most helpful. I'll see what I can do.
Bob et all,
It might be a good idea to consult with the most current FCC regulations. The sticker here is that almost all cruise lines are foreign flagged, and thus a foreign country. In the past, FCC regulations stated that US hams could operate on US flagged ships on the high seas, with the captain's permission. However, there are several treaties, the US is a signatory to, making it much easier for hams to operate outside their home countries.
To make a long story short, any vessel on the high seas is the country whose flag it flies, thus comes under the regulation of that particular country. Case in point, a US private yacht whose master (a US citizen obtained a foreign ham license i.e. Mexico, needs a visitors US ham license and call, in order to operate on the high seas (international waters). He also needs permission from himself, being the captain of a US flagged vessel, to do so.
The way I see it, if you operate from a Norwegian flagged cruise liner, you would need a Norwegian ham call and the captain's permission to operate on the high seas. Now, as soon as you enter French Polynesian waters, you need to deal with the French. The French will gladly give you a guest license, based on your American FCC license. But then you cannot operate from the Norwegian flagged ship. You can sit in a cafe in Tahiti and talk on your hand held to your heart's contend, but don't try it from the cruise ship. The exception here would be if you hold both, a US and a Norwegian ham license, Then the French will issue you a guest license based on your Norwegian license. Complicated, you bet. Best is to apply for a guest license before you go on the cruise.
One more caution. In some countries it is illegal to possess radio equipment that is capable to transmit or receive on frequencies outside their alloted ham frequencies. Australia is very strict in enforcing that restriction. Don't get caught with a ham radio modified for MARS use. That is a no no and can earn you a hefty fine.
73, Peter, NH6VB
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2011 10:25:52 -0800 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] CC: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Ham Radios on Cruises
On Tue, Mar 1, 2011 at 9:57 AM, Bob Bruninga [email protected] wrote:
NO, this is exactly the info we need. The entry would be:
Holand America - Prohibited. But exceptions have been made *
*And then site the exceptions, who, when.
That is a LOT more info than NO listing at all.
Bob, WB4APR
Bob, I get the feeling that would be the entry for all the cruise lines. Perhaps a document representing the current experience and advice would be most helpful. I'll see what I can do. _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Are there other countries outside the USA ? I am unsure now
Sent from my iPhone Andrew Rich
On 02/03/2011, at 6:41, nh6vb Scheller [email protected] wrote:
Bob et all,
It might be a good idea to consult with the most current FCC regulations. The sticker here is that almost all cruise lines are foreign flagged, and thus a foreign country. In the past, FCC regulations stated that US hams could operate on US flagged ships on the high seas, with the captain's permission. However, there are several treaties, the US is a signatory to, making it much easier for hams to operate outside their home countries.
To make a long story short, any vessel on the high seas is the country whose flag it flies, thus comes under the regulation of that particular country. Case in point, a US private yacht whose master (a US citizen obtained a foreign ham license i.e. Mexico, needs a visitors US ham license and call, in order to operate on the high seas (international waters). He also needs permission from himself, being the captain of a US flagged vessel, to do so.
The way I see it, if you operate from a Norwegian flagged cruise liner, you would need a Norwegian ham call and the captain's permission to operate on the high seas. Now, as soon as you enter French Polynesian waters, you need to deal with the French. The French will gladly give you a guest license, based on your American FCC license. But then you cannot operate from the Norwegian flagged ship. You can sit in a cafe in Tahiti and talk on your hand held to your heart's contend, but don't try it from the cruise ship. The exception here would be if you hold both, a US and a Norwegian ham license, Then the French will issue you a guest license based on your Norwegian license. Complicated, you bet. Best is to apply for a guest license before you go on the cruise.
One more caution. In some countries it is illegal to possess radio equipment that is capable to transmit or receive on frequencies outside their alloted ham frequencies. Australia is very strict in enforcing that restriction. Don't get caught with a ham radio modified for MARS use. That is a no no and can earn you a hefty fine.
73, Peter, NH6VB
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2011 10:25:52 -0800 From: [email protected] To: [email protected] CC: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Ham Radios on Cruises
On Tue, Mar 1, 2011 at 9:57 AM, Bob Bruninga [email protected] wrote:
NO, this is exactly the info we need. The entry would be:
Holand America - Prohibited. But exceptions have been made *
*And then site the exceptions, who, when.
That is a LOT more info than NO listing at all.
Bob, WB4APR
Bob, I get the feeling that would be the entry for all the cruise lines. Perhaps a document representing the current experience and advice would be most helpful. I'll see what I can do. _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
... Holland America - Prohibited. But exceptions have been made ...
Any published "list o' exceptions" is only asking its author for trouble.
I mean, just because I can socially engineer around some "barricades" does not mean that everyone can ... or should be able to (g).
It is one of those "life's common sense" matters, IMHO. Ask the proper people politely, and you usually get what you need.
Clint
AMATEUR RADIO ON CRUISE LINES
Very few - if any - cruise lines will publicly state that amateur radio gear is welcome on passenger cruises. As we researched the sites of over 60 lines, most actually state that "amateur radio gear is prohibited" on board.
But exceptions are made daily on many aspects of your travel. If you absolutely must take your ham gear with you, then talk with your travel agent. They know the contacts to make things happen for you. Not using a travel agent? Then start with your sales agent, and work yourself up the ladder of communications for your cruise line.
If leaving territorial waters, it is entirely your responsibility to know the international laws regarding proper amateur radio operating procedures while out of your home country. First and foremost: Carry a copy of your ham radio license with you at all times. But that is NOT enough - carefully read the information on the following two Web sites and be knowledgeable about operating legally while on your cruise.
http://www.arrl.org/maritime-mobile-operation-in-international-waters
http://www.arrl.org/reciprocal-permit
/end/
... then they can either let me and take my money, or not let me and I'll take my money to the guy down the road ...
This illustrates precisely my earlier point: Some people can "socially engineer" and get permission to "break the rules" for many facets of their lives.
While others get arrogant and demanding and blab about perceived rights ... and, well, are folks I wouldn't want to be on a cruise with.
Clint Bradford, K6LCS
On Tue, 2011-03-01 at 09:21 -0800, Clint Bradford wrote:
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that allow
it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
Not really. The cruise line I used prohibits it - on their Web site. But our group asked and was allowed free reign with our gear.
So a Web page citing that Holland America prohibits anything is irrelevant.
The best advice, IMHO, is to ask your travel agent for assistance with any "extraordinary" requests.
Clint, K6LCS
It's pretty straightforward. A cruise is an expensive thing. If I'm spending my money on a cruise and I want to use my amateur radio equipment on board, then they can either let me and take my money, or not let me and I'll take my money to the guy down the road.
This is called Free Market Economics, and sometimes it kind of half works.
Gordon MM0YEQ
I believe that you will find the corporate answer to ham radio equipment aboard a ship is "no". All lines, standard disclaimer. That being said, the ships Master (Captain) can grant use of the equipment on his/her ship during the cruise. In other words, if you ask corporate offices the will tell you; No. You must ask the Captain of the ship you sail on.
This topic comes up all the time and the answer is the same.
I was just on a cruise and as usual I bring a hand held (or 2). On the return up the coast of Baja I was on my balcony testing which DStar repeaters in Southern California I could hit. I had a QSO or two, then put my radio back up. All of a sudden there was a loud knock at the cabin door and it opened with 3 security/fire types coming in announcing that a fire alarm had gone off! Apparently there is one on the balcony that the RF, 5 watts UHF, had set off. No, I did not have permission to operate on board, and I did not tell them about my transmission, so I guess the balcony got a new sensor!
As a note, everytime I ask ships personal what the difference between FRS transmission and Ham radio transmission, they do not have an answer. Quite possibly they are concerned about HF transmissions. It would be something to pursue, but for now Amateur Radio is not allowed on board cruise ships.
73 Don WB5EKU
On Tue, Mar 1, 2011 at 9:21 AM, Clint Bradford [email protected] wrote:
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that allow
it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
Not really. The cruise line I used prohibits it - on their Web site. But our group asked and was allowed free reign with our gear.
So a Web page citing that Holland America prohibits anything is irrelevant.
The best advice, IMHO, is to ask your travel agent for assistance with any "extraordinary" requests.
Clint, K6LCS _______________________________________________ Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
For what it's worth, you may not be as forward as I am...
On our last cruise (in 2008) I just took my HT and Arrow with me, called the Purser and asked to speak with the Radio Officer for permission to operate. I believe it was the next day that I spoke with them and described what I was using and what bands, they gave me permission and I went to work making satellite contacts.
At that time, their primary concern was power, frequency, and whether my antenna would bother any other passengers. Princess Cruise Lines.
73, Jerry NØJY
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that allow it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
This topic comes up over and over, and someday when I retire, I too am going to want to go on cruise, AND take ham radio along, and so I too will be asking this question.
So this is a good INFO topic that we need to collectively nail down, and then get it permanently posted on the AMSAT web page...
Thanks... Then we can UPDATE it as new info comes in (everyone write their cruise ship and indicate you're not taking their cruise if you cannot bring your radio)...
Bob
OK, the web page could say:
1) "The following have written policy prohibiting all "radio" operations... <big list>
2) "The following have written policy prohibiting "amateur radio" operations <big list>
3) "On the following lines no one has yet found a written prohibition, but the captian of the ship should always be informed as to any radio operation (usually via the Comm officer). Good luck. <list>
4) In all categories above. There are known examples of individuals obtaining permission. These cruise lines AND ships have supported amateur operations.
* Then each amateur that has been successful should submit a simple sentence of what he did (May request his call be removed before posting on the web page so he is not burdened by continuously answering the same question for the next 20 years.) But properly formatting your sentence to answer all the proper questions in the first place will usually avoid that kind of bother. Examples:
Wrote letter advance to ____. Got written permission Asked Bursar on arrival to speak to commo... Got permission Slipped note under door of comm. shack with my cabin number.. got permission... etc..
Etc...
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 1:17 PM To: Bob Bruninga Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Ham Radios on Cruises
For what it's worth, you may not be as forward as I am...
On our last cruise (in 2008) I just took my HT and Arrow with me, called the Purser and asked to speak with the Radio Officer for permission to operate. I believe it was the next day that I spoke with them and described what I was using and what bands, they gave me permission and I went to work making satellite contacts.
At that time, their primary concern was power, frequency, and whether my antenna would bother any other passengers. Princess Cruise Lines.
73, Jerry NØJY
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that allow it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
This topic comes up over and over, and someday when I retire, I too am going to want to go on cruise, AND take ham radio along, and so I too will be asking this question.
So this is a good INFO topic that we need to collectively nail down, and then get it permanently posted on the AMSAT web page...
Thanks... Then we can UPDATE it as new info comes in (everyone write their cruise ship and indicate you're not taking their cruise if you cannot bring your radio)...
Bob
I'm sorry, maybe I'm missing something. Wouldn't it be much easier to say (on web page or what ever since this topic has been address MANY MANY times) that you must check with the ships Captain and/or communications officer. Forget FCC or any other nation's communications authority, since once at sea the ship is totally under the authority of the Captain -- Maritime Law.
Just seems much more logical to me than beating a dead horse!
73 Don WB5EKU
On Tue, Mar 1, 2011 at 12:51 PM, Bob Bruninga [email protected] wrote:
OK, the web page could say:
- "The following have written policy prohibiting all "radio" operations...
<big list>
- "The following have written policy prohibiting "amateur radio" operations
<big list>
- "On the following lines no one has yet found a written prohibition, but
the captian of the ship should always be informed as to any radio operation (usually via the Comm officer). Good luck. <list>
- In all categories above. There are known examples of individuals
obtaining permission. These cruise lines AND ships have supported amateur operations.
- Then each amateur that has been successful should submit a simple sentence
of what he did (May request his call be removed before posting on the web page so he is not burdened by continuously answering the same question for the next 20 years.) But properly formatting your sentence to answer all the proper questions in the first place will usually avoid that kind of bother. Examples:
Wrote letter advance to ____. Got written permission Asked Bursar on arrival to speak to commo... Got permission Slipped note under door of comm. shack with my cabin number.. got permission... etc..
Etc...
Bob
-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 1:17 PM To: Bob Bruninga Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] Re: Ham Radios on Cruises
For what it's worth, you may not be as forward as I am...
On our last cruise (in 2008) I just took my HT and Arrow with me, called the Purser and asked to speak with the Radio Officer for permission to operate. I believe it was the next day that I spoke with them and described what I was using and what bands, they gave me permission and I went to work making satellite contacts.
At that time, their primary concern was power, frequency, and whether my antenna would bother any other passengers. Princess Cruise Lines.
73, Jerry NØJY
Can we nail down all the cruise ships that prohibit it and those that allow it into a single document. Then provide a link to it on the AMSAT web page?
This topic comes up over and over, and someday when I retire, I too am going to want to go on cruise, AND take ham radio along, and so I too will be asking this question.
So this is a good INFO topic that we need to collectively nail down, and then get it permanently posted on the AMSAT web page...
Thanks... Then we can UPDATE it as new info comes in (everyone write their cruise ship and indicate you're not taking their cruise if you cannot bring your radio)...
Bob
Sent via [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
Sorry, but International law states that when in International Waters the ship is considered to be a part of the jurisdiction of the country of registry. The captain can give permission to operate. However, the regulations concerning amateur radio operation are that of the country of registry. You MUST have authority from the country of registry to operate. The captain cannot just give his/her permission to operate. Some countries do have recriprical agreements with the United States, some countries allow CEPT operation, some countries require that you get an actual license granted by that country. These regulations are determined by the country of registry and NOT by the FCC nor by the captain of the vessel.
You also have to comply with ITU regulations which changes things like frequencies available due to ITU Region. Those are Region I (Europe and Africa), Region II (North and South America), and Region III (Asia, Australia, and Oceania).
If the ship is of United States registry (of which a relatively few are), then you have no problems when in International Waters. The only restriction is whether or not you have the captain's permission. When in territorial waters of another nation then you become subject to the regulations of that country. Some countries, like Mexico, require a license granted by that government (there is a substantial charge for this from Mexico), some countries allow CEPT, etc., operation, some countries do not allow any operation.
Remember, once you are on board a ship that is NOT of United States registry then you are subject to the laws of the country of registry of the ship and NOT subject to the laws of the United States. Your "rights" as a United States citizen have absolutely no bearing when you are subject to the laws of another country. Asserting your "rights" can be very detrimental to your well being when dealing with the laws of other countries.
Cruises are supposed to be "fun". However, insisting on using your amateur radio equipment without the permission of the captain of the vessel AND / OR, especially, when not complying with the communications regulations of the country of registry of the ship, can result in penalties which can range from just a "slap on the wrist" to some VERY "hard time" situations.
There are cruises aimed especially at amateur radio operators on which operation of equipment is welcomed. However, there are also cruises on which operation of equipment is not only discouraged but actually banned. You are cautioned to find out the regulations concerning amateur radio operation of the country of registry of the ship as well as working with the cruise line to obtain permission to operate. Without complying with the laws of the country of registry you can be in some very serious trouble.
Glen, K9STH
Website: http://k9sth.com
--- On Tue, 3/1/11, Donald Jacob [email protected] wrote:
I'm sorry, maybe I'm missing something. Wouldn't it be much easier to say (on web page or what ever since this topic has been address MANY MANY times) that you must check with the ships Captain and/or communications officer. Forget FCC or any other nation's communications authority, since once at sea the ship is totally under the authority of the Captain -- Maritime Law.
Just seems much more logical to me than beating a dead horse!
Just bring a CB Radio...they are illegal everywhere... (humor/humour/hihi)
Roger WA1KAT
On 3/1/2011 5:49 PM, Glen Zook wrote:
Sorry, but International law states that when in International Waters the ship is considered to be a part of the jurisdiction of the country of registry. The captain can give permission to operate. However, the regulations concerning amateur radio operation are that of the country of registry. You MUST have authority from the country of registry to operate. The captain cannot just give his/her permission to operate. Some countries do have recriprical agreements with the United States, some countries allow CEPT operation, some countries require that you get an actual license granted by that country. These regulations are determined by the country of registry and NOT by the FCC nor by the captain of the vessel.
You also have to comply with ITU regulations which changes things like frequencies available due to ITU Region. Those are Region I (Europe and Africa), Region II (North and South America), and Region III (Asia, Australia, and Oceania).
If the ship is of United States registry (of which a relatively few are),
participants (10)
-
Andrew Rich -
Bob Bruninga -
Bryan Green -
Clint Bradford -
Donald Jacob -
Glen Zook -
Gordon JC Pearce -
n0jy＠lavabit.com -
nh6vb Scheller -
Roger Kolakowski