Norwegian Cruise Line has quietly addedhandheld 2 way radio to the prohibited items list, meaning guests can no longer bring walkie-talkies of any size onboard.

This may be a challenge for some travelers who use inexpensive uhf/vhf radios to keep in touch while on the ship as different family members attend different activities.

The ban could also be a result of unruly behavior, such as young cruisers playing rowdy games involving walkie-talkies, or possibly throwing the small, hand-held radios and creating disturbances, though no reports of such behaviors have been made public.

Some cruise travelers use walkie-talkies as an inexpensive, convenient way to keep in touch with family or group members, especially on larger ships when different individuals want to join in different activities or when parents may be relaxing in an adults-only area while children are at the pool, waterpark, or arcade.

Walkie-talkies are especially favored by families who prefer to unplug and put away cell phones while on vacation, or if not everyone in the family has a cell phone to stay in touch onboard.

While Norwegian Cruise Line has not offered an explanation about why, specifically, walkie-talkies are now prohibited, there are several other items on the prohibited list that are similar. For example, number 20 on the list is “large batteries” and walkie-talkies and their charging bases may use batteries that aren’t approved.