Is a short wave radio any use on a world cruise?

[firsttimewithcunard]

My wife and I cruising on the QV from Singapore to Southampton from mid March. Is it worth my investing in a short wave radio for the BBC World Service?

[Dorchester]

My wife and I cruising on the QV from Singapore to Southampton from mid March. Is it worth my investing in a short wave radio for the BBC World Service?

 

 

It is extremely doubtful if you will be able to obtain a satisfactory signal in your cabin with the built-in aerial on your receiver, as the ship is steel and radio waves do not pass through steel. You may however manage to get a signal on open deck, but only then provided that you (and your radio) are on the side of the ship that has facing the transmitter - so that the ship is not between you and the transmitter.

 

The BBC World Service transmits on different frequencies in different areas of the world, so you will have to re-tune from time to time during your voyage. A list of these frequencies can be found at http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/schedules/frequencies/index.shtml

 

If you want to obtain frequent news or financial market updates, it may be better to obtain these via the www, either using your own laptop or the on-board Computer Centre.

 

Hope that this helps.

 

Regards,

David