Binoculars are described by two numbers such as 7 x 35 or 10 x 50. The first number is the magnification. The second is the diameter of the front lens in mm [25mm = 1in]. While you might think that more magnification is the way to go, it ain't necessarily so. As magnification increases, it also magnifies your natural muscle 'shake'. Very powerful binoculars are useless unless mounted on a support. Hand-held, all you see through them is a blur. A good compromise is the 7 x 35 [small and compact] or 7 x 50 [brighter image] binocs.
There are two types, by the way. Those with a 'kink' in the tubes are prism binoculars. The prisms 'fold' the light as it travels through the tubes and the binoculars are therefore shorter front to back.
Focussing facts:
Most decent binoculars have two focussing adjustments. Here's how to use them.
First, find the single adjustment located near the eyepiece end of one of the binocular sides. It rotates and may be marked with symbols such as '+' and '-'. Rotate it so that it's set about halfway between the extreme positions [This is like centering the steering wheel on a car.]
Now locate the adjustment that focusses both sides of the binocular at the same time. It's often a knurled or ribbed disk positioned between the tubes.
Put the binoculars to your eyes. Close the eye on the side which has the single adjustment ring. Look through the binoculars with your open eye at something far away. Use the 'both sides at the same time' adjustment to focus on the object. Move the adjustment back and forth until the image is really sharp. In a good pair it should be razor sharp.
Now close the eye you've been using and open the other eye. Look at the same distant object. Don't tough the 'both sides at the same time' adjustment. Instead, rotate the adjustment ring near the eyepiece until the object is really, really sharp.
The binoculars are now adjusted for your personal eye settings. It's built into the position of the single eye adjustment ring. From this point on, just use the center 'both sides' adjustment to focus on things. Don't change the 'single side' adjustment.
nb: If the single eye ring has markings to show the adjustment, jot yours down on an adhesive label and affix it to the binoculars. That way, you can immediately reset the adjustment to your personal needs if someone else has used the binoculars and changed the adjustment.
I voted yes. I always have a small pair of DH's with me/us. They are really small, maybe 4" x 6" x 2". I have no idea what their range is? DH has many pairs of binoculars, and these are the smallest for packing purposes.
DH has talked about taking his binocular/range finder ones on a cruise, but so far I've been able to talk him out of it as they have a hefty price tag and I don't want to have to worry about them!
On our Brilliance cruise there was a large pair in the cabin (GS). I think it depends on the ship's itinerary with Royal Caribbean whether binoculars are in the suites.
Many of the Alaska cruises come with binoculars so you can see the sights better. They are really not as important on a Caribbean or TA cruise.
We were on a Med cruise when the binoculars were in the cabin. I love having them to check out the sea, other ships and the port area no matter where we are. I also always wonder if we'd get lucky enough for a pod of dolphins or some other sea life to be within viewing distance with them so I guess I'd rather have them with me than to wish I did.
If there's one cruise where I'd surely pack binoculars, it's the Alaska Inside Passage run. The wildlife sighting opportunities are many and varied -- from bear on the shore to seabirds in the air and whales and dolphins in the water. All benefit from a bit of magnification.
Could not agree with you more. More than one person has strongly suggested binoculars for Alaska. There is just so much to see up there and a lot of it is far more impressive with a little bit of magnification.
The first time were were upgraded to a very nice FULL suite on Princess, we found a fairly expensive ring from previous cruisers had gotton caught in the back and left in our safety deposit box. Natually, we reported this and someone from the Purser's Office came to get it.
As we were unpacking, we found a pair of binoculars in a drawer. Naturally, we thought those same careless folks had left them so DH, once again, calls the Purser's Desk.
Rather embarrassing when he was told, "Sir, binoculars are provided for our suite guests."
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to a very nice FULL suite on Princess, we found a fairly expensive ring from previous cruisers had gotton caught in the back and left in our safety deposit box. Natually, we reported this and someone from the Purser's Office came to get it.
Rather embarrassing when he was told, "Sir, binoculars are provided for our suite guests."
Guess they could tell we were "Suite Newbies"! 
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