Internet package vs WhatsUp App

[Pumpkin Rita]

I am wondering if I want to just use the RC App and WhatsUp App versus buying the internet package (already bought one but may get a refund). I will be vacationing; not working and do not need to check email daily. What have you used for communication with travel friends during cruising?

[Ampurp85]

Keep in mind that only the RC app works on the ship without internet. You might be able to access Royal's website but that is it. Also depending on your phone carrier and plan, you can access your emails and such while in port.

I always get internet, just because I am vacationing doesn't mean I don't need the internet. I use WhatsApp as Wi-Fi calling and texting can be hit or miss.

[Matt]

Since WhatsApp relies on the internet to work, you’d need to buy an internet package to be able to use it. 

[smokeybandit]

If you want to communicate with someone not on the ship, you need to purchase an internet package.

[Ampurp85]

OP WhatsUp app is Apple based, and not the WhatsApp we are thinking of. But either way they need internet for it.

[Sharla]

Sometimes I can send an iMessage when I'm not connected to the paid Internet. But I wouldn't rely on that. 

[smokeybandit]

I can receive Facebook Messenger messages w/o an internet plan, but I can't reply or see any attachments.

[Ryan79]

15 hours ago, Sharla said:

Sometimes I can send an iMessage when I'm not connected to the paid Internet. But I wouldn't rely on that. 

But you get that message via cell coverage. I wouldn’t count on having that at sea either.

[Atlantix2000]

20 minutes ago, Ryan79 said:

But you get that message via cell coverage. I wouldn’t count on having that at sea either.

Actually no.  Many people report Apple's iMessage works while in airplane mode with no paid internet package.  Apple's iMessage uses some critical background networking protocols that cannot be blocked without breaking the internet.  However, it's not officially supported, only text based messages can get through (no pic/video) and it's not guaranteed to work or continue to work.  Your login to iMessage will eventually time out (or randomly disconnect) and you cannot reconnect without "real" internet.  So if you regularly reconnect to "real" internet (in ports), you MAY be able to have iMessage service throughout the cruise.  But to be clear, it's a weird quirk of Apple's design and not meant to be a supported feature.

[ZBrady]

Not an expert, but I know it also has something to do with the way VOOM works there is no way to block push notifications, so I think that has something to do with why people report the ability to 'receive' messages in certain apps. 

[Pumpkin Rita]

On 5/18/2023 at 12:08 PM, Matt said:

Since WhatsApp relies on the internet to work, you’d need to buy an internet package to be able to use it. 

Good to know; thanks!

[Pumpkin Rita]

On 5/18/2023 at 5:54 PM, Sharla said:

Sometimes I can send an iMessage when I'm not connected to the paid Internet. But I wouldn't rely on that. 

Gotcha!