Brobbins246 Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 My kids have non-cellular service phones, and use WiFi to access simple app's like Text Now for texting. Will they need a Voom package for this, or would the free ship WiFi (such as what's used for the new Royal app) suffice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princevaliantus Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 I believe you would still need at least the Surf package to text externally off the ship unless RCCL leaves a port open, which once in a while, they do. You can test to see if a port for texting is left open when you are on the ship by connecting to the wifi and just send a text.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brobbins246 Posted October 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 When we're in port, we won't need them to be able to text with us, since they'll be with us the whole time. If they do need (or want) WiFi in port, they'll need to connect to a restaurant or something like that, similar to what they do at home. It'll just be on the ship while sailing that I want to make sure they can send and receive text messages in case they go exploring so we can communicate with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
princevaliantus Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 Oohhhh... I think you didn't get the I.T. lingo. When I referred to a "port", I was referring to a "door" in the ship's wifi that sometines is left open that you can connect to for free. Not an actual cruise port. LOL!! Sorry about the confusion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melski94 Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 If you want to use your texting app, I think you will need a Voom package. Are you sailing on Allure? If so, this is what I found on the description for the RC app. We’re now actively testing our new guest-to-guest chat feature on Allure of the Seas®, with this addition coming to more ships soon. Our new feature allows guests to connect with other staterooms, and freely chat with friends and family onboard. I don't know how well it will work and you would have to download the app for each phone before you go. Personally, I would still buy a VOOM packages prior to boarding on sale. I've purchased VOOM for 4 for $19.99 and $26.99 on sale for my next 2 cruises. I think would be cheaper or at least a similar price than buying Surf for 2 devices onboard. You can always cancel and get a refund for the remaining days onboard if the RC App works for your needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 For simple texting using wifi you will need a Voom plan. There are two plans, Surf or Surf and Stream. For simple texting Surf is fine. Often that can only be purchased on board although it is sometimes available for purchase precruise. Surf and Stream allows streaming TV and movies and is always available for purchase precruise. Voom is always cheaper precruise unless you are Diamond or higher in the Crown & Anchor society. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coneyraven Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 @twangster -- Isn't there a texting feature on the new app? If so, then it would really be determined by what ship they're on. I won't be able to check out the new app until Brilliance in April (unless they bring Grandeur in to the fold within the next 10 Days) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted October 15, 2018 Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 58 minutes ago, coneyraven said: Isn't there a texting feature on the new app? There is, but it's only available currently on Allure of the Seas. Eventually, it will be fleetwide, but in the short term I don't think it helps @Brobbins246 coneyraven 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brobbins246 Posted October 15, 2018 Author Report Share Posted October 15, 2018 We'll be on Allure in March-April, 2019 so the Royal app will be an option for us. I'm just leery about relying on it 100% given how RCL doesn't have the best track record with their IT services. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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