Any recent experinces using iMessage with Connect at Sea wifi?

[Girl of the South]

I Googled this and got a whole lot of different answers. Just wondering if iMessage (Apple) works with the wifi on the ship. I took a Carnival cruise and they only 'allowed' (?) What's App and Facebook Messenger, neither of which I have. Just using it for family NOT on the cruise. Thanks!!

 

[fredandkell]

It did on my husband’s phone when messaging family members back home who also had Apple devices.

 

[southerngirl528]

I Googled this and got a whole lot of different answers. Just wondering if iMessage (Apple) works with the wifi on the ship. I took a Carnival cruise and they only 'allowed' (?) What's App and Facebook Messenger, neither of which I have. Just using it for family NOT on the cruise. Thanks!!

Good question! And the way my DH uses wifi while we're cruising, that will be mighty helpful if true!

Thanks Fredandkell! That sounds good!

 

[Marc D]

I’ve used iMessage multiple time over DCL WiFi. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered limitations concerning specific apps.

 

[Chirple]

We got some very important news via iMessage during last year’s WBTA. For that I am glad we were able to get this information using the ship’s wifi before we got home.

 

[cvjw]

Yep. imessage works with the ships WiFi. That is how we communicate with family back home. Messaging someone with an android device does not work though!

 

[Girl of the South]

AWESOME NEWS! Thanks! I have no idea how or why Carnival throttled iMessage (2 years ago, my last cruise) but they did. Had a package called a 'social package' but not allowing iMessage did NOT seem very social. I also realized that my Verizon plan will work at the Canadian ports. NOT that I need to be in constant touch but I have a 'special needs" cat so would like to be in touch with the cat sitter from time to time. THANKS!

 

[lorimay]

It does work, we were in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in 2015 talking to our kids.
Service was pretty good too.

 

[lilsonicfan]

Just to be clear are you asking whether it works with paid wifi, or whether it works if you don’t buy any internet?

 

[Girl of the South]

It only works with wifi . . so yes, paid wifi. It did NOT work on the Carnival ship even with a wifi package. I like having a 'conversation' rather than email back and forth, if possible. Depending on the time zone change, etc.

What's App is a Facebook app and I stay away from anything FB . . . .

 

[cvjw]

Yep, my son bought the social package on a carnival cruise last year and iMessage did not work. We had to talk via Facebook messenger.

You are good to go on a Disney Cruise though

 

[Girl of the South]

Thinking Carnival did that because while I was on the balcony of my sub-par cabin, I could SEE the Magic at PC and the lovely porthole buses and they just wanted to piss me off. Strange though? Must be a different kind of program that they can cut it off like that.

 

[southerngirl528]

Thinking Carnival did that because while I was on the balcony of my sub-par cabin, I could SEE the Magic at PC and the lovely porthole buses and they just wanted to piss me off. Strange though? Must be a different kind of program that they can cut it off like that.

If the main problem you had was while you were in port, that could be part of the problem. While in port, cell phones will usually pick up the local/international cell service. At least that is what I understand....

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Texting is also possible using the What’s App application. Hubby & I used it to message and FaceTime while he was in Korea a couple years ago. Doesn’t use much data either.

 

[Girl of the South]

No, it was on the ship that I couldn't use iMessage. They did it on purpose. Steve Jobs worked for Pixar and Disney bought Pixar so Steve Jobs and Disney have a connection. I think Carnival was trying to be anti-Apple, anti DISNEY CRUISE LINE! It was an act of sabotage on the high seas!

I always turn off cell phone service when I travel overseas so I don't get stuck with a big bill. Facetime might be OK but What's App is on my no-no list. I did read about my Verizon package and I CAN call from the ship for $3 a minute. I guess that's enough time to say happy birthday or something?