So, as I understand it, the reason the “loophole” exists on iMessage is because there is an overlap between the technical requirements for notifications via the Apple Push Notification System and iMessage notifications to function. I have heard that in order for the NCL app to properly work on iPhones and give notifications, iMessage also has to work.
Sad that this bug doesn’t work consistently the way it should though - I would rather pay the $10 and know it works constantly, than have to shift between iMessage and NCL.
in the olden days, NCL notifications used to work flawlessly 😞 not sure why they haven’t fixed this. NCL Isn’t the only cruise line with notification issues, I’ve seen the problem on other line’s ships.
one other workaround for the issue if you have the NCL messaging package, is to actually place a CALL through the NCL app to your recipient. call notifications seem to work consistently.