Tell me what you know about the NCL App- GEM

[jessicak76]

Hi-

We are sailing in June on the GEM.

I've never downloaded their app. Have you? Did you find it useful? What did you use it for? Any tips?

Thanks!!!

[RD29P5]

I dumped it, since I use Android. Seems like it's another Apple exclusive app, with limited feature's for Android.

[Rynerson27]

It's limited period. Other than seeing the days schedule and your onboard charges it has little functionality. I believe you can use it to text onboard. I really wished it showed the days menus like Carnival's app.

[VideoTech]

Hi-

We are sailing in June on the GEM.

I've never downloaded their app. Have you? Did you find it useful? What did you use it for? Any tips?

Thanks!!!

 

If you're asking about iConcierge: It's not just an Apple app, it runs on Android as well. It basically has three uses:

 

Free:

1. You can use it to check on your on-board account and any reservations you've made for shows and shore excursions.

2. NCL can use it to push ads for services on board the ship to you, such as spa specials, and to send out general messages.

 

For a $9.99 per device fee:

3. You can use it to text to any other device running the iConcierge app on board the ship. You can also use it to call the stateroom phone of any other registered user iConcierge user in your iConcierge contacts list.

 

For this last purpose, you do NOT have to buy any internet minutes on board the ship. The app works over the ship's wifi, and does not use the internet. You cannot use it to text phones on shore. You need to download the app before you leave on your cruise, and then you will get instructions on how to activate it once on board.

 

As for how well it works, results vary. We have used it on every cruise, and it has improved a lot over the years, but there still can be times when text messages are not delivered immediately. Still, it's the best solution that does not involve having to buy internet access.

[graphicguy]

You can actually text if you're connected to the ship's WiFi. You can also make WiFi calls. That said, you have to have their streaming WiFi service to do so (charges apply depending on your level of WiFi service).

 

That said, I had unlimited streaming WiFi, and was making calls and texting as part of the WiFi package.

 

If you're asking about iConcierge: It's not just an Apple app, it runs on Android as well. It basically has three uses:

 

Free:

1. You can use it to check on your on-board account and any reservations you've made for shows and shore excursions.

2. NCL can use it to push ads for services on board the ship to you, such as spa specials, and to send out general messages.

 

For a $9.99 per device fee:

3. You can use it to text to any other device running the iConcierge app on board the ship. You can also use it to call the stateroom phone of any other registered user iConcierge user in your iConcierge contacts list.

 

For this last purpose, you do NOT have to buy any internet minutes on board the ship. The app works over the ship's wifi, and does not use the internet. You cannot use it to text phones on shore. You need to download the app before you leave on your cruise, and then you will get instructions on how to activate it once on board.

 

As for how well it works, results vary. We have used it on every cruise, and it has improved a lot over the years, but there still can be times when text messages are not delivered immediately. Still, it's the best solution that does not involve having to buy internet access.