Recent Anthem cruisers who texted

[pthjudy]

I know that soon RC may offer a discount on internet packages. I also know there have been posters who mention the Anthem glitch that allows texting without a purchase of internet. We strictly want to be able to text our kids daily so the cost of a package is really wasteful spending. Has anyone sailing on Anthem recently been able to text without a purchase? If so, what is the procedure? We are not sailing until March, but I’m trying to be proactive. Many thanks. 

[Biker19]

28 minutes ago, pthjudy said:

If so, what is the procedure?

If it works, it's likely to be iOS iMessage texts only that get through without a VOOM package (won't work on Android devices) - you connect to the ship's wifi and it should work just like at home on wifi calling. Even on the ships which have reported this working, it didn't work for everyone, so it seems to be very YMMV.

[twangster]

Recently this has been highly variable.  It may depend if your phone has been active in the Royal app which might create a temporary firewall session that lets some messaging through.  

 

The problem is that it is unpredictable and not reliable.  It may work okay for a while then nothing for hours.  If that sort of communication is acceptable to you you can try it and hope for the best.

 

For some people it may work or their messaging patterns work better for how the loophole functions.  Others don't have great results.

 

If you need reliable and predictable messaging you should consider a Voom plan.   Buying a Voom plan before sailing will always be less expensive for most cruisers.  If you are higher up in the C&A loyalty program and you travel as a couple the combined free C&A passes might work for your needs.  If you are new to Royal or lower in the C&A program you are always better to pre-purchase Voom before sailing.