Texting on a Cruise: 7 Cruise Line Messaging Apps

Among other capabilities, Norwegian Cruise Line's iConcierge app allows passengers to text and call people onboard the same ship without having to use their cell phone service providers' roaming service. The texting and calling functionality piggybacks on the ship's Wi-Fi system to avoid the cell service provider. Each passenger must download the app (free), then pay a small fee to unlock the texting and calling capabilities of the app, but they do not need to purchase an internet package. There are, however, a few complimentary features such as the ability to make restaurant, show and shore excursion reservations. The app is available on Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Spirit and Pride of America.

For a low, one-time activation fee, Carnival cruisers can turn on the Carnival Hub chat feature and communicate with other passengers also onboard their ship; all parties must be using Carnival Hub to participate. The chat feature also has a group setting so family members or a group of friends can communicate within the same conversation. The app works on all ships in the fleet, and cruisers do not need a separate internet package.

Disney passengers can use the Navigator app on all ships to send free text messages to other people on the same ship also using Navigator. There is also a group chat feature. Though the app does connect to the onboard Wi-Fi, there is no charge to app users for access.

Not an app in the traditional sense, MSC Traveller Web is a web-based service that offers app-like functionality and works (for free) on any device connected to the MSC intranet -- no internet package purchase required. You can use it to add contacts, chat with other passengers in real time and even share photos. The web app is only available on MSC Divina, MSC Magnifica and MSC Preziosa.

Featured Videos

Freedom of the Seas: What's It Like Onboard a Test Cruise? (Cruise Critic & Royal Caribbean Blog

4 Cool Features on Holland America's Nieuw Statendam

Oasis Of The Seas Ship Tour - Ship Exterior

Here's What We Packed For Our Royal Caribbean Cruise (June 2021)

5 Reasons MSC Cruises' Yacht Club Is Worth The Splurge

Best Spots For Adults On A Disney Cruise Ship

Celebrity to Restart from U.S. Homeport, PLUS Royal Caribbean Given Green Light for Test Cruises! (VIDEO)

MSC Virtuosa Ship Tour: What It's Like Onboard MSC's Newest Ship (May 2021)

LIVE From MSC Virtuosa! Embarkation, the Buffet, COVID Protocols and MORE!

Live Interview With Frank Del Rio, NCLH President And CEO, About Company's "Safe To Sail" Campaign

Odyssey of the Seas -- From Steel Cutting to Delivery 2021

Video Of Odyssey Of The Seas Conveyance March 2021

Video Q&A With MSC Grandiosa's Hotel Director, Giuseppe Pane

Rudi Sodamin Makes A Special, Thanksgiving-themed "Food Faces" Video For Cruise Critic

Video: Royal Caribbean Group Announces E-muster, Keyless Cabin Check-in And Other App Improvements

Drone Footage Of MSC Grandiosa Docked In Genoa For First Sailing Since The COVID-19 Pandemic

How To Make A Towel Animals: Swans, Dogs And Elephants

Towel Animals With Carnival Cruise Line And Cruise Critic: How To Make A Towel Dog

Towel Animals With Carnival Cruise Line And Cruise Critic How To Make Towel Swans

Towel Animals With Carnival Cruise Line And Cruise Critic: How To Make A Towel Elephant

MSC Cruises - Smart Future Of Guest Experiences

Disney Cruise Line Announces Disney Wish

[Sponsored] Interview With John Padgett

First Look At MSC Bellissima

Princess Family Fun

Royal Caribbean Odyssey Of The Seas Steel Cutting At Meyer Werft

Shipyard Tour: Royal Caribbean’s Symphony Of The Seas Gets Its Finishing Touches -- Video

Star Wars Day At Sea On Disney Cruise Line – Video

Norwegian Bliss Virtual Tour - Why You Should Be Excited About Norwegian's Newest Ship - Video

How To Make Carnival Cruise Line's Famous Warm Chocolate Melting Cake - Video

Shaquille "Shaq" O'neal Named Chief Fun Officer Of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line's "Choose Fun" Commercial

Harmony Of The Seas Video Tour – Inside Look At One Of Royal Caribbean’s Most Popular Cruise Ships

MSC Seaside Video Tour – An Inside Look At MSC's Cruise Ship

Symphony Of The Seas Video Tour

Live From MSC Seaside: A Cruise Ship Designed For The Outdoors

Carnival Splendor Highlights

Norwegian Breakaway Highlights

Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum Of The Seas Celebrates Keel Laying

Carnival Conquest Highlights

Sea Beyond: An Innovative Cruise Experience By Royal Caribbean

Carnival Pride Highlights

Carnival Dream Highlights

Sneak Peak At Symphony Of The Seas

Carnival Sunshine Highlights

The Waterfront On Norwegian Cruise Line - Video

Carnival Breeze Highlights

What’s Your Size? Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class Vs. Majesty Of The Seas - Video

Norwegian Getaway Highlights

Inside Look: The Haven On Norwegian Cruise Line - Video

Royal Caribbean's Oasis Of The Seas Highlights

MSC Meraviglia Dining Guide

Spectrum Of The Seas Steel Cutting At Meyer Werft

MSC Meraviglia Ship Tour

Carnival Liberty Highlights

Royal Caribbean's Enchantment Of The Seas Highlights

Norwegian Escape's Ropes Course - Are You Brave Enough?

Photo Tour of Regal Princess

Inside Look at Norwegian Sky In Cuba

Norwegian Escape Attractions - 7 Free Things You Have To Try - Video Tour

Sneak Peek: "Beauty And The Beast" On Disney Dream -- Behind The Scenes Video

The Himalayan Bridge On MSC Meraviglia - Ropes Course POV Video

Sneak Peek: Disney Fantasy Highlights For Kids - Video Tour

4 Exclusive Spots On Norwegian Escape - Video Tour

Harvest Caye Cruise Port Video Tour

Pictures of MSC Seaside: Before and After

Carnival Corporation Introduces the Ocean Medallion at CES

Norwegian Escape Photo Tour

Photo Tour of Royal Caribbean's Allure Of The Seas

SkyRide On Carnival Vista: Cruise Critic Tries It

4 Types Of Cruisers Who Would Love Holland America's Koningsdam

Carnival Vista Top Deck Attractions

Behind the Scenes at CSMART - Carnival's Arison Maritime Training Center

What It Means To Be Loyal To Royal

7 Can’t-Miss Experiences on Allure Of The Seas

Video Tour of Allure Of The Seas' Bars

Cruise Pier Runners In Cozumel -- Carnival Liberty

Harmony Of The Seas Youth Place

Harmony Of The Seas Pool And Sports Zone

Harmony Of The Seas Central Park On Royal Caribbean International

Harmony Of The Seas Boardwalk

Harmony Of The Seas Royal Promenade

Harmony Of The Seas Entertainment Place

Harmony Of The Seas Vitality Spa And Fitness Center

Perfect Storm Water Slides On Harmony Of The Seas

Cruise Critic Tours Harmony Of The Seas

Harmony Of The Seas Cabins - Video Tour - Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic Tours Harmony Of The Seas

Greased Lightnin': Royal Caribbean Brings Another Broadway Hit

Plunging Into Adventure On The Tallest Slide At Sea: Royal Caribbean Reveals 10-Story Ultimate Abyss

Cruise Critic Flowrider On Royal Caribbean's Freedom Of The Seas

Cruise Critic Tours Anthem of the Seas

Anthem Of The Seas Welcomes Gigi The Giraffe

Cruise Critic Quick Chat With Carnival CEO Arnold Donald

Gavin Macleod - Capt. Stubing On "The Love Boat" -- Cruise Critic Interview (2013)

Norwegian Breakaway Video Tour (2013)

Oasis Of The Seas Flowrider - Cruise Critic Goes Surfing

Oasis Of The Seas Royal Promenade (2009)

Oasis Of The Seas Jazz On 4 Performance

Oasis Of The Seas Royal Promenade Parade (2009)

Oasis Of The Seas Carousel In Action (2009)

Oasis Of The Seas Ship Tour -- Main Dining Room (2009)

Holland America's web-based Navigator service (not an app) allows for several onboard functions, including booking spa treatments, specialty dining and shore excursions; monitoring your onboard account; checking the daily schedule; viewing and buying professional photos; and, of course, texting other passengers who also use the service. It's available fleetwide, and anyone with a Wi-Fi-enabled device can use it for free without paying for the ship's internet.

Passengers onboard all Princess cruise ships (except Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess) can use the web-based Princess@Sea Messenger service to send instant messages to other people traveling on the same ship. However, you will need an internet package to use the service via Wi-Fi on your phone.

Royal Caribbean passengers on Quantum, Anthem, Harmony and Ovation of the Seas can use the Royal iQ app to call or text other passengers onboard the same ship. The app is free to download, but the Royal iQ Communications Package (which enables the texting and calling) incurs a per-device fee.