anyone used wifi direct for on board communication?

wifi direct is a technology that allows 2 wifi devices to communicate directly without using other network. (similar to ad-hoc wifi network)

So cruise passengers can communicate using this protocol on board.

Has anyone tested this on board?

The only issue that I can think of is the range because wifi direct doesn't rely on ship's built in network and must use device wifi broadcasting.

Alternatively, does anyone have a solution for passengers to communicate with each other using smartphones without paying (no cell/internet)?

There is a thread below this one on using an android to communicate with others on the ship for free.

There is a thread below this one on using an android to communicate with others on the ship for free.

The conclusion of that thread is it doesn't work.

Found a solution that the cruise line cannot block. Install firechat app on your smartphone. Its a peer-to-peer network which doesn't use ship WiFi.

Need to be within 10 meters for firechat to work well . I don't think this app will work well on the ship