Msc app question- wanting a low-tech cruise…

[Falcon8]

New cruiser here. Cruising on Meraviglia with my teens soon, and not wanting to 1. Pay for WiFi or 2. Spend the cruise with everyone on their phones. Do I need the msc app to get things done? I’m really hoping for a phone-free vacation, other than taking cool pictures and maybe texting each other meet-up times? (Or heaven forbid communicate an emergency.) Do I need to pay for WiFi to keep track of charges? What do y’all do with your cell phones when you’re having fun, swimming, slides, sauna etc. Man I hate cell phones sometimes but I have 4 teenagers 😬

[PTC DAWG]

I leave my phone in the room 24/7

[Georgia_Peaches]

You can certainly cruise without the app. In fact, I’ve read many reports that the app is slow to update and often has outdated info. We didn’t use the app on our last 2 cruises. Left the phone in the room most of the time. Always requested a paper menu and daily activities sheet. Feel free to unplug!

[ready2cruzagain]

I have never used the app when cruising, our last cruise was March of this year on the Seashore. I put my cell phone in the safe and it stayed there until the day we got off of the ship. 14 days with no phone! Yay!  There are kiosks all around the ship where you can see menus, make show reservations, etc. Don't worry about not having the app, it is not necessary.

[Tierun]

You can use the app without purchasing the Wi-Fi. However texting will require you to buy it. With our teens, we set a time to be back at the cabin for dinner and had family time in the mdr each night. We would usually catch the show after dinner together, but otherwise let the kids enjoy their vacation as we enjoyed ours.

[mawvkysc]

You don’t need a wifi plan to use the chat feature on the app or check your account. 
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/on-board/internet-apps/msc-for-me

Edited December 12, 2022 by mawvkysc

[Homosassa]

Make very sure that the cell phones are either completely turned off or are in air plane mode at all times.

 

It will save any surprise for roaming on your cell phone bill.