cruise ship sim card

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Gear » Travel Sim's » The Best Sim For Cruises in 2024: eSim Cruise Packages!

The Best Sim For Cruises in 2024: eSim Cruise Packages!

We’ve all been there; sat on the deck of a ship, cocktail in hand on a bright and sunny afternoon with the gentle sea breeze blowing through our toupee. Then suddenly you jolt up with the horrific realisation that you’ve in fact, not shared this with all your mates on Facebook.

The spotty free wifi of that Bermudan cafe is several hundred nautical miles away and you’ve got a full day at sea before you hit up the Cayman Islands. Well, that’s this cruise ruined! That is until your fellow traveller introduces you to GigSky’s Cruise Package, an eSim that offers data packages across multiple countries for us on land, sea and at ports.

Forget paying huge sums of money for onboard WiFi or being paranoid about switching your phone on when you arrive in a new port. This way you can be sure to stay connected to friends and family back home whilst you’re out there sailing the high seas!

So, let’s take a deep dive and look into the inner workings GigSky’s magical mystery package of roaming internet goodness.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Choosing a SIM Card For Cruises – Things To Consider

Can you buy a sim for cruises, pros and cons, final thoughts on a sim for cruises.

So, you’ve decided you want to be able to use your phone whilst on your trip, but now you’re wondering what is the best international sim and how to avoid data roaming charges on a cruise. Well, an eSim is by far the best and most convenient way to stay connected whilst you’re travelling, be that on a cruise or any other trip for that matter.

But when it comes to cruising there are some very specific requirements of an eSim that you just don’t have to worry about if you’re planning on staying on dry land or in one country.

Does The Ship Have WiFi

The first thing you’ll want to consider before investing in GigSky’s Cruise Package is whether or not your cruise ship has WiFi itself. Now this isn’t as cut and dry as it seems, there are still a few considerations you’ll want to think about before just opting for the ship WiFi.

Firstly, WiFi on board cruise ships tends to be very expensive and you’ll often be charged per day and possibly even per device. I’ve seen some prices quoted at around $16-$30 a day, which frankly is extortionate.

The upside of ship WiFi is that for the period you’ve paid for, it does tend to be unlimited. Meaning you can stream and post to your heart’s content for the 24 hours you’ve shelled out for.

The other main downside to using your ship’s WiFi, beyond the eye-watering cost, is that it only works whilst onboard. So if you do shell out you better make sure it’s a sea day to make the most of it!

How Many Ports Are You Visiting

Another important consideration before buying GigSky’s Cruise Package is how many ports you will be calling into.

If you’ll be only visiting one country, then simply purchasing an eSim for that country might work out best for you. But in reality, with a cruise, you’ll most likely be stopping in multiple locations in several different countries.

Buying an eSim for each country and/or port you stop in might seem like the obvious solution to staying connected whilst cruising. However, this can quickly end up wracking up in cost and keeping track of which eSim is for which country and remembering to activate them whilst connected in the previous port is a job in itself, trust me!

Will Your Own Sim Work?

Whilst each network provider will have their own specific policies and availability when it comes to connecting to local networks and data roaming, as a general rule your own sim will probably work to at least some degree whilst overseas.

However, there are two very large and important caveats.

The first is that your own SIM card will only work when you’re in range of land or a good signal. Put simply, your provider will have a deal with a local network and you’ll connect to them when you’re in range. So, as a general rule, your SIM won’t work whilst you’re at sea. The other concern is that occasionally, SIM cards can just not connect for a variety of different and highly frustrating reasons.

The second major flaw is money. International minutes and roaming charges can be even more extortionate than onboard WiFi. Costs can spiral out of control if you use your phone at each port and you could end up coming home from the trip of a lifetime with a massive bill. Talk about coming down with a bang!

 Do You Need To Receive/Make Phone Calls?

Ok, so the biggest consideration you’re going to have when it comes to choosing GigSky’s eSim Cruise Package is whether or not you’ll want to make and receive phone calls.

Now, when I say phone calls what I mean is actual cellular calls rather than the calls you might receive and make via WiFi and data. So things like WhatsApp, Google Meets, Zoom, Facebook Messenger, Skype or even Facetime (with the correct settings) will all work. But calling your Nan’s landline, for example, will not, unfortunately, even with the best of eSims .

Whilst many establishments such as insurance companies will now be on WhatsApp or have online chat options, there may be specific times when you might want to make cellular calls. This is personal to your situation of course, but I’ve never found it to be an issue.

Why yes indeed you can and I’m here to tell you all about it!

GigSky Land + Sea

The clever folks over at GigSky have put together two revolutionary cruise-specific eSim packages. One for Europe and the other for The Americas/Caribbean . These cover two of the most popular cruising regions and together offer coverage in 95 countries and 200+ ships in each region. So the chances are that your ship and itinerary are well covered.

GigSky coverage is designed to work across the entire region in which you are travelling, whether that be at sea, in port or whilst exploring your destination. Their coverage switches automatically depending on whether you’re at sea or on land, you don’t need to mess with a thing once you’ve got everything set up. This is what makes them one of the best eSim providers on the market.

GigSky Land + Sea works by combining two different types of connectivity. Whilst in port and on land your phone will connect to a local network via cell towers in the area. Then, when you leave for the open seas it will switch to its “Cellular at Sea” service. They do say in most cases it can take about an hour once leaving port to make this switch as you must be 12 nautical miles offshore.

It’s this offshore connectivity that really sets GigSky apart from any other regular eSim provider. Sure, you could buy a regional or several country-specific eSims from any number of different providers and they’d work great on shore. But as soon as you’re out of range of the cell towers of each country, you’re out of luck, even with the best travel sim cards .

GigSky offers the following regional data packages:

Cruise+ – Americas/Caribbean

200+ Ships + 49 countries

• 1 GB $38.99 – 7 Days
• 3 GB $73.99 – 15 Days

Cruise+ – Europe

200+ Ships + 46 countries

A Word on eSims and How They Work

You might be wondering how all this mysterious and magical data even works! Well, welcome to the world of eSims. These are pretty new but I’ve been using them for the past year or so and they’ve become an essential part of organising any trip for me. They are pretty straightforward but they do take a little getting used to, but the learning curve is pretty shallow.

An eSim works via an app rather than a physical plastic SIM card. This means that you can keep your original SIM card inside your phone and still receive calls and text messages to your phone number, whilst using your installed eSim for data (internet).

Most modern phones and tablets are eSim compatible, but it’s best to check here to be sure . You should also make sure your phone is unlocked.

The most important thing to know about eSims is that they are data only, meaning they work for the internet only and you can’t use them to make or receive cellular calls. They will still work with services like WhatsApp though.

You can check out our guide on eSims for more information.

Here I will run through some of the pros and cons of using one of GigSky’s eSim Cruise Packages.

Covers 95 countries in two popular cruising regions.

200+ Cruise Ships with Cellular at Sea Service

Much cheaper than onboard WiFi or data roaming

No messing about changing physical or eSims at each destination

Easy to set up through the app

24/7/365 Live customer support

Size of data packages available are quite small

Prices are higher than standard land-only eSims

Only available in 7 or 15 day packages

Not available outside of Europe, The Caribbean and Americas

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Right then, there you have it. Hopefully, I’ve explained exactly what the GigSky Land + Sea eSim Package offers to those who want to stay connected on their cruise in the Caribbean, the Americas and Europe . It’s a service I’ve used several times whilst country-hopping on the open seas and I highly recommend their exceptional coverage and service.

With eSims becoming more and more the norm for those travelling overseas, especially those who want to stay connected to their friends, family or even work on the road, there’s never been a better time to jump on board. Offering a straightforward app, simple set-up process, coverage across a high number of countries and ships, as well as reliable service, GigSky is the obvious choice when it comes to a SIM for Cruises.

Do you have any questions on how the GigSky Land + Sea eSim Package or eSims in general work? Let me know below.

Happy sailing!

Nic Hilditch-Short

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Speak to a travel consultant

• Chatbot Tips
• Destinations
• FAMILY CRUISES
• LUXURY CRUISES
• THEME CRUISES
• CULTURE SEEKERS
• ADVENTURE LOVERS
• NEXT-GEN CRUISERS
• NEW TO CRUISING
• MONEY-SAVING TIPS

You can see the best matches instantly in your custom results."> How our Bliss Filters work

Your custom results ({[{ results.meta.total }]}) Return to previous page

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Follow the tips below to make sure you make the most of your time at sea without racking up high bills on your smartphone.

11 tips for using your smartphone on a cruise ship

And hard-learned lessons about what not to do when connecting at sea.

DB & the Princess

CruiseClout score: 20.0

Carnival Cruisee behind.

• Staying connected at sea — at a reasonable cost
• How to keep in touch during a cruise

Internet pricing on cruise ships

• 8 tips to reduce bandwidth use on a ship

During an emergency, cruise ships offered onboard phones that you could use to make a call for several dollars a minute (by the way, they still exist). For more routine check-ins, cruisers would wait until their next port of call and whip out an international calling card (what?!) to use a pay phone on shore.

How quickly times change! Now, almost everyone walks around with a smartphone, allowing us to not only talk to anyone but giving us access to texting, email, social media and the Internet.

Best ways to use your smartphone on a cruise

For most people, the days of going on an entirely “unconnected cruise” are pretty much over. And for most of us, that's a welcome development. Now we can go on vacation without being completely detached from our families, friends and the world.

No matter how much you like to unwind when on vacation, odds are that you'll be bringing your smartphone with you on your next cruise. With that in mind, we've put together some tips when using your smartphone at sea — and a few things you should avoid doing at all costs.

Make sure you have an international plan

While many smartphones are international phones, you'll want to check your carrier’s website to ensure that you can even use your smartphone overseas. Many carriers have sections of their website that allow you to determine if your current device is travel friendly. 

Head to your service provider's website to see what your coverage area includes for both calling and the Internet. You may be surprised what locations are already in your calling area, including some U.S. Virgin Islands, or parts of Canada and Mexico. The coverage area may give you enough space to get away without having to change anything or purchase a new plan.

During our travels to the Southern Caribbean recently, it was unclear from our provider’s website if San Juan , our departure port, was covered in our wireless plan, so we called to confirm that indeed our Internet and phone calls would be covered during our pre-cruise stay there, saving us some money.

You may need to call your provider for them to enable international roaming and service plans on certain smartphone models if you plan to use your wireless service during your vacation. Verizon and AT&T , for instance, have fairly inexpensive international plans — for instance, AT&T starts at $40 for 200 megabytes of data — but beware: If you exceed your allotted bandwidth usage, the expenses can add up quickly to hundreds of dollars. You should receive text messages from them when you're nearing your limit. (And see JD's warning, Are maritime carriers hijacking your smartphone when you're on a cruise ship? )

Download any apps you need before leaving

Don’t waste time and money downloading apps, games or software you need for your trip from your stateroom — do that before leaving. You may also want to use the ShipMate app so you can see who else is traveling aboard your vessel. For large parties, the Ripple Connect app (discontinued) allows you to call and text other cruisers with the app as long as you have access to the ship's Wi-Fi signal, without having to pay for an Internet plan.

Text, don't talk

Unless you really want to talk to those back home using your smartphone, we suggest passing on the international plans from your service provider. Rates for a weeklong Caribbean cruise start at about $25 to $30 for 100-120mb of data with 2G speeds, and that does not include any calls! Plans that include minutes start at around $40 and come with limited data usage as well.

Tech-savvy travelers might score the best deals with a local SIM card for their phones but that entails knowing how to install the card and dealing with foreign cell phone companies to setup service. And you can't install a SIM card on an iPhone without voiding your warranty.

Apps for overseas texting : What's App , Viber , Facebook Messenger , Android Messages , EvolveSMS (Android), Chomp SMS (Android) and others. 

Choose your cruise ship Internet plan wisely

Many cruise lines now offer a variety of internet packages based on the duration of your trip and online needs that will work with any smartphone. For instance, Carnival Cruise Lines offers a Social plan for $8 per day for unlimited access to social media networks and popular airline sites but not email or web browsing. The $12 per day (or $16 for 24 hours) Value plan adds access to email and the internet but restricts bandwidth-intensive activities, such as streaming movies and music, or VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services, such as Skype and FaceTime. Other cruise lines offer unlimited internet access for daily rates that can be purchased at any point during your cruise.

We were able to save some money on Internet costs on our last cruise by waiting until day three of our sailing to purchase the internet package and sharing an unlimited device plan with other family members. Figure out what plan and duration of access is necessary for your smartphone before purchasing a plan. Remember, there is also the potential to save money on such packages by being a member of loyalty programs .

Check for Wi-Fi hotspots while on shore

Even if you don't feel like spending money using your smartphone at sea, when docked at a port of call, you might be able to get Internet access at restaurants, cafes, and even beaches for a limited time for free. (Cruiseable's travel guides list free Wi-Fi hotspots at hundreds of ports.) Many beach resorts and hotels that offer day passes now include access to Wi-Fi as part of the package price. So, you could score some time to check your email, post some vacation photos on social media, get caught up on the news or browse your favorite cruise website while on a shore excursion. Since many of these networks are public, you should be cautious about which sites you visit while connected.

Use Wi-Fi for voice calls

Many phones now enable you to use Wi-Fi calling (e.g., Skype ) so you can get in touch with family and friends back home without paying roaming charges. You need a fairly strong Internet signal for a high-quality call, so depending on your location and Internet speed, your experience may be a bit choppy! But, if you already have an Internet plan on your cruise ship or are connected to free Wi-Fi in port, it's worth giving this calling feature a try. The worst that could happen is that you get disconnected and have to go back to texting or email. Voice calling uses your phone's Internet connection rather than your cellular plan's voice minutes. In addition to Skype, other good VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) apps include WhatsApp ,  RingCentral  and Viber . CoWorker has a good roundup .

Bring your smartphone accessories

Nothing is worse than traveling with your smartphone device and realizing that you don’t have all your accessories. So, make sure you pack all necessary power cords, extra battery/power back-up and charging stations.

Also make sure your smartphone is protected during your cruise. When going to the beach or relaxing near the pool, consider getting a waterproof case to help prevent serious damage from happening to your precious cargo. (See Janet's article on handy gear to pack .)

Tips on how not to use your phone on a ship

Now, that's a good start. But you'll also want to take advantage of some of the mistakes we've made and others have made over the years. So here are some additional tips about how not to use your smartphone on a cruise.

Don't forget to put your phone in airplane mode

It might not dawn on you until you are sitting on the shorelines of the Bahamas, and all of a sudden your phone starts vibrating. It is only then that you realize a stream of texting messages, emails and social media updates are coming through as you somehow maneuvered into a service area. Don’t get hit with a barrage of data roaming fees — leave your phone in airplane mode! A lot of folks don't realize: You can still use Wi-Fi in this mode.

Don't be careless with your personal data

Whether you're on your ship or at a port of call, the Wi-Fi you are using is public -- that is, it's easily accessible to those who know a thing or two about computers. Unless it's absolutely necessary, we recommend never accessing private accounts, such as bank accounts or credit cards, while connected to these networks. Further, when searching for Wi-Fi hotspots, you should be extra cautious about which networks you choose and only sign on to connections you can confirm belong to a reputable company or retailer. Nothing would be worse than having your personal data or identity snatched while you are trying to access the Web. And even if you're in a friendly-looking cafe, there are still steps you should take to stay safe when using an open Wi-Fi network .

Be prepared for slow Internet speeds

The Internet on cruise ships has come a long way in recent years. Using your smartphone almost anywhere on a ship is a convenience that didn’t exist a few years ago. That being said, the Internet speeds are still slower (often considerably slower) than the broadband and 4G speeds you are probably used to back home. While speeds are getting faster, you shouldn't count on streaming music or video, and both upload and download speeds will likely not be as fast as you would like, even on the most technologically advanced ships.

Don't become tied to your device

The modern convenience of using a smartphone on a cruise ship is truly a great improvement and welcomed luxury. But you're still on vacation to see interesting new places, meet new people and have some fun and relaxation. Endless scrolling on your smartphone is not  the way to spend your vacation.

When sailing on Quantum of the Seas , the most technologically advanced ship, we could not get over the number of people that were always on their phone, resulting in a loss of some of the spontaneity and camaraderie we've come to love about cruising.

How do you use your smartphone?

Do you have any tips on how to best use your smartphone at sea? Leave us a comment to share your experiences of how you stay connected while on a cruise ship.

See anything wrong in the article above? Sound off in the comments below. Updated from an earlier version.

DB & the Princess Along with my wife, I'm the co-editor of EatSleepCruise.com, helping you sea the world, one port at a time!

Related reviews & articles

Are maritime carriers hijacking your smartphone when you're on a cruise ship?

Improving Internet connectivity at sea

Cruise line partners

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America
• MSC Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Crystal Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas
• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Azamara Club Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Ponant Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Star Clippers
• Viking Ocean
• Virgin Voyages
• Windstar Cruises
• AmaWaterways
• American Cruise Lines
• Avalon Waterways
• Tauck River Cruises
• Viking River
• G Adventures
• Hurtigruten
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Un-Cruise Adventures

Cruise Lines International Association Member #00454845 | Agile Travel Group dba Cruiseable

• How Cruiseable works
• Cruise glossary
• Community guidelines
• Upload or share
• Cruise ambassadors
• Cruise price drop alert
• Media center
• Contributions

Ethics Terms of Service Privacy Policy

Can I use my phone on a cruise?

Travel & Tech Writer

If you’re new to cruising (or maybe it’s just been a while since you’re sailed the friendly seas), you might be wondering how you’ll stay in touch with people while you’re on your trip.

Our customer support team regularly gets questions like “Can I use my phone on a cruise?” and “How much will it cost to have data on a cruise?” and “Does eSIM work on a cruise?” so we decided it was time to put together a simple guide to using your phone on a cruise.

But first, how NOT to use your phone on a cruise …

Before we get into your options for using your phone on a cruise, we want to make sure you pay attention to one very important point. If you don’t choose one of the options below, you might accidentally end up roaming on your regular phone plan.

This is really bad idea, friend.

Roaming on your regular phone plan is exactly what it sounds like. Your phone is trying to use your regular phone plan, but you’re actually outside your regular coverage zone, so your phone will be desperately trying to keep you connected … and racking up expensive roaming fees in the process. (This is especially costly on a cruise, since it’s harder for your phone to connect to a network back on land.)

So whatever you do, please choose one of the options below ahead of your cruise. Trust us, you don’t want to come home all tanned and relaxed, only to see a staggeringly expensive cell phone bill filled with extra charges.

How to use your phone on a cruise

Option 1: rely only on wi-fi 😒.

Your cruise ship should have Wi-Fi on board, and you’ll probably be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks in shops or restaurants once you’re on land. So if you’re fine with just checking in periodically and not having a cellular data connection, you can rely on Wi-Fi for the duration of your trip. Be sure to turn Data Roaming off or disable your Primary SIM temporarily, and remember that your phone number won’t work for calling or texting until you’re back to using a data connection.

OPTION 2: Buy a carrier travel plan 🤔

Your carrier at home probably offers a travel plan for the area where you’ll be cruising, and your cruise line will likely offer their own version, too. These carrier travel plans aren’t cheap, since it’s trickier to get data out at sea. But you can talk to your carrier ahead of your vacation and see what they’ll charge for you to use your phone on a cruise, and make a decision from there. Be sure to tell them every country you’ll be visiting during the cruise (and how long you’ll be traveling), so they set you up with the appropriate plan.

OPTION 3: Use a prepaid eSIM data package 😊

No matter where you’re traveling, eSIM travel data packages are a great way to stay affordably connected in 120+ countries. Instead of relying on your regular SIM card (your carrier plan from back home), you install a digital SIM card called an ‘eSIM.’ This eSIM connects your device to local networks in the country or region you’re visiting, so you’re able to have a reliable data connection without paying roaming charges.

Your eSIM data connection won’t affect your regular phone number , so you can talk on the phone or send/receive texts while you’re on your cruise. The best part? No surprises or hidden fees. What you see is what you pay, and if you run out of eSIM data, it’s your decision whether you want to buy more.

Using an eSIM for data on a cruise

If you chose Option #3 and you’re interested in hearing more about using prepaid eSIM data on your next cruise, that’s great! Let’s walk through a few things you should know before use eSIM on a cruise …

1. Know that the connection will depend on your location.

We do our best to keep our customers connected anywhere they travel, however, we rely on data networks to maintain those connections. While eSIM data can work on cruise ships, the quality of your connection will depend on how close you are to land. That’s because eSIM data comes from cell phone towers, just like any other cellular connection, and those towers aren’t located in the middle of the ocean.

Internet connections are notoriously slow aboard a cruise ship , no matter which route you take to get data on your phone. But cruising isn’t *all* about the ship, of course. Remember that you’ll want data while you’re on land, either before/after your cruise or during various stops along the way.

2. Choose a data package for each location you want data.

eSIM data packages are sold by country, or by region. So depending on where you’re cruising, you might just need to buy a single regional package and you’ll have data in every location you visit.

If you’re going on a Caribbean cruise:  Our Caribbean eSIM data package includes data in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, and Turks and Caicos. And a week’s worth of data in all 11 countries is just $20.

If you’re going on an Alaskan cruise: Our United States eSIM includes data in all 50 states (including Alaska, of course). So if you’re departing from Seattle and spending all of your trip within the United States, this might be the only package you need. If you’re departing from Vancouver (or elsewhere in Canada), it’s a better idea to shop for a North American eSIM that will work across the United States  and  Canada. It’s $9 for a week’s worth of data.

If you’re going on a Mediterranean cruise: Heading on a cruise that passes through France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece or Turkey? Our Mediterranean eSIM provides data in all six countries, starting at just $6.75 for a week’s worth of data.

3. Adjust your settings to conserve data.

If you want to be data-conscious and use as little data as possible while you’re traveling, use our 10 tips to conserve data while traveling and you’ll be able to get away with purchasing a smaller data package.

Please reach out to our Customer Support team if you have any questions about using your phone on a cruise, and Bon Voyage!

• Travel tips

Related articles

Euro 2024 travel guide: cities, matches, and travel tips

Flight tracking hack: Get real-time flight info

Canadians, just download an American SIM card

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

esim card on cruises - Cruises Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Cruises Forums

esim card on cruises

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Cruises forum

13 replies to this topic

I would think that you will still have to pay the high charges that come with using the maritime network while at sea. Won't the ships internet be sufficient?

You could shop around for travel sims that give you better prices than your home provider while roaming at sea but I am unaware of any sim or esim that specializes in maritime.

There is an app you should look at and read reviews of on the internet. It is called airalo

Is there a reason you can't)don't want to use the services from the cell provider you're already with? Do they not cover usage in the US? At sea, I'd stick to the onboard internet WiFi access if you really need to access internet or make internet calls (WhatsApp or FB messenger or such)..

Hi Yarramar,

Yashvardhan Singh posted a video for Sim4Crew

HOW I GET HIGH SPEED INTERNET ON SHIP! SECRET REVEALED

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6miVXNU-u0&ab_channel=YashvardhanSingh

Does anyone use it before?

Correct me if I am wrong but there is no sim card or app that allows you to connect to the ship's system and bypass the ship's exorbitant rate.

The provider of the actual internet/cellular service, while at sea, is found 22,000 miles up in the sky. The ship connects to the satellite and resell that connection to you- at a profit.

Anson, saw the video. The title is quite misleading. When I read it on your post, I thought that it meant getting high speed internet WHILE ON the ship. Intrigued, I went to the Youtube video and all the poster is doing is promoting a sim card that has a yearly validity. BUT you have to use it at port or on land. It is not and never meant to connect to the ship's system.

The only advantage, if you ask me, is that the sim is valid for a long time ( per the video- 365 days) and for technologically challenged users, easy to activate (as it is already pre activated). But mind you, the rates are NOT cheap.

For pay as you go rates, I plugged in " I am in the USA and want to call the USA. " Voice per minute is $ 0.80 SMS is $0.20. And data is $0.10/ megabyte.

Sim4crew is really, in my opinion, no different from other multi-country sim cards.

Between Airalo and Sim4crew, I would choose Airalo.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Joe - the OP specifically asks about an eSim to use aboard

"does anyone know which esim card we can use ON BOARD?"

There are global SIM, and various cell providers like Google Fi who work in over 200+ countries without anything additional. Quick search of the internet brings up various options.

Personally, I'm a Google Fi fan and user, as I don't have to find SIMs, check coverage, etc. Of course, aboard is a different story. Connect to Cellular at Sea, regardless of provider, and pay the price..

My son just told me about Maois global but we need an unlocked device. My ATT charges me $10 a day and $5 roaming. That would’ve cost us $450 compared to $45 visiting Italy for 30 days. Hope that helps. My son told me that the company is smaller so traffic is better but I’m not sure.

• MSC cruises to Norway, Italy/Europe Spain or Mediterranean? 5:58 am
• Sunset for P&O Australia 3:05 am
• Travel Insurance 2:48 am
• Tui River cruises yesterday
• Norwegian Cruises in Greece, not serving alcohol in port? yesterday
• Luggage storage at Vancouver Canada Place Cruise Terminal yesterday
• Viking River Cruise dinner dress yesterday
• First time cruise/stay yesterday
• P&O Sign in/App yesterday
• Nightmare experience returning home from Viking Cruise Jun 03, 2024
• Crew Appreviation Jun 03, 2024
• Cunard First Timer Jun 03, 2024
• Rhine River cruise: your fav thing and what you’d skip Jun 03, 2024
• Should I use Viking’s air booking feature or book my flight? Jun 03, 2024
• First, tell us WHERE YOU LIVE if that info isn't in your profile!
• Can I remove the auto- gratuity? I want to tip only a few ... how much should I tip?
• What's the best cruise/ship?
• Is a cruise an all inclusive vacation?
• How do I even get started picking a cruise?
• How can I find a cheap cruise?
• How much are alcoholic drinks? Can I bring my own alcohol?
• What are the odds of an upgrade?
• What should I know about the cruise contract?
• What are the noisy locations to avoid on a cruise ship?
• What's the best way to see the ports on my cruise?
• What are cruise dress codes? Do I have to follow them to get in the dining room?
• What kind of insurance do I need? Can I skip that expense?
• What do you wish someone told you before your 1st cruise?
• Cruise Reviews and Reports for cruise lines operating from Australia / New Zealand
• Australia / South Pacific - things I wish I knew before I cruised including port info
• What should you order for the best food on board?
• What you should know about river cruising
• Regional pricing - at what cost?

• Find a Cruise​ Cruise Deals Cruise Ships​ Destinations​ Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay​ Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Royal Caribbean Blog Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-1-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/sgp/en/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Short Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises​
• Family Cruises​
• First Time Cruisers
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• Cruising Guides
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-3-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/sgp/en/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Deck Plans​
• Cruise Dining ​
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms​
• The Cruise Experience​
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/sgp/en/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports​
• Shore Excursions​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Asia Cruises​
• Singapore Cruises​
• Caribbean Cruises​
• Thailand Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Check-In for My Cruise​
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• My Account​
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-6-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/sgp/en/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Will my phone work onboard a Royal Caribbean ship?

Yes, Royal Caribbean works with mobile networks to provide the ability to connect your device through "cellular at sea". These roaming rates to utilise your device are determined by your network provider. Prior to your sailing, it is recommended to contact your network provider for more information on these rates and special packages available. 

Additionally, another option for staying connected without utilising your mobile data is connecting to VOOM, the fastest Internet at sea. VOOM allows guests to stay connected via WiFi, with a variety of packages to choose from.

Still need help? Contact Us

Get support by phone or email.

Email Your Questions

Locate a Travel Agent

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Can I Use My Phone? Guide to Cell Phone Access on an Alaskan Cruise

Can you use your phone on an Alaskan cruise?

Phone usage during a cruise is one of the most common questions that people have when they are ready to board the ship. These days our phones are so much more than just a way to call back home. They represent a way to keep up with our lives back in the real world, whether that be just checking email, posting on social media, or even checking in on work.

For most cruises — like those that go to the Caribbean — the answer is pretty simple. Yes, your phone will work, but you either have to pay for and connect to wi-fi, use the expensive cellular networks on the ship (more on these later) or often pay international roaming charges when in port.

However, sailing on an Alaskan cruise is a different animal. Since you are traveling within the United States, that means your cell phone plan likely offers some service while in port. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as using your phone as you would at home.

Given that you will be traveling through international waters, rugged territory, and out of range of land-based towers, when and what service you have will be constantly changing. 

Here’s more information about us cell phone on an Alaskan cruise.

Traditional Cell Service While in Alaskan & Canadian Cruise Ports

Let’s start by discussing your cell service while in port. Alaskan cruises stop in ports like Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. Since these are U.S. ports, your cell phone will work just as it would anywhere else in the United States — and have the same charges for data, texts, and calls.

Where you might run into an issue is with coverage. Within the port cities themselves, you should be fine on coverage, even getting high-speed data in many areas . Traveling outside of the ports will likely cause you to drop signal quickly, especially if taking an excursion to the wilderness.

In addition, your coverage is going to depend on your cell service provider. According to their coverage maps, each major company offers service in the Alaskan ports. You can see, however, that coverage definitely varies, with AT&T seeming to offer the widest service.

One thing to note, however, is that even if the map above shows service, it could still be spotty. For example, we personally use Mint Mobile, which is a discount carrier that’s part of the T-Mobile network. During a recent cruise our phone did not have coverage in some ports. However, we noticed that passengers with major carriers seemed able to connect.

Service in Canada In addition, pretty much every cruise from Seattle to Alaska makes at least one stop in Canada. If you are in a Canadian port such as Vancouver or Victoria, then you will be connecting to Canadian cell towers and should have plenty of coverage as these are major cities.

Unless you have international plan or a provider who allows you to call in Canada at no additional charge (many do), then you are going to be charged for international roaming.

The good news is that cell phone companies seem to be adding service in Canada and Mexico to some plans for no extra charge. If not, keep in mind as well that cell providers have international plans that you can purchase for one month which will help bring your per-minute prices down.

It may be that for a one-time monthly fee of only $5-10, you are able to use your phone in a Canadian port when you visit. Just check with your provider before you sail.

Cell Service While on the Cruise Ship

Your coverage gets tricky when you are at sea, and it’s something you should be careful to notice before using your phone.

Since the Alaskan Passage is a relatively small area compared to the open ocean, there might be spots that you can pick up cell service while you are at sea. You’ll want to check at the top of your phone for the name of the network to make sure it’s your carrier before using.

When out of range of land-based cell towers, you can still use your phone if needed, but it will be through service provided on the cruise ship. 

In this case, your carrier bills you at special international roaming rates. We’ve looked up the rates for the big three carriers:

Don’t want to pay these high rates? Some cell providers also have cruise packages that are designed to work on the ship . By paying a set amount ahead of time, you can get service on the ship without worrying about your bill. Just know that it can be pricey.

For instance, AT&T offers a $100 plan that gives you 200MB of data and unlimited talk and text on most cruise ships. You’ll want to get in touch with your provider for more details of their specific plan.

However, given the cost of the plans and service, it’s usually better just to wait until you can connect to a land-based tower in the U.S. or Canada, which is already part of your plan.

Smarter Option: Using the Ship’s Wi-Fi to Use Your Phone

If you’re on an Alaskan cruise, we’d actually suggest using the wi-fi on the ship to keep in touch .

One big change that’s come to cruising in the past decade is the proliferation of wi-fi. What used to be a novelty on cruise ships is now a near necessity. Every major cruise line and ship will offer wi-fi service, usually costing about $15-25 per day.

With online access, there are a number of phones and apps — such as WhatsApp — that allow you to send texts and even make calls through your wi-fi connection.

In other words, instead of expensive per-minute cell service or worrying about roaming, connecting to the ship’s wi-fi gives you an opportunity to keep in touch back home without paying high per-minute rates.

Then, when off the ship in port, you can use your phone as normal assuming there is service and your plan includes the area you are visiting.

How to Avoid Surprise Charges

Unfortunately, we have heard horror stories of people being surprised by high bills on their cell plans after cruising. Whether it be calls made on one network that switches to another network during the call, or apps sucking up data without the user knowing, there are ways that you can get a much higher bill than you expected.

For that reason, we suggest turning your phone into airplane mode while you are aboard the ship (wi-fi will still work when the phone is in airplane mode). When you are on shore in Alaskan ports, then you can use your phone as normal without having to worry about overages.

More on connecting while on a cruise:

• Everything to Know About Internet on a Cruise (Speed, Cost, & More)
• Complete Guide to Using Your Phone on a Cruise

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, 44 must-have alaskan cruise tips, tricks, and secrets, 15+ seattle hotels with free (or discounted) cruise parking, 12+ easy seattle hotels with shuttles to the cruise ports, 12 seattle cruise hotels in easy walking distance of the port, 29 must-have things to pack for an alaskan cruise (11 you’d never think of), seattle cruise parking (where to park): prices, profiles, & map, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Carnival Is Taking Over an Entire Cruise Line to Grow Even Larger

I made a simple booking mistake… and it cost me my entire cruise (don’t do the same), 25+ miami hotels near the cruise port with shuttles (free & paid), hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Best sellers

Regional plans

• North America
• Latin America
• United Kingdom

All destinations

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Dominican Republic
• Czech Republic
• El Salvador
• Faroe Islands
• Isle of Man
• Ivory Coast
• Liechtenstein
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of Congo
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• St. Pierre and Miquelon
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• United Arab Emirates

You haven't added products to the cart

Total: EUR € 0,00

Continue shopping

Choose a currency

Suggested languages

iPhone XS Max

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2020)

iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPad Pro (2018 and onwards)

Watch series 3

Watch series 4

Watch series 5

Watch series 6

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 7 Pro

P40 Pro (not including the P40 Pro +)

Mate 40 Pro

Galaxy Z Flip

Galaxy Z Flip 5G

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Galaxy Z Flip4

Galaxy Fold

Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Galaxy Z Fold4

Galaxy S21+ 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S22+

Galaxy S22 Ultra

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G 

Galaxy Note 20

Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

Rakuten Mini

Find X3 Pro

Find X5 Pro

Xperia 10 III Lite 

Xperia 10 IV

Xperia 1 IV

Xperia 5 IV

Magic 4 Pro

Aquos Sense6s

Check out our guide on how to find out if my device is eSIM compatible or contact us on our online chat

• Travel Tips

Can you use your phone on a Cruise ship?

Traveling by seas? Use your phone on a cruise with no issues with on-board internet or an eSIM for the coastal area and live the best experience at sea.

August 3, 2023

In this article

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Plans that may interest you

We know that you can definitely use your phone at home, at your friend’s house, and even on the other side of the world, but can you use it on a cruise ship? It’s hardly surprising that in today’s globally interconnected world, many vacationers consider maintaining their online presence a top concern, even while at sea.

Some passengers may need or wish to stay in touch with loved ones back home or with the office while they are sailing, even though a cruise is an ideal time to relax and unwind from the stresses of modern life. Let’s go ahead and clear your doubts and help you find affordable solutions to connect to the internet while abroad .

Options for Onboard Internet Access

The cruise industry has made great efforts to provide onboard internet access, realizing the value of this amenity for today’s vacationers. When on a cruise, you can connect to the web in one of three primary ways.

First, there is the ship’s Wi-Fi, which allows guests to use their own electronic devices to access the internet while sailing. Lounges, restaurants, and select cabins are examples of public spaces that may have WiFi service. It’s important to remember that due to bandwidth constraints and other obstacles, online access on ships is sometimes slow and expensive .

Generally, the most relevant challenge is a sufficiently capable connection from the cruise to a satellite in space and back . This requires a lot of energy from the cruise and that makes it an expensive luxury. If you definitely need to use your phone while on a cruise ship, you can inquire directly with the crew about their available services.

(Traveling by air? Find out more !)

Dedicated Spaces

Some ships even feature internet cafés where guests can use computers to surf the web. Although this may be less expensive than ship-wide Wi-Fi, there may still be fees involved , and service may be spotty during busy times. Most of the time, the onboard cable connection capabilities may too slow to support videos and VoIP. Sometimes there are other services like printing available at these onboard internet cafés .

Internet Packages

Cruise lines have begun selling internet packages through satellite for passengers who need a more reliable and constant connection to the web. These plans often offer more speed and data but come at a premium price . You should definitely contact your cruise line to find out if they have any such packages and if they are suitable for your vacation plans.

Cruise line Services

There are several cruise lines that have begun offering internet services onboard and some even for free! Find out beforehand if the cruise line that you selected offers on board internet connection to use your phone.

Carnival Cruise Line

They offer a shipwide connection for as low are $8 per day. This basic plan gets you access to just the basic social media networks. As you require more services, the fee goes up as well. For those who use the internet a lot, they may require the $17 per day package, which is the premium plan with high-speed connection and even Skype included!

When it comes to roaming services, you can use your phone with your home operator with all the regular services included. Remember that the final bill depends mostly on your operator and their rates .

Disney Cruise Line

On Disney ships you can connect to the internet for as little as $0.25 per MB. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app can help you remain in contact with your family members. Through the app, there’s an option where you can chat with family members and companion for an additional charge. For some passengers in high-class suites, there may be free packages or complementary internet access.

Royal Caribbean International

With this cruise line, there are two packages available. The first one is a $15.99 per day per device plan that provides high-speed internet connection to connect online and check your email . The other plan costs $19.99 per day per device that includes all the services from the previous plan plus social media, video calls, movies and more ! When it comes to using your phone on a cruise ship and similarly to other cruise lines, roaming is available through your domestic provider.

Maritime Cellular Service

You may worry about whether you will have cell phone service when at sea. Your cell phone should be able to connect to local networks while you are close to the shore or major ports of call. However, when the ship travels further out to sea, the availability of cellular networks will decrease dramatically.

Key considerations with cellular service at sea are as follows:

• First, you may be subject to costly international roaming fees if your phone connects to a foreign cellular network while you are in port or near the coast. To avoid any unwelcome surprises when you receive your cellphone bill, it is imperative that you contact your service provider in advance to learn about the roaming fees and data charges that may apply. One good strategy is to turn on the airplane mode to avoid connecting to roaming networks without knowing .
• Second, there is poor connectivity out on the broad seas; your phone may stop receiving any service at all. Because of their extensive travel away from land, cruise ships are frequently out of range of cellular networks .
• Thirdly, satellite services are made available by some cellphone companies. However, these are normally reserved for maritime and emergency communication rather than regular consumer use. Voice and data bundles provided by satellite providers are too expensive for frequent users.

The Maritime Viability of eSIMs

There has been a rise in the use of eSIMs (embedded SIM cards) to replace physical SIM cards. Users can switch carriers without having to swap out conventional SIM cards thanks to eSIMs , which are built into compatible smartphones . The availability of partner networks and agreements determines, however, whether they can be used on a cruise ship while at sea. You can also learn more about what eSIM is .

Using eSIMs at sea

First, eSIMs can provide connectivity because cellular companies have contracts with local networks. Coverage may still be restricted to major ports and coastal areas even if a cruise company has an agreement with a carrier supporting eSIMs. Since eSIMs utilize local networks , they are restricted in the same ways that regular SIM cards are while traveling internationally.

Some eSIM service providers may offer satellite-based plans usable in inaccessible areas, like in the middle of the ocean . It is important to investigate alternatives and potential costs before committing to one of these plans because they tend to be pricey and may have limited data allowances. However, the overall benefits outweigh the regular SIM cards and even on-board plans.

Holafly Data Connection

One provider that has emerged as a global provider in international connectivity. For one flat price, you can easily download and connect to the internet. Since your cruise ship usually moves across international waters and several countries, a multicounty or regional eSIM is your best bet. Check the benefits!

• High-speed internet and connection to the best networks
• Keep your WhatsApp number and conversation
• 24/7 multilingual customer service
• Multiple payment methods available
• Multi-destination packages, like the best eSIM plans for tourism within Asia

Just go to the website or the app , choose your destination or destinations, and complete the purchase. You’ll receive a QR code to activate your eSIM . While you’re close to the port or the cost , you’d most likely be able to connect to the internet with no issues! This is the perfect alternative for cruise ships that roam near the coastline . You’ll have no problem connecting and be able to use your phone while on a cruise ship.

Related reading

Where to travel in September 2024: A tourist guide

Discover where to travel in September. In this post we show you the top recommended destinations, plans and events. Don’t miss...

Tourist Cards for Germany: Best Passes and Cards 2024

Learn more about the different tourist cards in Germany and spend less on your vacation while visiting the most interesting places in each...

29 apps to travel to Japan

Find out which are the best apps to travel to Japan, and have all the information you need in your...

How to Travel from London to Paris

Travel from London to Paris on train, car, ferry and more! Choose the best option for you and stay connected while on the road!...

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Statistic Cookies
• Marketing Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

This website uses the following additional cookies:

(List the cookies that you are using on the website here.)

Find Rates for Calls, Text and Data per MB

• Physical SIM
• International eSIM

Your product has been added to the basket

ONE-TIME OFFER - Get 5 OFF

(This is our best offer)

• Works in over 200 countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

Find your SIM Card number on the back of the product package or if you no longer have the product package, you can also find the SIM Card phone number from the plastic card .

Change settings

Our sim cards now work on cruise ships – travelsim®.

Great news! TravelSim now works on cruise ships! Please direct your attention below to find out more details.

Satellite Network MCP Incoming calls: 1.69 EUR/min Outgoing calls: 2.50 EUR/min Cost of classic SMS is 0.35 EUR GPRS rate is 25.00/MB

Satellite Network WMS Incoming calls: 3.50 EUR/min Outgoing calls: 4.00 EUR/min Cost of classic SMS is 1.25 EUR

Travel. Talk. Save. TravelSim Team

• Royal Caribbean International

Sim Card recommendation for Sea Days

By KDance , November 4, 2017 in Royal Caribbean International

Recommended Posts

Has anyone found any sim cards that provide coverage during sea days in the Caribbean?

Recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

It makes no real diff what SIM you have in the phone - they all go through the ships' cell tower on sea days and typically at the same price. You have to determine your usage to see if using the ships' tower is more cost effective a than VOOM internet package.

papaflamingo

We have AT&T and our kids have Verizon. Both offer "wifi calling." It's a setting in your phone, it's free. All you have to do is turn it on in your phone. We have an Iphone, but I understand that Androids also have the function. It's a "wonderful thing." If your phone is connected to the internet, you can place it in "airplane" mode, turn on your wifi, and it will bias to "wifi calling." It will also do this if the wifi signal is stronger than a cell signal, but to guarantee it, put it in "airplane" mode. You can tell it's on "wifi calling" if you look at where the carrier is noted, upper left on an Iphone, and if it says "ATTwifi" or "VZWwifi" you are on "wifi calling" and not on the cell towers. We used it on our Oasis cruise a few weeks ago as we were all in suites that included free VOOM per person. It works FANTASTIC! You can make calls, send texts, etc. for free to a domestic number. The number you call doesn't need to be in the U.S., it only has to be a domestic number. We used it all week on board to keep in touch. If you go ashore and log into a wifi you can again use it. It works anywhere when your phone is on wifi. I have used it throughout Europe as well as the Caribbean, and on 3 cruises this year. One in Norway, one in the Baltics, and on our last Oasis cruise. Check it out. Full service for price of the internet, and you still have full internet.

Charles4515

Has anyone found any sim cards that provide coverage during sea days in the Caribbean?   Recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

All cell coverage on sea days is thru Cellular at Sea. Only major cell carrier plans have agrrements to roam on Cellular at Sea. You won't be able to buy a sim card that will roam on Cellular at Sea.

The best way to get coverage during sea days is buying a ships wifi plan and using WiFi calling if your carrier has it and your phone can do it.

All cell coverage on sea days is thru Cellular at Sea. Only major cell carrier plans have agrrements to roam on Cellular at Sea. You won't be able to buy a sim card that will roam on Cellular at Sea.   The best way to get coverage during sea days is buying a ships wifi plan and using WiFi calling if your carrier has it and your phone can do it.

Just to add to the above, there are no prepaid services that will work on Cellular at Sea. Only major cell carriers and postpaid service with that carrier.

Thank you very much :)

We did the same as "papaflamingo" and it worked great as he posted. Just to add, ATT includes Mexico in their plans so any cel service when in a Mexican port is include in the ATT plan.

I used ships WiFi while at sea and Nassau (didn't get off). I used ATT 4G in port at Cozumel and Costa Maya.

BirdTravels

You have to pay the rates that YOUR cellular carrier charges. Our carrier has a package for RCCL ships. Not cheap, but better than charging by the minute.

FYI, T-mobile also supports wifi calling. And has a much better international plan for port days. :)

Also, you need to activate wifi calling the first while you have a cellular signal. Once it has been activated, you do not need cell service. So do this BEFORE the cruise.

ATT has that "cruise ship" package also. But you only get charged for it if you use cellular. If you just connect to the ship's WiFi then it's whatever the ship charges. We had a suite so our WiFi was "free" and I could do anything I normally do with my IPhone phone on WiFi. I could text (on/off ship), voice call, FaceTime, and send photos/videos.

Didn't know that, I activated mine when I got my first IPhone that supported it while still at home.

That is so useful. Thanks for the info.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That is so useful. Thanks for the info.     Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're more than welcome.

I went for the on board WIFI, I have T-Mobile too with International so think I'm all set :)

Thanks for so much info going to try on Ovation Nov 23rd. However, didn't know what is meant by Domestic No.? We are from Australia and will be getting free internet while on board. Regards

With WiFi Calling you are on your home plan over the internet. So whatever plan you have at home you have over Wi-Fi when on the ships Wi-Fi or any Wi-Fi hot spot. So domestics number would be whatever is included in your home plan. Your data allowed would be whatever it is on your home plan. Ditto texts. All the major US carriers support it on capable phones. Recent phones support it. So your Australian carrier would have to support it. They probably do if you have a phone that can be set up for it.

US cell service that offer wifi calling, allows you to call domestic (US) numbers at the same price as if calling FROM the US, wherever you have wifi, so all calls home using the ships wifi are included in your normal monthly plan, most of which in the US include unlimited minutes, also works for SMS messages. So on a ship, if all the family has wifi calling they can call each other for free when connected to the Royal Wifi.

Don't know how the Australian mobile phone plans work

• Mar 29 Host Jazzbeau locked this topic

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 21 hours ago

LauraS · Started 22 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 07:58 AM

LauraS · Started Monday at 09:26 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 08:54 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

What Is an eSIM and Why Is It Important for a Seafarer?

As a seafarer, you need a no-fuss way to switch networks when you land in a new port. You shouldn't have to worry about limited service, juggling multiple SIM cards, or expensive roaming fees. Enter the eSIM, an easy and affordable way to get online and stay connected at sea. Read on to discover how eSIM technology is improving connectivity for seafarers around the world.

What Is an eSIM?

First, what is an eSIM and how does it work ? An eSIM is an embedded SIM card. It serves the same function as a physical SIM card, but it's built into your device and works 100% digitally. With an eSIM from Airalo , you can stay connected in 200+ countries and regions worldwide — just by downloading an eSIM data plan.

Airalo’s Commitment to Seafarers

We want to make global connectivity accessible to all travelers, and seafarers are no exception. Anything can happen at sea, and we want you to maximize your ability to use your mobile device as intended. Here are a few examples of what you can do with an Airalo eSIM at sea:

• Keep connected without having to swap a physical SIM card.
• Never pay expensive roaming fees on your eSIM line.
• Easily switch destinations, and choose from plans for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.
• Get top-of-the-line connectivity from the fastest, most reliable carriers.
• Pay local rates for your data connection (no hidden fees here!).
• Transfer important documents without a Wi-Fi connection.
• Get 24/7 support from the Airalo team.

Benefits of Using an eSIM at Sea

Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM has never been easier. Let's explore a few examples of how eSIM technology can help you conduct business and stay connected at sea.

Travel Light (and With Less Plastic)

Nowadays, it's much easier to travel light and save as much space as possible. On a ship, you need to plan accordingly, especially since you'll be in the same cabin for days to weeks on end.  

Imagine you arrive at a port in a new country and need to get online. Usually, you'd have to locate a SIM card vendor, wait in line to purchase a local SIM, and swap SIM cards to get a connection. Not to mention, every SIM card in your bag takes up unnecessary space that could be used for anything other than basic mobile connectivity.

With an eSIM, you only need your smartphone to stay connected. You can install an eSIM plan for your destination and connect to a mobile network within minutes. No more waiting in line, adding another SIM card to your collection, or contributing to landfill waste with unnecessary plastics. 

Stay Connected at Sea

Life as a seafarer, sailer, or traveler at sea can be isolating. You're constantly in search of networks so you can get online. And when you do find one, it usually has a limited or unreliable connection. eSIMs give you the freedom and flexibility to stay connected as you travel.

With an eSIM, you can access any photos, videos, or apps on your device. You can use your eSIM data to listen to a podcast, watch a movie, and play your favorite mobile game — all without worrying about losing your connection.

Keep Up With News and Current Events

One of the trickiest parts of being a mariner is keeping up with news and current events at sea. As a sailor or sea traveler, you must be aware of global events at your destination, back home, and anything else that may concern your safety. You shouldn't be left in the dark — an eSIM ensures you won't be. 

An Airalo eSIM gives you access to reliable data so you can browse the internet, sign and send documents, and stay informed at sea. You can stay updated with regional and international events, be notified about personal events at home, and keep in contact with emergency services and work colleagues.

Navigate Local Language Barriers

Whether you land in a British, Spanish, or Russian port, language barriers can make it tricky to get a connection. Even if you know the basics, it can be difficult to communicate the coverage you need, from how much data to how long you need it.

With an eSIM, there's no need to stumble through a translation to purchase a SIM card. Instead, you can download an eSIM directly to your device. As long as you have a stable connection, you can download and install an eSIM plan on the go. 

Pro tip:  We recommend installing your eSIM plan before boarding your ship.

Keep in Touch With the People Who Matter Most

As a seafarer, you need to keep in touch with friends and family, no matter where you sail. Airalo's eSIM technology makes it easy to call, text, and communicate with your friends and family:

• Keep your phone number for when you have a Wi-Fi connection. 
• Use your eSIM to call and text using apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage.
• Send and receive emails.
• Post to social media.

Never Get Locked Into a Plan

One thing to look out for is carrier plans that charge you for international service and lock you into an expensive contract. Once you're locked in, it's tricky to get out, meaning you're stuck with whatever coverage and payment structure you signed on for. 

With an eSIM, it's easy to switch up your coverage. You can choose from local (single-country), regional, and global data plans. And you get to pick how much data you purchase (e.g., 3GB, 5GB, 10GB) and for how long (e.g., 7 days, 15 days, 30 days). If you run low on time or data, you can easily top up in the Airalo app. 

Off for a longer period of time? Airalo has international and regional plans that extend upwards of 60 to 180 days, depending on your travel needs.

Ready to get started with an Airalo eSIM?  Visit the Airalo store  or download the Airalo app ( iOS  |  Android ) to browse eSIMs for 200+ countries and regions worldwide.

Ready to try eSIMs and change the way you stay connected?

Download the Airalo app to purchase, manage, and top up your eSIMs anytime, anywhere!

Use Your Free Credit.

You can earn US$3 Airmoney credits by sharing your referral code with friends.

• Royal Caribbean International

For those who want to give the crew gifts here is a list from Chris

By Iamcruzin , October 30, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

caymancouple

Ok from a less than technical person.... the idea of a "sim card with Data".... can anyone post a link as an example?  

forgot to check follow topic

mo&fran

1 hour ago, caymancouple said: Ok from a less than technical person.... the idea of a "sim card with Data".... can anyone post a link as an example?  

Go to a store like Best BUY and ask. They have tons of them.

 Or Amazon.

14 minutes ago, mo&fran said: Go to a store like Best BUY and ask. They have tons of them.  Or Amazon.

Don't you  need to know if their phone is like AT&T or Verizon?

Anyone willing to write up what some of the wishes are?  I don't enjoy watching videos, but wouldn't mind knowing what this one says.

Definitely, anyone with knowledge of sim cards with data, please let me know.  I'm thinking that a sim card with data that you purchase may not be able to be used with any phone. . .

9 minutes ago, shipgeeks said: Anyone willing to write up what some of the wishes are?  I don't enjoy watching videos, but wouldn't mind knowing what this one says.

First was sim cards with data

second was shirts and sweatshirts for sports teams in the US

third was food from their native country

and lastly was socks... yes socks

Itchy&Scratchy

10 minutes ago, shipgeeks said: Anyone willing to write up what some of the wishes are?  I don't enjoy watching videos, but wouldn't mind knowing what this one says.

This guy said: sim card with data, NBA memorabilia (jerseys, other things), snacks from their own countries, socks, and a personalized praise at the end of the voyage.

The sea calls my name

The problem with this list is you have no idea who your cabin steward or favorite bar tender etc are or their gender, so home snacks or socks would be difficult.  But the sim card is a good idea.  I do snacks, hygiene items, ink pens ( which a crew told me is high on their list also). I have also heard that razors and saving cream is always appreciated. 

publicpersona

SIM cards are a bit tricky. It depends on what kind of phone they have. Generally speaking, older phones (even 3-4 years ago) had modems that were either GSM or CDMA. A phone that only had a GSM modem (e.g. an iPhone 6 that was purchased originally through AT&T) couldn't use a SIM card for a Verizon or Sprint network.

Many newer phones have dual modems, so can handle either. This assumes their phone isn't locked to a specific carrier.

I would think there's a good possibility that a SIM card you purchase for them won't be usable, but perhaps they swap them around with someone that could use that one.

1 hour ago, The sea calls my name said: I do snacks, hygiene items, ink pens. I have also heard that razors and saving cream is always appreciated. 

probably the worst things you could give. Especially hygiene items.

1 hour ago, The sea calls my name said: The problem with this list is you have no idea who your cabin steward or favorite bar tender etc are or their gender, so home snacks or socks would be difficult.  But the sim card is a good idea.  I do snacks, hygiene items, ink pens ( which a crew told me is high on their list also). I have also heard that razors and saving cream is always appreciated. 

To add how do we know which sports teams they like? Chris might like the NBA, but I can't imagine every single crew member is a NBA fan. What if they prefer Football, baseball, lacrosse? What if my cabin steward is a big fan of world championship cornhole?

Or their size? 

Sounds like a lot of wasted money. Everything on this list is available through Amazon, so an Amazon gift card or an extra $50 I would spend on the jersey  may be in order so that they can buy the right team, the right size, the right sim card for their phone.

1 hour ago, Itchy&Scratchy said: This guy said: sim card with data, NBA memorabilia (jerseys, other things), snacks from their own countries, socks, and a personalized praise at the end of the voyage.

I think AFC Richmond "football" jerseys would be more popular than NBA jerseys.  😉

Here’s a KISS (Keep It Simple Sam) list:

 A thank you

 A neat cabin

 A compliment to their supervisor either written in a post cruise survey or fill out a compliment card (Princess used to provide these at the Passenger Service Desk - I am no certain if other cruise lines do this.).

You could always ask your cabin Steward when you are disembarking the ship in a port, if they would like something you could bring back for them.

40 minutes ago, DirtyDawg said: I think AFC Richmond "football" jerseys would be more popular than NBA jerseys.  😉

I don't know, I don't follow any sports. The guys in the video specifically mentioned NBA.

scorpluvsdolphins

50 minutes ago, crazyank said: probably the worst things you could give. Especially hygiene items.

Incorrect   

These items are good. 

I was specifically told razors, shaving cream, deodorant as well as the items below.  The cost of these types of item are outrageous on board and Amazon.  They also want:

Sinus & Allergy Pills

Nyquil & DayQuil liquid

Advil Cold & Sinus Except for the last one above, you can buy the Walmart brand as the first 3-4 ingredients are exact. 

Also I bought Melatonin at CVS as it was requested. 

28 minutes ago, scorpluvsdolphins said: Incorrect    These items are good.  I was specifically told razors, shaving cream, deodorant as well as the items below.  The cost of these types of item are outrageous on board and Amazon.  They also want: Mouthwash  Sinus & Allergy Pills Nyquil & DayQuil liquid Halls Advil Cold & Sinus Except for the last one above, you can buy the Walmart brand as the first 3-4 ingredients are exact.  Also I bought Melatonin at CVS as it was requested. 

Just curious - who specifically told you these items were wanted, an actual crew member or did you read it somewhere?

The have a crew store where the prices are not outrageous and according to some ship crew member videos, many of the otc meds are available for free or very low cost to the crew at their medical center.

(I am recovering from surgery, so have been watching a ton of crew videos  😁 )

11 minutes ago, cured said: Just curious - who specifically told you these items were wanted, an actual crew member or did you read it somewhere?   The have a crew store where the prices are not outrageous and according to some ship crew member videos, many of the otc meds are available for free or very low cost to the crew at their medical center. (I am recovering from surgery, so have been watching a ton of crew videos  😁 )  

3 Actual crew members

2 hours ago, DirtyDawg said: Hey, I have underwear that's 75% cotton and 25% linen and I don't wear "paper" undies. 😇  

Your underwear has pictures of dead presidents on them?!?!?!  😮

5 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:   Your underwear has pictures of dead presidents on them?!?!?!  😮  

LOL  I actually own this pair....

oh MY.  😉  

De Ja Vu. Wasn’t this issue beat to death a few days ago?  

Sunshine3601

7 hours ago, Iamcruzin said:  

@ROYAL CARIBBEAN DUDE .  

Hi Chris,  hope you are doing great!  The above video mentions  sim card with data.   What kind of phone or sim card should we get?

Socks, do most crew like fun socks or the basic white or black socks?

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• Hurricane Zone 2024
• Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started 21 hours ago

LauraS · Started 22 hours ago

LauraS · Started Yesterday at 07:58 AM

LauraS · Started Monday at 09:26 PM

LauraS · Started Monday at 08:54 PM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

1.877.602.2999

• Basic Cell Rental
• International WiFi Hotspot
• Smart Phone Rental
• International SIM Cards

Countries Selected

Add more countries, cruise ships sim card.

You can choose to rent a SIM card for Cruise Ships with unlimited talk/text and high speed data or to purchase a SIM card that you pay as you go for talk/text and data. Traveling To Multiple Countries? Select The Countries From The Dropdown Menu.

What Customers Recently Said...

Our Services

Cello mobile.

• Testimonials
• Referral Program