Travel eSIMs on a cruise
Your travel eSIM works on land networks: in port and near the coast. At sea, the ship runs its own network, which your home SIM may pay a lot for. Use ship Wi-Fi at sea.
Do this now
- Before you sail, turn off data roaming on your home line.
- In port: turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM and use it as normal.
- Leaving port: switch to airplane mode, then turn Wi-Fi back on.
- At sea: use the ship's Wi-Fi package if you need to be online.
- Next port: turn airplane mode off and your eSIM connects again.
In port and near land: you're connected
Your travel eSIM uses land networks. In port, on shore days and when the ship is close to the coast, it connects to local networks just like on any trip. Choose a regional plan, for example one covering every country on your route, and you're set from port to port.
At sea: the ship's own network
Out at sea, most ships run their own mobile network through satellite. Phones join it automatically if they can. Travel eSIM plans use land networks, but your home SIM may connect to the ship's network and charge very high rates.
Avoid surprise bills
- Before you sail, turn off data roaming on your home line.
- When the ship leaves port, switch on airplane mode, then turn Wi-Fi back on.
- At sea, use the ship's Wi-Fi if you need to be online.
- At the next port, turn airplane mode off. Your travel eSIM reconnects in moments.
Pick the right plan
- Several countries? A regional plan covers them all in one eSIM.
- Shore days only? A smaller data plan is often enough: you'll be on land a few hours at a time. Our guide on how much data you need helps.
- Check when your plan starts: on most plans, at your first connection at the destination. See when does my plan start.
No data in port? Run through our eSIM not working abroad fixes.
Will my eSIM connect at sea?
Travel eSIMs use land networks, so expect signal in port and near the coast. At sea, use the ship's Wi-Fi.
Why is airplane mode important on a cruise?
It stops your home SIM joining the ship's network, which can charge high rates. Turn Wi-Fi back on after.
