eSIM and Cruise Ships: What to Expect
Cruise ship connectivity is one of the most common travel questions. Here is the honest truth about using a travel eSIM on a cruise.
At Port (In a Country)
When your cruise ship is docked at a port, your eSIM connects to that country's local network just like it would on land. This is the best time to use data: you get normal speeds at that country's regular rate.
- Data works normally when docked or near shore
- Rates are the standard country rate (e.g., $1.19/GB in EU ports)
- Download maps, send messages, and do heavy browsing while at port
At Sea (Open Water)
Out at sea, land-based networks are out of range, and your phone can only connect to the ship's own maritime network. Bcengi has a Cruise Ship rate for these networks: $52.96/GB. It is not switched on by default. To use it, email support@bcengi.com before your cruise and ask the team to enable it.
- The Cruise Ship rate is pay-as-you-go, like every Bcengi rate: you pay only for the data you use
- At $52.96/GB, sea data is best for messages, email and maps; keep video, photo backups and large downloads for port days
- Many cruise ships also offer their own paid WiFi packages
Tips for Cruise Travelers
- Use data at ports: Download maps, sync messages, upload photos while docked
- Before you sail: Email support to enable the Cruise Ship rate if you want data at sea
- Disable Data Roaming at sea if you do not plan to use data at sea
- Enable Airplane Mode at sea and only use the ship's WiFi
- Re-enable at port: Turn Data Roaming back on when you reach the next port
Bcengi TravelPass is a pay-as-you-go eSIM: you only pay for data you use, with no bundles, no expiry, and no contracts. One eSIM works in 200+ countries. Use it at every port of call, and at sea with the Cruise Ship rate.
Ready to stay connected on your next trip? Get your Bcengi eSIM at bcengi.com. Set up in minutes, pay only for what you use.
