Best internet packages cruises. Which plan to choose or avoid 🧐

Welcome aboard this complete guide to “Best internet packages cruises.”

I’m Sarah (or Miss Tatane ), a cruise enthusiast. I’m here to share my experiences and tips to help you make the most of every cruise and save money along the way.

Best internet packages cruises

Why choose an eSIM to stay connected

When you’re on a cruise, staying connected with your loved ones and accessing the internet can be essential—whether it’s to share photos of your adventures or get real-time info about your upcoming stops. However, internet packages offered onboard are often expensive and limited in terms of speed and coverage.

That’s where eSIMs come in as a practical and budget-friendly solution. While they don’t work in the middle of the sea, they do allow fast, reliable connections at every port stop—so you can share your experiences and stay informed without breaking the bank. Plus, with so much to explore onboard, disconnecting isn’t so bad either—you won’t miss any major online moments.

eSIM vs. cruise ship internet package – What to choose?

Whether you’re sailing the Mediterranean, between the U.S. and Canada, or elsewhere, staying connected at sea or in port means choosing between an eSIM and the ship’s internet package. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

eSIM: connection along the coast and at every port

Pros. With an eSIM, you can get 4G or 5G coverage as long as the ship is close to the coast—whether that’s in the Mediterranean, along the U.S. coast, Canada, or elsewhere. Once docked, you’ll have access to the local mobile network, which is perfect for staying online while exploring.
Cons. As soon as the ship sails away from land and is out at sea, your mobile coverage via eSIM disappears. You won’t be able to access the internet again until you’re near land.

Ship’s internet package: continuous connection at sea

Pros. The ship’s internet package works via satellite, so you can stay connected even in open sea—whether you’re in the Mediterranean or the Atlantic. It’s ideal if you need a steady connection at all times (except during bad weather).
Cons. Satellite connection is often slower and more expensive than a traditional mobile connection. Still, it’s reliable for continuous use at sea.

Cost comparison

eSIM. Expect to pay between €8 and €25 (for the whole week) to access the internet at port stops or near the coast.
Ship’s Package. If you choose the ship’s internet package, expect to pay around €70 for a WhatsApp-only plan for a week-long cruise. For full internet access including social media, the price ranges from €120 to €170 per cruise.

Conclusion – What’s the best option?

For occasional use. If you mainly plan to go online at port stops or near the coast, the eSIM is a smart and budget-friendly choice.
For continuous use. If you need internet access throughout your cruise—even out at sea—the ship’s package is your best bet. Just note that during bad weather, the connection may slow down or disappear completely (but in summer, it usually works great).

Want to buy an eSIM? Click here!

Why choose an eSIM over onboard internet packages

Best internet packages cruises

eSIMs (electronic SIM cards) are a modern alternative to traditional SIM cards. They are built directly into your device and can be activated by scanning a simple QR code. By using an eSIM, you can access local data plans in each country you visit, allowing you to stay connected without the outrageous roaming fees.

Advantages for cruisers:

Significant savings. Up to 95% cheaper than onboard internet packages.
Flexibility. Activate and deactivate at will.

When you go on a cruise, cruise lines often offer onboard internet packages that can cost between €70 and €170 per person. These packages are sold per person and not per cabin, which can quickly add up for families or groups. Additionally, these packages are often limited in terms of data and speed, leaving you with a slow connection that may not meet your needs.

How eSIMs help you save money

Best internet packages cruises

To illustrate the savings with eSIMs compared to onboard internet packages if internet access during port stops is enough, here’s a real example:

eSIM for the U.S. Around €5 to €25 for a full week, with fast and reliable 4G/5G coverage.
eSIM for Canada. Around €5 to €25 for a full week, with similar rates and easy activation.
eSIM for Europe and the Mediterranean:
- Onboard internet in the Mediterranean. About €70 (WhatsApp only) to €170 per person for internet and social media, with limited options and high data add-on fees.
- eSIM for Europe. Around €5 to €25 for a full week, covering destinations like Barcelona, Palermo, Civitavecchia, Valencia, Naples, Tarragona, and more. You get fast, reliable 4G/5G at a fraction of the onboard package cost.

How much does cruise internet cost?

Best internet packages cruises

On cruises, costs can skyrocket quickly. Onboard internet costs around €70 (WhatsApp only) to €170 per person for internet and social media, and that’s not even per cabin! For a family cabin of four (two adults and two kids), you could end up spending over €500 (minimum) just for internet access.

When you add extras like the drink package, which exceeds €500, the total expenses can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to pay those high prices! Ports often offer free Wi-Fi during stops, helping you save significantly.

Choose eSIMs for a much more affordable solution. For example, a U.S. eSIM costs between €5 and €25 for a week, and it’s even cheaper for Mediterranean stops like Barcelona, Palermo, Civitavecchia, Valencia, Naples, or Tarragona. eSIMs let you stay connected at a fair price while optimizing your cruise budget.

Cruise internet in Europe

Best internet packages cruises: full connectivity in 30 countries

During your European cruise, an eSIM gives you seamless connectivity in 30 countries, covering all your Mediterranean stops and beyond. Whether you’re stopping in Barcelona, Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Valencia, or other European ports, you’ll enjoy fast and reliable internet access to share your experiences in real-time.

Main features:

20 GB of 4G/5G data. Browse worry-free during your cruise.
Instant activation. Receive a QR code, scan it, and start using your eSIM immediately.
No roaming charges. Enjoy local rates in every country you visit.

My experience. During my Mediterranean cruises, the Europe eSIM was my must-have companion. I stayed connected at every port—whether snapping the Colosseum in Rome or finding my way through the streets of Barcelona. Thanks to the eSIM, I saved time and money while enjoying a reliable internet connection throughout my journey.

eSIM options for your cruise

Best internet packages cruises

Europe Travel eSIM

Available Now – eSIM for Italy

Check Availability – eSIM Card for France

eSIM Card for Spain

Check Availability – eSIM Card for Germany

Availability – eSIM Card for Turkey (Outside Europe)

eSIM Card for Morocco

See Availability – eSIM Card for the United Kingdom

Cruise internet package USA – eSIM

Best internet packages cruises

If you’re exploring the American coasts, our USA eSIM is the perfect solution to stay connected hassle-free. Whether you’re visiting Miami, New York, Los Angeles, etc., during your cruise, this eSIM ensures high-speed connectivity, even in the open sea.

Specific advantages:

20GB of 5G data. Perfect for sharing your adventures and staying in touch with loved ones.
Easy activation. Scan the QR code and connect instantly.
Nationwide coverage. Enjoy extended coverage across the entire United States.

Best internet packages cruises USA – eSIM

Check Availability

Cruise internet package Canada- eSIM

Best internet packages cruises

For those cruising along the Canadian coast, the Canada eSIM is essential. Enjoy the natural beauty of Vancouver, the festivals in Montreal, or the rich history of Halifax, all while staying connected with reliable internet coverage.

What you get:

High-speed 4G/5G internet. Perfect for browsing and sharing your adventures in real-time.
Instant activation. No need to visit a store, everything is done online.
Full coverage. From major cities to the most remote areas.

Best internet packages cruises Canada- eSIM

Check Availability

Why eSIMs are the future for cruise passengers

Best internet packages cruises

In an increasingly connected world, the need for internet access continues to evolve, even for cruise travelers. eSIMs, or electronic SIM cards, represent a major advancement for cruisers, offering unprecedented flexibility, savings, and convenience. Here’s why eSIMs are set to become the must-have option for travelers at sea.

Flexibility and accessibility

eSIMs allow you to easily switch from one carrier to another without the need to change a physical SIM card. For cruise passengers, this means they can activate a local data plan as soon as they reach a new destination, whether it’s in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or elsewhere. Unlike traditional SIM cards, there’s no need to find a store to buy a new SIM at each port. Everything is done directly from your phone, with just a few clicks.

Real savings

Internet packages offered on ships are often expensive, with costs that can quickly rise, especially for intensive or continuous use. eSIMs, on the other hand, allow you to access local mobile networks as soon as the ship is near the shore. This means you get much more competitive rates without sacrificing connection quality. For cruisers who want to stay connected without breaking the bank, eSIMs offer the perfect cost-effective solution.

Optimized connectivity during stops

At sea, satellite internet connections can be slow and unreliable, not to mention the areas without coverage in bad weather. eSIMs offer an alternative by providing a fast and stable connection as soon as the ship nears the shore or during stops. This allows you to share your experiences in real-time, browse the web, or find local information without interruption, thus optimizing your cruise experience.

Less dependence on onboard plans

With eSIMs, cruisers are no longer forced to sign up for often limited and expensive internet packages offered onboard. Instead, they can choose data plans that truly meet their needs, depending on the duration of the stop or the quality of the network available near the coast. This freedom of choice is a major advantage for budget-conscious travelers.

Ease of use

Activating an eSIM is simple and quick. Just scan a QR code to activate a data plan, with no complex steps involved. Moreover, many eSIMs allow you to manage multiple numbers on a single device, which is particularly useful for cruisers traveling through multiple countries. The ease of use makes eSIMs accessible even to those who are less tech-savvy.