Maritime SIM card for cruise tourists: What actually works at sea
Learn if you can get a maritime SIM card, what services are available, and options like the Holafly eSIM to help you stay connected on land
Even dedicated maritime SIM cards have a hard time working at sea, with only a handful of mobile providers offering internet access via roaming.
That leaves us with the question: what actually works to get internet at sea? Let’s explore the different options available for cruise travelers and what to expect from each service.
Plus, we tell you how to stay connected while on land and at every cruise stop with a Holafly eSIM.
Does a SIM card work at sea?
A SIM card can work at sea, but only if the mobile provider offers roaming at sea, such as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T.
Maritime SIM card options for cruise travelers
Getting a SIM card for cruise travelers can be rather complicated, as this isn’t a widely available service.
Instead, cruise ships offer internet packages, such as P&O WiFi packages and Disney Cruise internet plans, that use satellite internet.
However, there are some options for getting a maritime SIM card, though they are geared toward businesses rather than travelers. Some options are CellHire, MarPoint, and Proviced.
Best maritime eSIM products
If you want to use a maritime eSIM, there are several services available, such as Red Bull and OneRoam.
Red Bull service is available only on cruises that support Telenor Maritime networks, which currently covers over 40 cruise ships, with plans ranging from €5 for 30 days to €15 for 1 GB for 30 days.
OneRoam offers a wider variety of plans, with pricing starting at $19.99 for 1 day with unlimited data. Plans are available for up to 30 days, with 30-day plans costing $259.99.
Disclaimer: The data in this review is accurate as of 2 July 2026 and is subject to change
Stay connected at every port stop with a Holafly eSIM
Staying connected at sea is complicated and expensive. Roaming at sea costs $20 per day for 500 MB, while some cruise internet plans cost over $40 per day.
If you want to reduce costs, use the Holafly eSIM. You get unlimited data for up to 90 days, with plans available for over 200 destinations, so land excursions and port stops won’t be an issue for you.
Plus, the Holafly eSIM includes 24/7 customer support, up to 1 GB hotspot data, and 5G data speeds.
Visiting several countries at once? Get Holafly Plans instead. You get coverage in over 170 destinations, so you can stay connected whenever you need it while on land.
You also get Always On, which provides 1 GB of backup data at no extra cost as long as your eSIM is installed.
FAQs
Yes, a SIM card can work on a cruise ship if the mobile provider offers roaming at sea. Some examples are Verizon cruise roaming and AT&T cruise plans.
The best eSIM for a cruise is Holafly. It helps you stay connected before the cruise, at every port stop, and after the cruise ends.
No. Holafly only works on land. After setting sail, the Holafly eSIM won’t work until you arrive at a port stop or the cruise ends.