Cruise Wi-Fi can be slow and costly. I wanted to find a better way to stay connected at sea, so I was lucky enough to be invited to try out the GigSky’s Cruise Plan eSim on a six day cruise on Adventure of the Seas.
Now full transparency here – For our Gigsky review, the company provided me with a $60 credit to select a suitable plan. However they did not ask me to provide a review or influence my opinion on the product in any way.
However, long story short, at Cruise Nonstop we have decided to become an affiliate for this product as we believe it can offer lower connection cost for people with less demanding data requirements.
Therefore, full disclaimer: if you do purchase a Gigsky esim via any links in this article, we may receive a small commission as no cost to yourself.
What is the Gigsky Cruise + Land eSim data Plan?
The Gigsky Cruise Plan web page promises fast, affordable data on ships and in ports, so I was keen to give it a try.
I first tested GigSky on Adventure of the Seas in October 2024 to see how it compared to a regular cruise wifi connection. The setup was simple – I just installed the eSIM on my phone before boarding, using the fairly straightforward instructions supplied by Gigsky at time of purchase.
We were going on a 6 day cruise, but I wanted the largest amount of data at the most sensible price. So I went with the 3Gb plan which at the time cost $63.99 and would last 15 days.
I activated the eSim on the morning of our cruise and made sure data roaming was switched off on my regular Sim.
On land it just worked like my regular Sim – so far so good.
How does Gigsky compare to cruise ship wi-fi?
Once out at sea and far enough out that we no longer had a signal from land it was time to checkout whether this was better or worse that Adventure of the Seas’ Starlink Internet connection.
In short – I was impressed. So was my wife Morag. My expectation was that this would be slower and clunkier than Starlink, but in all honesty it was as good if not better. In fact, in our stateroom (Deck 5 midship) we could get a great connection on the eSim, but struggled to get a WiFi connection.
Here’s the speed we were getting from the Gigsky connection. And the signal was rock-solid and steady with no dropouts or hangs anytime we used it.
The best part was the cost savings. GigSky’s prices were much lower than what the cruise line charged for Wi-Fi packages.
For our six-night cruise, Royal Caribbean’s Voom Internet package would have cost me around $120. So at $63.99 Gigsky’s plan was almost half price. And their plan lasts up to 15 days AND covers a data connection in ports as well.
how does our gigsky review compare to Starlink?
Well, I must admit I was surprised by this. But the Gigsky data connection continually was giving me better speeds and stability than the Starlink connection – in fact I would go as so far to say that the Starlink connection on Adventure was pretty awful and we got a lot of dropouts and issues during the cruise.
As you can see the Gigsky data speeds wewre faster than Starlink was providing.
And as mentioned we hit more than a few snags withe the ship’s standard WiFi connection, with it continually becoming unavailable.
So on the face of it, it’s a no-brainer! BUT…. and here’s where you need to decide if this is a good fit for you or not.
How much data are you likely to use on your cruise? For me, 3GB is not a lot of data. I would use that up in a few days (and I did!). However, for my wife, 3GB would be ideal – she uses less than that a month on her regular cell plan.
Gigsky do offer eSim deals with data up to 10GB, lasting up to 30 days, so it’s worth doing the sums and deciding if it works for you or not.
If you just browse the web, social media and watch the occiasional short video, this will be fine.
However, if you are constantly on YouTube, TikTok or Netflix, you’ll soon burn through that data package and that’s where you might be better sticking with the ship’s own expensive internet package/
Certainly for my next cruise, I am going to adjust my data habits and make this work for me, as the savings are worth it!
Gigsky have been kind enough to provide us with a discount code that provides our readers with a further 5% off their standard prices – simply use the code “CRUISENONSTOP” at checkout!
So that’s my review over – need to know more about how the Gigsky Cruise+Land eSim works? Read on…
The only data plan of its kind! A seamless mobile experience from port to port – and days at sea. Get a single data plan that will provide you with the fastest and most reliable data service while you are at sea, in port, or touring on land. Prices start from $19.99
Understanding Connectivity at Sea
Staying connected while cruising can be tricky. Let’s look at the challenges and compare GigSky with regular cruise Wi-Fi.
Challenges of Staying Connected
Cruise ships use satellite internet, which can be slow and unreliable. The signal has to travel a long way, causing delays. Weather and the ship’s location can affect connectivity too.
Ships often have “dead zones” where the signal is weak. This means you might lose connection in certain areas.
Cruise Wi-Fi is also expensive. Many lines charge by the minute or offer pricey daily packages. This can add up fast on a week-long trip.
Comparing GigSky and Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Options
GigSky offers an eSIM that works at sea and on land. It claims to provide better coverage than ship Wi-Fi. I found it worked in most areas of the ship, even where the regular Wi-Fi was spotty.
GigSky’s “Cellular at Sea” packages start from a one-day 1/2 GB plan for $19.99, rising to $134.99 for a 10GB/30 day play. This is often cheaper than cruise Wi-Fi packages. It also works in ports, so you don’t need to buy separate data plans for land.
Cruise Wi-Fi can be faster for big downloads. But for basic web browsing and messaging, I found GigSky to be more reliable. It was nice not having to log in and out or worry about per-minute charges.
GigSky Cruise Plan Explained
GigSky’s Cruise Plan offers a new way to stay connected at sea. It uses eSIM technology to provide data service on cruise ships and in ports.
eSIM Technology and Setup
GigSky’s Cruise Plan uses eSIM technology. This means no physical SIM card is needed. To get started, I just had to make sure my phone was eSIM-compatible. Then I downloaded the GigSky app and bought a plan.
The app guided me through the setup process. It was quick and easy – I just had to scan a QR code to activate the eSIM on my phone. Once activated, I could switch between my regular SIM and the GigSky eSIM as needed.
Coverage and Operators
GigSky partners with multiple network operators to provide coverage. Their Cruise Plan works on over 200 ships and in 95 countries. This includes popular cruise regions like the Caribbean and Mediterranean.
On my recent cruise, I had service in every port we visited. At sea, the coverage was good on most parts of the ship and I never experience any dead spots.
Customer Service and Support
I found GigSky’s customer support helpful. They offer 24/7 chat support through their app.
For more complex issues, I could email or call their support team. Response times were generally quick, though slightly slower during peak travel seasons.
Experiencing the Cruise with Connected Devices
Staying connected on a cruise has changed how I enjoy my time at sea and in ports. With GigSky’s data plan, I’ve found new ways to make the most of my trip both on and off the ship.
Exploring Ports with GigSky
GigSky really shined when we stopped at different ports. I used my phone to:
• Find highly-rated local restaurants • Get walking directions to attractions • Translate menus and signs • Book last-minute excursions
Having data made me feel more confident exploring on my own. I didn’t have to hunt for Wi-Fi or buy a local SIM card.
At one stop, I even worked for a few hours from a beachside cafe – the connection was fast and stable.
The plan’s set price meant I didn’t stress about data usage. I could look up info, use maps, and share photos as much as I wanted in each port.
Gigsky review – Frequently Asked Questions
Cruise internet can be tricky. I’ve looked into GigSky and ship Wi-Fi to help you decide what’s best for staying connected at sea. Here are some common questions I’ve encountered:
Should I opt for a GigSky Cruise Plan or stick to on-board Wi-Fi for my cruise connectivity needs?
It depends on your internet needs and budget. I found GigSky offers more flexibility and often better prices. But ship Wi-Fi might be better if you have heavier data demands. Think about how much you’ll be online and compare costs before deciding.
What are the advantages of using an eSIM like GigSky for internet access on a cruise?
From my experience, GigSky’s eSIM is super easy to set up. You don’t need a physical SIM card. It works in many countries, so you can use it in ports too.
I like that I can buy data as I need it through the app. It’s usually cheaper than ship Wi-Fi packages.
Can GigSky’s eSIM plans provide internet coverage while at sea?
Yes, GigSky now offers “Cellular at Sea” coverage. This means you can get internet even when the ship is far from land.
I’ve used it on two cruises now and it worked well. Just keep in mind that speeds might vary depending on your location.
How do the costs of GigSky eSIM plans for cruises compare to traditional cruise ship Wi-Fi prices?
I’ve found GigSky to be more budget-friendly in most cases.
For example, their 3GB plan for 7 days costs about $64. 7 days of Ship Wi-Fi can run $15-$20 per day or more. Do the math for your trip length to see which is cheaper. GigSky often works out better for longer cruises.
Are there any limitations to using GigSky for internet services on a cruise ship?
While GigSky is great, it’s not perfect. I’ve noticed slower speeds in some areas. Coverage can be spotty in remote locations too. Although, to be fair the same can be said for the ship’s standard Internet service – even Starlink-enabled ships.
Also, streaming might use up data quickly. Check their coverage map for your route. Have a backup plan just in case.
How do I activate and use a GigSky eSIM while I’m on a cruise?
It’s pretty straightforward. I downloaded the GigSky app before my trip. Then I bought a plan and activated the eSIM through the app.
On the ship, I just turned on data roaming. Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible. Follow the app’s instructions for setup.
Gigsky Review Summary
In summary, if you are not a heavy data user, I would recommend the Gigsky Cruise and Land eSim data plan in a heartbeat. It’s rock solid.
I’ll be using it again on our 13-day Transatlantic cruise on Norwegian Bliss in February 2025 and I’ve purchased a 30day/10GB plan this time. We have 300 minutes of free Wi-Fi with NCL’s “More at Sea” plan, so anytime I need to do some streaming or heavy data usage, I’ll use their plan and switch to the Gigsky service at other times.
For us this represents a significant saving – I was $105 for the eSim – NCL are asking $374 to upgrade to their premium Internet service.
The only data plan of its kind! A seamless mobile experience from port to port – and days at sea. Get a single data plan that will provide you with the fastest and most reliable data service while you are at sea, in port, or touring on land. Prices start from $19.99
