How Cruise coverage works
GigSky Cruise plans provide connectivity both at sea and, depending on your plan, on land.
Your device automatically switches between different networks during your journey:
At sea: Your device connects to the ship's maritime network.
On land: Your device connects to a supported local mobile network.
No action is required—your device will switch networks automatically when coverage is available.
When will my Cruise plan start working?
Cruise connectivity begins once your ship is approximately 12 nautical miles from shore.
For most sailings, this is about one hour after leaving port, although the exact timing depends on your ship's route and speed.
While you're in port or close to shore, your device may connect to local land-based networks instead.
🏖️ Port
│
│ Land Network
▼
🚢 Cruise Ship
Leaving Port
│
│ ~12 nautical miles
▼
🌊 Maritime Network
│
▼
🏝️ Destination Port
│
▼
📶 Land Network
Your device automatically switches between available networks as you travel.
Before you sail
To get the best experience with your Cruise plan:
Turn off Airplane Mode.
Keep Wi-Fi turned off unless you're intentionally using the ship's Wi-Fi service.
Make sure your GigSky eSIM is turned on.
Ensure Data Roaming is enabled for the GigSky eSIM.
Important
If your Cruise + Land plan includes coverage in your home country (such as the United States or Canada), your plan may activate as soon as the eSIM connects to a supported network.
If you don't want to use your plan before your trip begins, keep your GigSky eSIM turned off until you're ready to travel.
Good to know
Cruise coverage is only available on supported ships.
Coverage may vary depending on your cruise line, ship, and itinerary.
Local land coverage depends on your Cruise + Land plan and destination.