MedallionNet is one of the better cruise WiFi products — but you don't always need it. Here's when an eSIM wins, and the one that works at sea.
Princess MedallionNet is fast for cruise WiFi, so heavy sea-day users may genuinely want it. But it's charged per day per device, and it does nothing for you ashore. The money-saving move is to use a cheap port eSIM for shore days and decide sea days on need: a light GigSky pass for check-ins, or MedallionNet only on the days you'll really lean on it.
The only consumer eSIM that connects mid-ocean on Princess ships — a cheaper alternative to MedallionNet for light sea-day data. Add a port plan for shore.
The only eSIM that truly works AT SEA — maritime coverage on 290+ cruise ships, plus global land plans.
from $39 (at-sea pass)
View GigSky plans (opens an advertiser site in a new tab)At-Sea pass (Princess ships)
Regional port plan
USA plan (Alaska ports)
Europe regional (Med ports)
| Provider & plan | Our score | Data | Validity | Coverage | Price | Get planGo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GigSky
Top pick
Partner pick At-Sea pass (Princess ships) Best at sea | 4.2 | 1–5 GB | Per voyage | 290+ ships incl. Princess | from $39 | View plan (opens an advertiser site in a new tab) |
| Airalo Partner pick Regional port plan Best value in port | 4.6 | 1–10 GB | 7–30 days | Europe, Caribbean, Alaska | from $4.50 | View plan (opens an advertiser site in a new tab) |
| aloSIM USA plan (Alaska ports) Best for Alaska ports | 4.0 | 1–10 GB | 7–30 days | USA incl. Alaska ports | from $3.50 | View plan (opens an advertiser site in a new tab) |
| Saily Partner pick Europe regional (Med ports) Best in Europe | 4.5 | 1–20 GB | 7–30 days | EU-wide, Med ports | from $3.99 | View plan (opens an advertiser site in a new tab) |
Prices are indicative and refreshed periodically — tap through for live pricing.