eSIM for Your Cruise
On a cruise, there are two scams to avoid: the ship's Wi-Fi (often very expensive for minimal speed), and satellite connection at sea — far from the coast, your phone connects to the ship's network, billed by your operator at astronomical rates. An eSIM solves the first problem; proper settings solve the second.
The 3-rule cruise strategy
- At port calls: your Toukan eSIM. A regional eSIM covers all port calls on the itinerary with a single data package — as soon as the ship approaches the coast, you're connected to local networks, at the right price.
- At sea: disable international data on your French SIM. This is THE cruise trap: the ship's satellite network ("cellular at sea") is not covered by any plan. Turn off international data on your main line as soon as you board — your Toukan eSIM, on the other hand, can never generate out-of-plan charges: it's prepaid.
- In port in the evening: hotspot for the cabin. Many ships stay docked in the evening — the included hotspot connects the kids' tablet without paying for the onboard Wi-Fi.
Which eSIM for which itinerary?
- Mediterranean (Italy, Greece, Spain, Croatia, etc.): the Europe 33 countries eSIM — a single eSIM for all port calls, starting from €3.50.
- Fjords & Baltic (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, etc.): the same Europe eSIM — Norway is included.
- Caribbean & Transatlantic: the World 120+ countries eSIM, tailored for multi-region itineraries.
- Emirates & Orient: Emirates eSIM for departures from Dubai.
How much data should I plan for?
Port calls are intense days: maps, photos, excursion bookings, family WhatsApp. Count ~1 GB per port call day. A 7-day cruise with 4 port calls: the 5 GB plan is perfect — and rechargeable with one click from your deckchair.