Two eSIM providers are covered in depth on this site: GigSky and Maya Mobile. Both work at sea and in port, both are genuinely used for cruise trips, and both are covered here based on real experience, not just research.
They take different approaches to pricing. GigSky sells a fixed amount of data upfront — predictable cost, but it can run out if you buy too little. Maya sells unlimited data for a fixed number of days — no data to track, but usually at a higher price. Which one suits a given trip depends more on how much you want to think about data usage than on which provider is “better.”
Choosing Between the Two eSIM Providers
Here’s a closer look at each;
GigSky
Fixed-data plans with strong cruise ship, land, and inflight coverage. Best for a predictable cost and for lighter users like a teenager’s phone on the Essentials tier. Read the GigSky guide →
I ran GigSky on MSC Virtuosa and here’s what it actually did at sea →Maya Mobile
Unlimited data for a set number of days, with a separate add-on for cruise coverage. Best for anyone who’d rather not track a data allowance at all. Read the Maya Mobile guide →
I ran Maya’s Global + Cruise eSIM on Legend of the Seas — here’s how it held up →Not sure which eSIM provider fits your trip? The GigSky vs Maya comparison covers the full head-to-head, including real pricing for a typical two-week cruise.
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