Does an eSIM work on a cruise?

Atli works when your phone can connect to a supported land mobile network in a destination your plan covers.

That usually means ports and sometimes areas near the coast. Out at sea, Atli does not provide data.

• In port: Atli works where a supported local network has coverage.
• Near the coast: Atli may continue working while your phone can still reach a supported land network.
• Out at sea: use the ship's Wi-Fi if available. Atli plans do not cover ship mobile networks.

Which plan do I need for a cruise?

Check every destination where the ship stops and make sure your plan covers each one.

• All stops on one Regional plan list: that Regional plan can cover the trip. Europe does not automatically include Mediterranean stops in North Africa such as Egypt.
• Stops across several Regional plan lists: check whether Global covers all of them, or use separate Destination plans.
• Stops not included on any Regional list: use Destination plans for those stops. There is no Caribbean Regional plan, and Caribbean islands are not on the Latin America list, so they need Destination plans too.

More in Where does my eSIM work?.

When does my plan start on a cruise?

The plan starts when your phone first connects to a supported network in a destination the plan covers. Buying the plan or installing the eSIM does not start it.

If your home destination, departure port or a stopover is covered, connecting there can start the plan before the cruise begins. Keep Atli switched off until you are ready to use it if you want to avoid that.

A plan that has not started within 30 days of purchase expires. More in When does my eSIM plan start?.

How should I set up my phone for a cruise?

Before the trip:

• Install the Atli eSIM on Wi-Fi.
• Keep Data Roaming on for Atli. Atli does not charge a separate roaming fee for using your plan in a covered destination.
• Use Atli as the mobile-data line when you want to connect in port.
• Keep Data Roaming off on your own SIM if you want to avoid roaming-data charges from your carrier.

Step-by-step instructions for your device are in How to set up an eSIM on iPhone and How to set up an eSIM on Android.

How do I avoid my own SIM connecting to the ship's network?

Some ships operate onboard mobile networks. Atli plans do not cover those networks, but your own carrier SIM may connect to them and your carrier may charge roaming rates.

During days at sea, the simplest option is to turn on Airplane Mode and then turn Wi-Fi back on if you want to use the ship's Wi-Fi.

You can also switch your own SIM off completely. While it is off, you will not receive regular calls or SMS on that number.