Introduction
In this article, you will learn about the Saily Cruise plan, including what they are, how they differ from regular Saily eSIM plans, where they work, and what to do if you experience connectivity issues at sea. The Saily Cruise plan keeps you connected while sailing, using dedicated maritime networks instead of standard local mobile coverage.
Saily Cruise plans
Saily Cruise plans are a dedicated type of eSIM data plan designed specifically for use aboard cruise ships. Unlike regular Saily plans that rely on land-based mobile networks, cruise plans connect through maritime satellite and cellular-at-sea networks, allowing you to get online while your ship is in open water. Cruise plans are being rolled out gradually and may not yet be available to everyone.
How do I know if a cruise plan is available for me?
Saily is gradually rolling out cruise plans, so this plan type may not be available to everyone yet. To check availability:
- Open the Saily app and tap Add data.
- Look for a separate Cruise section.
- If the Cruise section appears, you can purchase a cruise plan there.
- If it does not appear, cruise plans are not yet available for your account.
NOTE: Cruise plans work only on selected cruises. If the Cruise section is available, you can tap "See available cruise lines" on the "Cruise" page to confirm your cruise is supported before purchasing.
What is the difference between a cruise eSIM plan and a regular Saily eSIM plan?
The key difference is the type of network each plan connects to:
- Regular Saily plans rely on local, land-based mobile networks. These are out of range once your ship is at sea, so a regular plan will not work during a cruise.
- Cruise plans connect to dedicated maritime networks (cellular-at-sea), enabling connectivity while sailing in open water.
NOTE: Without a cruise plan, Saily will not work on a cruise. A regular plan cannot substitute for a cruise plan while at sea.
When does a cruise plan activate?
A cruise plan activates only when the ship is more than 12 nautical miles from the coast. While the ship is in port or sailing near the coastline, the cruise plan will not connect. Connectivity begins once the vessel enters the coverage zone at sea.
How do I know my phone is connected to the Saily Cruise plan eSIM?
When your device connects to the ship's maritime network, it will display one of the following operator names in your network or cellular settings:
- 901-18
- WMS
- Cellular at Sea
If one of these names is shown, your phone is connected to the ship's network.
What should I do if I have no internet on a cruise?
If you cannot connect to the internet while using your Saily eSIM aboard a cruise ship, work through these checks:
- Your cruise plan will not connect until the ship is more than 12 nautical miles from the coast. If you are in port or near the coastline, wait until the ship reaches open water.
- Verify that your device shows 901-18, WMS, or Cellular at Sea as the connected operator.
- If you have a valid cruise plan, the ship is at sea and within coverage, and the issue persists, follow our article on how to troubleshoot Saily eSIM errors.
NOTE: Most cruise connectivity issues occur simply because the ship is currently outside an active coverage zone rather than because of a technical fault. Always verify coverage via the GSMA MAP before escalating or proceeding with advanced troubleshooting.
