The short answer
At sea, your phone may connect to the ship's own cell network, which is billed as costly satellite roaming. Keep your phone in airplane mode at sea and use the ship's wifi package instead. In port, a US carrier day pass or a Europe eSIM works well.
At sea: the expensive trap
- Ships often carry a cell network linked by satellite. The EU says its roaming rules don't apply there, and charges have no price cap.
- The EU's advice: turn off roaming or switch on airplane mode while on board.
- You can switch wifi back on while in airplane mode and use the ship's wifi package.
US carrier plans
- AT&T International Day Pass: $12 a day in 210+ destinations and $20 a day on 400+ cruise ships, as listed on AT&T's site.
- T-Mobile Experience plans include high-speed data abroad in 215+ destinations: up to 5 GB on Experience More and up to 15 GB on Experience Beyond, then slow data.
- T-Mobile says calls abroad are $0.50 a minute, and wifi calls to the US are free.
- Verizon has international options too. Check your plan before you go.
Europe eSIMs
- A travel eSIM is a data plan you download to your phone. Your phone must not be locked to one US carrier, and it must support eSIM.
- Check that the plan covers every country on your route. Some Europe plans leave out the UK, Turkey, Montenegro or Switzerland.
- An eSIM does not cover the ship's satellite network. Use the ship's wifi at sea.
UK and Norway notes
- The EU's 'roam like at home' rules cover the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The UK is not listed.
- For Americans this mostly matters if you buy a European SIM or eSIM. Check that it includes the UK.
Your checklist
Sources & what we could not confirm · 3 sources · checked 2026-11
- Your Europe (EU): mobile roaming costs, ships and planes
- AT&T: International travel plans
- T-Mobile: Travel abroad
Still being confirmed
- Verizon TravelPass price: Verizon's page could not be loaded.
- Ship wifi package prices vary by line and were not checked.