GigSky vs Cruise Ship Wi-Fi: Which Should You Choose?

Whether you're checking in with family back home, sharing photos from your holiday, or simply want the peace of mind of being connected, one of the most common questions cruisers ask is:

"Should I buy the ship's Wi-Fi package, or can I just use GigSky?"

Having used both, my answer is surprisingly simple...

They serve different purposes.

For me, cruise ship Wi-Fi is my primary connection, while GigSky is my backup.

Here's why.

Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Has Come a Long Way

Cruise ship internet has improved dramatically over the last few years.

Most major cruise lines now use Starlink, and compared to even a few years ago, the difference is remarkable.

For general browsing, email, social media, cloud storage and streaming (depending on your package), today's cruise internet is far better than many people expect.

I've found it more than capable of handling:

Email
Microsoft 365
SharePoint
Cloud-based bookkeeping software
Remote desktop connections
Video calls (when bandwidth allows)
General web browsing

That said, it's still shared with thousands of other passengers.

Just like a busy hotel network, speeds can vary throughout the day, particularly during sea days when everyone is online.

Why I Always Have a Backup

One thing travelling has taught me is that technology occasionally has bad days.

That doesn't mean cruise Wi-Fi is unreliable—it simply means it's another reason to have a contingency plan.

Before every international trip, I install a GigSky eSIM on my phone.

Most cruises, I never need it.

But one particular sailing convinced me it's worth every cent.

The Day the Ship Lost Internet

A couple of days into my 28-day transpacific cruise aboard Carnival Luminosa from Brisbane to Seattle, the ship's Wi-Fi started behaving strangely around lunchtime.

Some passengers could connect.

Others couldn't.

Before long, the cruise Facebook group was filled with people comparing notes, trying to work out whether it was just them or a wider issue.

As the afternoon progressed, more and more services stopped working.

Eventually, most guests couldn't access the internet, and even the Carnival Hub app was affected.

Unfortunately, it happened to coincide with Elegant Night.

Guests using Any Time Dining suddenly couldn't reserve tables through the app, so the dining room staff quickly switched to taking manual bookings while trying to manage increasingly long queues.

It was a great reminder of just how much modern cruising now relies on internet connectivity.

Putting GigSky to the Test

Fortunately, I didn't have an urgent deadline that afternoon.

Rather than worrying about the ship's Wi-Fi, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to test the GigSky eSIM I'd installed before leaving Australia.

It worked.

Was it as fast as the ship's Wi-Fi?

No.

Was it perfectly usable?

Absolutely.

Web browsing, email and messaging all worked without issue.

Even remote desktop software such as AnyDesk was usable—just noticeably slower.

Had I needed to submit something urgently, it would have been more than adequate.

That experience confirmed exactly why I carry it.

Not because I expect to use it...

But because I know I'll be grateful it's there if I ever need it.

Can GigSky Replace Cruise Ship Wi-Fi?

For some travellers...

Yes.

For others...

Probably not.

GigSky is ideal if you mainly want to:

Send messages
Check emails
Browse the web
Access online banking
Use maps while ashore
Stay connected occasionally

I'd still recommend the ship's Wi-Fi if you plan to:

Stream regularly
Attend video meetings
Upload large files
Spend hours online
Use cloud-based software throughout the day

GigSky charges by data usage, so heavier users can quickly find the ship's unlimited Wi-Fi package better value.

One Feature I Really Like

One advantage of GigSky is that, depending on your destination and cruise line, many plans cover both your cruise and your time ashore.

That means you can often use the same eSIM while exploring ports without swapping SIM cards or purchasing separate mobile data.

For travellers visiting multiple countries, it's a very convenient option.

One Important Limitation

One thing that's worth understanding is that cruise ships don't generally activate their maritime cellular network until they're in international waters.

Depending on your itinerary, there may be times close to shore when mobile connectivity isn't available.

If you're relying solely on an eSIM, it's worth keeping this in mind.

It's another reason I see GigSky as a backup rather than a complete replacement for the ship's Wi-Fi.

My Recommendation

If you're only planning to check messages, browse the web or stay in touch with family, GigSky could be all you need.

If you're planning to spend significant time online, I'd still recommend purchasing the ship's Wi-Fi package.

Personally, I use both.

The ship's Wi-Fi handles my everyday internet needs, while GigSky quietly sits in the background as insurance.

Hopefully I'll never need it...

But after seeing firsthand how quickly onboard internet can disappear, I wouldn't travel without it.

Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains an affiliate referral for GigSky. If you decide it's right for you, you can receive 25% off your first plan using my referral code KATE397. Using the referral doesn't cost you anything extra and helps support Voyage Ready, allowing me to continue creating free travel guides and practical travel advice.

If you're interested in the equipment I use to stay productive on board, check out my article on My Portable Triple-Screen Cruise Ship Office Setup.