A few simple steps can keep your phone online at sea without the extra charges.
By Christine Persaud Nov. 15, 2026 12:30 pm EST Ozgurcankaya/Getty Images Add Engadget on Google: Google DiscoverCruise ships are a fun way to see the world and explore the open seas. And while you want to remain connected when you're away, it's important to use Airplane Mode on your phone to avoid unexpected charges.
You might pay for the ship's Wi-Fi plan, but that isn't always reliable. The other options are to sign up for a roaming plan with your cellular carrier or order a travel eSIM for the destination. But you should still use Airplane Mode when the cruise ship is on the move.
