What is the Best Cell service on the Venice to Athens cruise?

[LCK]

I'll be cruising the NCL Pearl June 2024, Venice to Athens with ports in Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. I'd like to stay connected with my phone and text messages by buying an eSIM card. I believe it will connect me to the internet where I can make Wifi calls and texts, both on ship and on shore. Has anyone successfully accomplished this? I understand I could accomplish this with unlimited wifi from NCL but $170 is a bit pricey, and only works onboard.

 

[Goliatropin]

Look for eSIM providers that cater to international travelers—they often have plans for multiple destinations and might be more affordable than onboard WiFi.

 

[Snowboasm]

I had a similar situation on a European cruise last year and ended up using an eSIM. It worked great for staying connected without the high cost of onboard wifi. I was able to use data and make WiFi calls and texts both on the ship and in port. It was super easy to set up and made managing my communications a breeze. I loved exploring each new destination without worrying about extra charges.

 

[Woody14]

I used the airalo esim that worked great (not while sailing, just in all the ports)

 

[SuadAnny]

The best cell service for a Venice to Athens cruise can be tricky since it varies based on your provider and where you are. From my experience, it’s worth checking out local SIM card options for better coverage and rates.

 

[Luttesvin]

The best cell service on a Venice-to-Athens cruise depends on the type of plan you get before you set off. I'd recommend grabbing an international SIM card if you're looking for a reliable card to catch up on hefty roaming fees. I used one on a similar cruise, and it worked like a charm. It covers most countries you pass through, so you’ll get decent service at each port and even on parts of the sea close to the shore.
Ship Wi-Fi can get super pricey, and sometimes it’s painfully slow. But with a SIM card, you pop it into your phone, and you’re set. It’s a great way to stay connected without relying on the cruise line’s package.