Efani Cruise
Roaming Guide
Dedicated cruise connectivity - know
before you board
OUR HONEST RECOMMENDATION - ENJOY YOUR CRUISE
A cruise is meant to be enjoyed. Disconnect, relax, and be present. You don't need to be reachable every moment at sea. Use the Efani package for peace of mind - but save your calls, texts, and emails for when you're on shore at port. That's what the trip is for.
Efani Package vs. Cruise Line WiFi
Security Features
Efani Cruise Package
$30 / day · your real number
Cruise Line WiFi
$15–30 / day · data only
Your real phone number works
Yes - calls & texts as normal
No - WiFi calling only
Make & receive calls
Unlimited
Only via WhatsApp / FaceTime
Native SMS & iMessage
Unlimited native SMS
iMessage over WiFi only
Coverage in port / on land
Add land package with Efani
No - ship WiFi ends at gangway
Works without switching apps
Seamless - phone works normally
Must use specific apps
Data speed at sea
500MB full speed, then 512 Kbps
Varies - Starlink ships are fast
Heavy streaming and browsing
Light use - 500MB/day cap
Better for heavy streaming
Predictable flat rate
Fixed daily - no surprises
Fixed - but data only
Best for
Calls, texts, your number - in port & at sea
Heavy streaming & browsing only
What Customers Don't Know - and Get Billed For
01
Your phone auto-connects silently
The moment the ship reaches international waters, your phone latches onto the maritime satellite network automatically - no prompt, no notification. Most passengers find out only when the bill arrives weeks later.
02
Background apps charge you while you sleep
Email sync, iCloud backup, app updates, weather widgets - all run silently. One customer received a $2,349 bill on a carnival cruise and never once actively used his phone while at sea.
03
Family plans - every device is at risk
Kids' phones, tablets, and Apple Watches all auto-connect independently. Every device in your travel group needs to be addressed before boarding.
04
Ship WiFi package does not stop cellular charges
Paying for the cruise line's onboard WiFi does not disable your phone's cellular connection. One traveler paid for both a ship WiFi package and an international plan and still received a $2,700 roaming bill.
05
EU roaming rules do not apply at sea
Many customers assume EU free-roaming protections cover cruise travel. They do not. Ships operate their own satellite network - EU roaming regulations do not extend to maritime networks, even in European waters.
06
Double charges on embarkation & disembarkation days
If you use your phone both at sea AND on land on the same calendar day, you can be charged both the cruise daily fee AND a land roaming fee simultaneously. Stay on Airplane Mode until fully at sea or fully ashore.
07
The package stays active until you remove it
The moment the ship reaches international waters, your phone latches onto the maritime satellite network automatically - no prompt, no notification. Most passengersfind out only when the bill arrives weeks later.
How to Know Your Phone Has
Connected to the Maritime Network
If you see any of these in the carrier field at the top of your screen, your phone is on the maritime network and
charges are being incurred. Confirm your Efani cruise package is active - or turn on Airplane Mode immediately.
NETWORK NAME
CELLULAR AT SEA
CELLULARATSEA
WMSATSEA
NETWORK CODE
901
901-18
NOR-18
TELENOR NAME
TELENOR MARITIME
CELLULAR AT SEA
NOR-12
Note: If you see any of these in the carrier field at the top of your screen, your phone is on the maritime network and charges are being incurred. Confirm your Efani cruise package is active - or turn on Airplane Mode immediately.
Pay-Per-Use Rates Without a Package
Voice Calls
$3–5 /min
Incoming & outgoing
Data
$15–25 /MB
One photo upload = $50+
Text Sent
$0.50+
Per message sent
Before You Board - Checklist
Contact Efani to activate the cruise package on your line
Must be done before departure - cannot be added once at sea
Address every device - phones, tablets, Apple Watch, kids' devices
Each device independently triggers charges on the maritime network
Turn off background app refresh & auto-updates before boarding
Even with a package, 500MB/day goes fast with background activity
On departure & arrival days - Airplane Mode until fully at sea orashore
Avoids being double-charged both a cruise fee and a land roaming fee on the same day
Save your calls & texts for when you're on shore at port
Most ports have local coverage - a great time to check in without burning cruise data
Contact Efani after your trip to remove the cruise package
It stays active until removed - you'll be charged on future sailings too
Key Terms & Conditions
Eligible ships
400+ cruise ships worldwide - contact Efani support for the full list
At sea definition
6 or more nautical miles from land on the maritime satellite network
Billing cap
No cap at sea - every day of use is charged. Unlike land travel (max 10days/billing cycle)
Data overage
If domestic plan data is exceeded, speeds reduce to up to 128 Kbps
Data restriction
After 500MB/day on select ships, speeds capped at 512 Kbps until next 24-hr period
Received texts
Rated as domestic - do not trigger the daily fee
Same-day double charge
Cruise and land fees are separate - both can apply on embarkation/disembarkation days
Removing the feature
Stays on your line until removed - contact Efani support after your trip
Taxes & fees
Not included in the daily rate
Efani Passport vs Efani DayPass
Which one is the best for you?
Security Features
Passport
$30 / month flat
Day Pass
$10 / day used
Cost for 1-day trip
$30 (full month)
$10
Cost for 3-day trip
$30 (full month)
$30
Cost for 5-day trip
$30 (full month)
$50
Cost for 30-day trip
$30
$300
Multiple short trips same month
Still $30 total
Charged per day each trip
Data included
1 GB then 256 Kbps
Full domestic plan data
Minimum commitment
2 months minimum
No commitment
Works on cruise ships
No - cruise pkg needed
Yes (at $20/day at sea)
Best for
4+ days abroad per month, extended stays, frequent travelers
Short or occasional trips, need more data, no commitment
