GigSky Experiences?
 

Hello,

I am researching data options for a 3 week trip and cruise to Italy/Greece/Turkey. We will be on an MSC cruise for 10 days of the trip.

Does anyone have any recent experience with GigSky? In reading their website it sounds great… but almost too good to be true.

Anyone used this service?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I haven't used them before, but I might buy a lower priced data plan on an upcoming cruise to Europe next month. It might be a cost effective service depending upon the individual cruise line rates. I imagine most major lines have equipped their vessels with StarLink service, so capacity and reliability probably has improved, along with cost. I generally get comped a moderate amount of included WiFi, but I like 24/7 connectivity but don't need much actual data since I mainly browse text based websites & forums. I have already purchased a full service Wifi cruise plan, so I can compare the two services.

The plans are not cheap, but they might be cost effective depending upon your use. As I mentioned, my daily download requirements are pretty low. I also need to know if GiGSky has any sort of block on the use of IMS for voice service. That would be a deal killer for me. My dual esim T-Mobile voice line gives great voice & texting when paired with a WiFi carrier on the data line with no extra charges.

I've only been on a few MSC cruises, and their service was acceptable, but I don't recall it being a bargain. Also, they only allowed me to log in 1 device for my entire trip, so plan accordingly. Most ships allow you to switch devices, they didn't.

I used an eSIM of theirs for just about 3 days or so in Spain a few months ago. It worked fine, but it's a very limited anecdotal report for you, I'm afraid. I normally use Airalo whenever I travel, and they've worked fine. The only reason I wanted to check out GigSky is that they offer an interesting option of a physical data SIM that you can use in older dual-SIM phones that don't have eSIM capability. I noticed their rates seemed generally lower than Airalo's. But unfortunately I can't say much more about them not having used them beyond that single experience.

I just signed up for the free 100Mb data service. Installation over WiFi was simple & quick, with clear on screen instructions. No QR code was required which I found a little surprising. It appears to utilize AT&T service here in the Northwest, which is fine. After my registration and connection, I reviewed the rates and noticed the cruise section was reflecting a 30% discount across the board. So I purchased a 3Gb/15 day US plan ($44.79) for my upcoming cruise to Europe. I don't need European data, and for some reason the US/Caribbean plan was slightly cheaper than the Euro version ($48.99). I have previously corresponded with GigSky, asking if I should get a US or Euro plan for the trip. I was told that the seafaring service was global, therefore it didn't matter for a transatlantic sailing. Their plans have a 365 day validity until activated. I intend to use this data plan on an iPad Mini 5 primarily as a hotspot while on the ship. This setup will also give me some peace of mind by not having my primary iPhone connected to the VERY pricy Cellular@Sea service. I should still have 24/7 free US WiFi calling on my main voice line via my T-Mobile plan.

I will check in during the first few days with speed test and reliability results posted in this thread. I have maintained my Princess Cruises WiFi plan also. I am very curious if GigSky can replace or compare to the official cruise line packages. Film at 11...

Thanks for the info…. Look forward to hearing about your ship experience.

We will need land and sea data access. Probably 30 day plan.

I just found this out today. You get free 3GB for 15 days if you have a visa infinite card and 1GB for 15 days for signature cards and you can add unlimited amount of cards to use multiple times.

you also get 30% or 20% off if you need additional plans

i have never used gigasky, i usually just unfreeze my google fi number when leaving the country but it never hurts to try esp since its free