Early Reviews Are Positive As Holland America Line Puts SpaceX’s Starlink On First Train To Alaska
The next generation of the Internet will be launched on Koningsdam with early success
Holland America Line passengers and crew will begin using SpaceX’s Starlink on its Pinnacle Class ship Koningsdam, which is now sailing in Alaska. The ship received this technology during April and has been in operation for four weeks.
Starlink is the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology. Its mission is to provide fast and reliable Wi-Fi around the world. This is especially important for ships in Alaska where disruptions from weather and infrastructure can challenge traditional technology.
“For our guests and crew members, maintaining the familiar connection to home is an important part of the cruise experience,” said Gus Antorcha, President, Holland America Line. “Increased bandwidth means our guests can share the joy of visiting Alaska in real time and our team can stay in touch with loved ones back home.”
Since receiving the new technology, Koningsdam made an 18-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii. And, it has now begun sailing its 7-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises from Vancouver. The tour includes stops in Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.
Old Reviews Are Good
“Despite our early adoption, the feedback from guests and team members has been overwhelming so far,” said Kathleen Erickson, vice president of technology for Holland America Line. “We hear from guests that email and social media are working well, and team members tell us that calling home to loved ones is very strong. It’s a partnership that means a lot.”
“High-speed, low-cost Internet is essential to our modern lives. We are pleased that Holland America Line is seeing strong results in Alaska,” said Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of commercial operations at Starlink. “And we look forward to helping Holland America Line and other Carnival Corporation ships continue to bring the experience to guests and crew members into the modern age.”
Koningsdam will sail with Starlink this summer on more than 20 voyages from Vancouver to Alaska ports. Other ships will add the technology later this year. The goal is for Starlink to be available across the entire Holland America Line fleet.
SOURCE Holland America Line
Comments
Are you excited to hear that Holland America is launching Starlink on its first ship in Alaska? Do you think Starlink is changing the WiFi game at sea? Leave us a comment below to share your experiences using Starlink on cruises.
Stay informed with the latest travel news and travel updates!
