Next generation of internet launches on
Koningsdam with preliminary success
SEATTLE, May 16, 2023
/CNW/ -- Holland America Line guests
and crew have begun using next generation internet with the
introduction of SpaceX's Starlink on its Pinnacle Class ship
Koningsdam, now sailing in Alaska.
The technology was installed during an April drydock and has been
operating for four weeks.
Next generation of internet launches on
Koningsdam with preliminary success
Starlink is the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite
technology aimed at providing faster and more reliable Wi-Fi on a
global scale. This is particularly important for internet access on
ships in Alaska where weather
interference and blockage from structures and mountains can
challenge traditional technology.
"For our guests and our team members, maintaining the
connectivity they are accustomed to at home is an important part of
the cruise experience," said Gus
Antorcha, president, Holland America Line. "Added bandwidth
means our guests can share the joys of exploring Alaska in real time and our team can stay in
touch with their loved ones back home."
Since receiving the new technology, Koningsdam has sailed
an 18-day cruise roundtrip from Vancouver to Hawaii and has begun sailing its 7-day Alaska
Inside Passage voyages from Vancouver, including Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
"While it's early in our usage, the feedback from guests and
team members has been very positive so far," said Kathleen Erickson, vice president of technology
for Holland America Line. "We're hearing from guests that emails
and social media are performing well, and team members tell us that
internet calls home to loved ones are much stronger. That's a
connection that means a lot."
"High-speed, low-latency internet is critical to our modern
lifestyle. We're excited that Holland America Line is seeing strong
results in Alaska," said
Jonathan Hofeller, vice president of
commercial sales for Starlink. "And we look forward to helping
Holland America Line and other Carnival Corporation ships continue
to bring the connectivity experience for their guests and crew into
the modern age."
Koningsdam sails with the Starlink internet capability this
summer on over 20 voyages from Vancouver to Alaska's ports. Further ships will add the
technology later this year with the goal of Starlink being
available across the full Holland America Line fleet.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a
travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit
hollandamerica.com.
Editors Note: Photos are available at
https://www.cruiseimagelibrary.com/c/kbpol82k.
Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook,
Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also
access all social media outlets via the home page
at hollandamerica.com.
About Holland America Line
Holland America Line, part of Carnival Corporation and
plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL and NYSE:CUK), has been exploring the world for
150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service
and genuine connections to each destination. Offering an ideal
mid-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114
countries around the world and has shared the thrill of
Alaska for 75 years — longer than
any other cruise line. Holland America
Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching
activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and
personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening
at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from
a Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.
CONTACT: Bill
Zucker, Erik Elvejord
PHONE: 800-637-5029, 206-626-9890
EMAIL: pr@hollandamerica.com
|
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/early-feedback-is-positive-as-holland-america-line-installs-spacexs-starlink-on-first-ship-in-alaska-301826080.html
SOURCE Holland America Line