Holland America Line has reported “very positive” feedback for its upgraded wifi service on the Pinnacle-class ship Koningsdam.

SpaceX’s Starlink technology was installed on the ship in April and has now been in operation for four weeks.

Since receiving the new technology, Koningsdam has sailed an 18-day cruise roundtrip from Vancouver to Hawaii, and started seven-day Alaska Inside Passage voyages from Vancouver.

A more reliable internet connection is “particularly important on ships in Alaska where weather interference and blockage from structures and mountains can challenge traditional technology”, the line said in a statement.

HAL said that it will add Starlink capability to more ships later this year, with the goal of it being available across the full fleet.

Holland America Line boosting ‘connection’

HAL president Gus Antorcha said: “For our guests and our team members, maintaining the connectivity they are accustomed to at home is an important part of the cruise experience.

“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.”

The line’s vice-president of technology Kathleen Erickson added: “While it’s early in our usage, the feedback from guests and team members has been very positive so far.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Starlink vice-president of commercial sales Jonathan Hofeller said the company was looking 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”.

Seabourn recently announced that its two purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, will be equipped with Starlink software.