Holland America Completes Installation of Starlink Internet Fleetwide

All Holland America cruise ships are now equipped with high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, improving internet connectivity across all eleven ships.

Holland America Line has announced that the cruise line completed the installation of SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet on each of the 11 ships in its fleet. Starlink is a leading provider of global high-speed internet using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology.

The news comes after parent company Carnival Corporation‘s announcement in January 2023 that Starlink would be installed on all ships across its collection of cruise lines. Holland America announced in October that the satellite Wi-Fi had been installed aboard half of its fleet.

In April 2023, Holland America installed Starlink broadband on Koningsdam, the first cruise ship in the fleet to receive the upgrade. The cruise line claims that connectivity has greatly improved across the fleet, especially in areas where weather, geography, or port interference can lower bandwidth and quality.

Starlink uses Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology to provide high-speed internet at sea

During a drydock in mid-December, Nieuw Amsterdam was the final HAL ship equipped with the technology.

“Holland America Line’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies underscores our dedication to delivering an exceptional experience to our guests and team members,” said Gus Antorcha, president, of Holland America Line.

“The successful integration of Starlink represents a strategic move to embrace innovation and elevate connectivity and convenience while cruising,” Antorcha continued in a press release.

Holland America’s guests and crew report Starlink “better than expected”

According to the brand, guests and team members across Holland America’s fleet have noticed the improvement in connectivity. Since installing Starlink, HAL reports increased satisfaction scores along with stronger bandwidth in key regions.

“We’ve heard from guests the new Starlink high-speed internet is better than they expected while cruising,” said Kathleen Erickson, VP of technology for Holland America Line.

“For guests who are working remotely from our ships, it has been a game-changer. And for team members who rely on internet to stay connected with family back home, this is an important improvement.”

Holland America’s guests and crew have reported that Starlink Wi-Fi aboard is “better than expected” (image courtesy of Holland America Line)

The switch to Starlink internet means that cruisers can expect a more dependable connection in all weather and location conditions. High-speed internet allows passengers on board to keep in touch with friends and family at home or even work remotely in places like Alaska, where traditional technology can be interfered with by weather and mountains. The ships’ connectivity has also improved in other difficult places, such as ocean crossings and sailings in the Amazon, Antarctica, and Chile.

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Have you used Starlink internet on Holland America or another cruise line? I’d love to hear what you think about it in the comments below!

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Carrie Ann Karstunen

Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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