Holland America Line plans to add Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink next generation internet connections on further ships later this year after introduction on Koningsdam.
The technology for use by passenger and crew was installed on the Pinnacle class ship during an April drydock and has been operating for four weeks while sailing in the Pacific and Alaska.
The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology aims to provide faster and more reliable wi-fi on a global scale.
Weather interference and blockage from structures and mountains can challenge traditional technology for ships in Alaska.
Koningsdamhas sailed an 18-day cruise from Vancouver to Hawaii and has begun sailing seven-day Alaska Inside Passage voyages from Vancouver, including Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, since recieving the technology.
The vessel is running more than 20 voyages from Vancouver to Alaska this summer.
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 technology vice president 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.”
Starlink commercial sales vie president Jonathan Hofeller said: “High-speed, low-latency internet is critical to our modern lifestyle.
“We’re excited that Holland America Line is seeing strong results in Alaska 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.”