You Can Still Find Gold in Alaska If You Look Hard Enough

Young Holland America Line guest makes an unexpected discovery aboard Zaandam, helping reunite a fellow guest with a treasured wedding ring

Since the gold rush of 1896, people have traveled north in search of Alaska and Yukon’s fabled gold. On a recent Holland America Line voyage, one young guest struck gold. Just not where anyone expected. 

While sailing aboard Zaandam on an Alaska Inside Passage cruise, 9-year-old Corbin Hindriksen of Fort Collins, Colorado, was spending time in the ship's Lido Pool when something shiny caught his eye at the bottom of the water. Curious, he dove down to investigate and surfaced with what appeared to be a gold ring. 

Rather than keeping his unexpected treasure, Corbin immediately brought the ring to the ship's Guest Services team, believing it likely belonged to another guest. What Corbin didn't know was that the ring carried decades of memories. 

Guest Services quickly recognized the item as a wedding ring that had been reported lost by a guest on the previous sailing. Through Holland America Line's lost-and-found system, the team was able to identify the owner and begin arrangements to return the ring. 

Corbin's concern didn't end with turning in the ring. The next day, during the captain's welcome gathering, he approached Captain Ane Smit and introduced himself. Corbin wanted reassurance that the ring would truly find its way back to its owner. Captain Smit assured him it would.  The young guest's honesty and determination left an impression. 

A few days later, Captain Smit invited Corbin and his family to visit Zaandam's bridge, where he presented him with a captain's coin recognizing exceptional service as well as a model of the ship. 

The captain noted that Corbin's first concern was not the value of the ring, but making sure it was returned to its rightful owner.  

The ring was shipped back to its owner, Gordon Sherritt of British Columbia, Canada, who was glad to have his wedding ring back, which matched the ring of his partner of 60 years, Alice Sherritt. He was thankful for Corbin’s keen eye and the help from Zaandam’s team in making the connection. "It was wonderful when my wedding ring found its way home," Sherritt said.

For Corbin's family, the recognition from the ship's officers became a lasting memory from their Alaska vacation. His grandmother shared that Corbin serves as a member of the Rocky Mountain Young Marines program, which emphasizes honor and integrity, values he demonstrated with his actions aboard Zaandam.  

Every Alaska season brings unforgettable wildlife sightings, glacier views and moments of discovery. This year, one young guest found something even rarer: an opportunity to do the right thing.

Turns out you can still find gold in Alaska if you’re looking in the right places.