Holland America Line Designates Conservation International as Beneficiary of Onboard Guest Donation Program

Proceeds from “On Deck for a Cause: Healthy Oceans” walks will help protect and restore marine habitats

Seattle, Wash., March 24, 2026 — As part of its ongoing commitment to ocean health, Holland America Line has selected Conservation International as the new beneficiary of its On Deck for a Cause charitable program on all sailings outside of Alaska, expanding the reach and impact of guest donations. Conservation International works in more than 100 countries and is a global leader in mangrove conservation and restoration — advancing the science and innovative approaches needed to protect coastal and marine ecosystems.

“Protecting the oceans we call home is a natural extension of our commitment to responsible travel,” said Beth Bodensteiner, president, Holland America Line. “By selecting Conservation International as our charitable donation recipient, we’re empowering our guests to make a significant impact on the places they love to visit while enjoying their cruise vacation.”

“For nearly four decades, Conservation International has worked alongside coastal communities worldwide to protect the ocean ecosystems that sustain their livelihoods and economies,” said Conservation International Acting Head of Conservation Programs and Senior Vice President Kelvin Alie. “This partnership with Holland America Line builds on that legacy by supporting mangrove restoration on Caribbean islands, which are deeply connected to the sea. Together, we’re turning individual action into lasting impact for the ocean and for future generations.”

Walking with a Purpose

On Deck for a Cause is a noncompetitive 5K fundraising walk held on every Holland America Line cruise. Open to guests of all ages, the event invites participants to make a monetary donation to the Holland America Line Foundation, which supports charitable initiatives such as Conservation International’s work protecting coastal ecosystems. The 5K walks take place on every cruise, with participants eligible to receive a commemorative T-shirt and wristband.

The On Deck for a Cause program has a legacy of supporting meaningful causes. Over the years, Holland America Line has raised funds for cancer research organizations worldwide, Direct Relief and the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation. On all Alaska sailings, the program shifts focus to benefit Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit education partner of the state’s parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands. Selecting Conservation International as the program’s beneficiary marks a significant evolution in its mission, empowering travelers to make a meaningful difference for the planet while enjoying their journey at sea.

A Shared Journey Toward Healthier Oceans

One of the world’s leading environmental organizations, Conservation International works to protect nature for the benefit of humanity through science, policy and fieldwork. In its nearly 40-year history, Conservation International has helped to place under formal protections 13 million square kilometers of lands and seas — an area four times the size of India.

Guests who donate to Conservation International through Holland America’s On Deck for a Cause: Healthy Oceans walks will help support the organization’s efforts to protect Caribbean coastal ecosystems and its partnerships with local communities to restore mangroves and advance sustainable enterprises that benefit nature, livelihoods and local economies:

·         One initiative will focus on protecting and helping to revitalize significant coastal wetlands in the Caribbean. Wetlands buffer shorelines, store carbon and provide critical habitat for fish, crustaceans and migratory bird species, but have been damaged by severe weather and other environmental threats. With support from Holland America, Conservation International and partners will help rehabilitate mangrove forests by supporting natural regeneration. The work will also strengthen research and monitoring, and deepen community engagement to ensure local residents benefit from long-term conservation efforts.

·         The initiative will also support small and micro-enterprises in the Caribbean that depend on nature — including ecotourism operators, fishers and artisans. Working with local partners, Conservation International will provide technical assistance, training, mentoring and access to small grants to help entrepreneurs adopt sustainable practices while growing their businesses.

By selecting Conservation International, Holland America reinforces its commitment to sustainability and community engagement, inviting guests to join an onboard experience that supports ocean health. Every step taken at sea becomes a step toward a better future for marine life, coastal communities and the planet.