On October 4 aboard Rotterdam, Holland America Line honored the extraordinary bond between people and their guide dogs. Through On Deck for a Cause walks held across the Northern Europe cruise season, guests helped raise €30,000 for the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation (KNGF) in memory of Joska, a beloved service dog who sailed more than 900 nights with her family.
Holland America Line Guests Donate €30,000 to Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation
Over the weekend, Holland America Line proudly celebrated the incredible work of guide dogs and the dedicated individuals who train them. Throughout the Northern Europe cruise season, guests aboard both Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam participated in On Deck for a Cause, a series of 5k fundraising walks held at sea. These walks culminated in a heartfelt tribute to Joska—a beloved guide dog who sailed more than 900 nights with her human family—and a €30,000 donation to the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation (KNGF).
“These 5k walks are more than a way to stretch your legs at sea,” said Nick Hollevoet, Rotterdam’s cruise director. “They’re a way for our guests to come together and support causes close to our hearts.”
The donation was made in memory of Joska, a beloved guide dog whose unwavering loyalty to the Marinussen family led to her spending more than 900 nights on our ships. Joska passed away earlier this year, and her legacy continues to inspire. Guests walked onboard to raise funds for KNGF, a nonprofit organization that trains and places guide dogs for individuals who need them most.
The Marinussen family, along with Wylou—another guide dog trained and placed by KNGF—attended the ceremony aboard Rotterdam to accept the check on behalf of KNGF. This event was a powerful reminder of the bond between people and their guide dogs, and the impact these animals have on lives around the world. Holland America Line is honored to support KNGF’s mission and thank all who donated, walked, and celebrated Joska’s remarkable journey onboard.
