Holland America Honors Guide Dog Legacy – Chris ...

Holland America Line hosted a particular ceremony onboard Rotterdam to honor Joska (pronounced “YO-skuh”), the primary service canine to turn out to be a 5-Star Mariner and obtain the celebrated Platinum Medallion from the cruise line. Joska, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 12, was greater than only a information canine; she was a beloved companion to Cornelia and Cornelis Marinussen, spending a lot of her life aboard Holland America Line ships together with her human household.

Joska enabled the Marinussens to discover locations just like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean and all over the place in between. She was greater than a information canine to the Marinussens. She was an everyday fixture on board, warming the hearts of crew members on each ship she sailed on. Joska was additionally current at important Holland America Line milestones, together with the cruise line’s a hundred and fiftieth anniversary celebration in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in April 2023.

To commemorate Joska’s lifetime of service and loyalty to the Marinussens, Holland America Line unveiled a particular plaque aboard Rotterdam, which is now completely displayed within the elevator bay subsequent to the ship’s atrium, making certain recollections of Joska reside on.

“We’re deeply honored that Holland America Line is commemorating Joska’s life in such a significant method,” stated Cornelis and Cornelia Marinussen, Joska’s homeowners. “Joska spent greater than 900 nights aboard Holland America Line ships, forging friendships with visitors and crew on each voyage. Figuring out that her legacy will proceed with Holland America Line is really heartwarming.”

In a touching tribute to Joska’s exceptional life, Holland America Line additionally introduced a brand new charitable initiative. Funds raised from the cruise line’s On Deck for a Trigger walks happening on Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam throughout the summer season crusing season will help the KNFG Geleidehonden, the Royal Dutch Information Canine Basis. This group, which positioned Joska with the Marinussens and has since supplied them with their present information canine, Wylou, trains information canine for visually impaired people and people with different disabilities, together with kids with autism, folks in wheelchairs and people with PTSD.

Holland America Line’s On Deck for a Trigger walks are non-competitive 5k fundraising walks held on every cruise. Company are invited to take part and donate to the Holland America Line Basis, which helps numerous charities.

The donations by way of On Deck for A Trigger aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam not solely honor Joska’s legacy however additionally underscore Holland America Line’s dedication to supporting the invaluable work of the Royal Dutch Information Canine Basis. By way of this partnership, extra people will profit from the companionship and help of educated information canine, making certain Joska’s spirit lives on.