A beloved information canine has grow to be a Holland America Line 5-Star Mariner and acquired the celebrated Platinum Medallion from the cruise line.
Holland America Line hosted a particular ceremony onboard Rotterdam to honor Joska who was a loyal companion to Cornelia and Cornelis Marinussen. Joska spent a lot of her life aboard Holland America Line ships together with her human household.
A globetrotter Labrador, Joska handed away in February 2025 on the age of 12.
“Joska’s vibrant spirit was beloved by everybody who met her,” Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner mentioned in a press launch when Joska died.
“We’ll at all times keep in mind her taking part in and fascinating with our crew and company, in addition to her severe and conscientious efforts whereas on the job. She might be deeply missed,” Bodensteiner mentioned.
Joska enabled the Marinussens to discover locations just like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean and in all places 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 on which she sailed.
Joska was additionally current at vital Holland America Line milestones, together with the cruise line’s 150th 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. The plaque is now completely displayed within the elevator bay subsequent to the ship’s atrium, guaranteeing recollections of Joska dwell on.
“We’re deeply honored that Holland America Line is commemorating Joska’s life in such a significant approach,” Cornelius and Cornelia Marinussen mentioned in a press launch.
“Joska spent greater than 900 nights aboard Holland America Line ships, forging friendships with company and crew on each voyage. Understanding that her legacy will proceed with Holland America Line is really heartwarming,” the Marinussens mentioned.
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 going down on Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam in the course of the summer time crusing season will help the KNFG Geleidehonden, the Royal Dutch Information Canine Basis.
This group, which positioned Joska with the Marinussens and has since offered them with their present information canine, Wylou, trains information canine for visually impaired people and people with different disabilities, together with youngsters with autism, individuals 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. Friends are invited to take part and donate to the Holland America Line Basis, which helps varied charities.
The donations by way of On Deck for A Trigger aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam not solely honor Joska’s legacy but in addition 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, guaranteeing Joska’s spirit lives on.
Images courtesy of Holland America Line
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