Holland America Line hosted a particular ceremony onboard Rotterdam to honor Joska (pronounced “YO-skuh”), the primary service canine to change into a 5-Star Mariner and obtain the distinguished 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 along with her human household.
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 a daily fixture on board, warming the hearts of crew members on each ship she sailed on. Joska was additionally current at vital 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, guaranteeing reminiscences of Joska stay on.
“We’re deeply honored that Holland America Line is commemorating Joska’s life in such a significant means,” 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 actually 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 in the course of 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 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. Visitors are invited to take part and donate to the Holland America Line Basis, which helps numerous charities.
The donations by 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, guaranteeing Joska’s spirit lives on.
