Holland America Honors Guide Dog Joska’s Legacy
Holland America Line is paying tribute to Joska, the beloved service dog who spent more than a decade sailing aboard its ships and served as a loyal companion to legally blind travelers Cornelia and Cornelis Marinussen. Joska passed away in February at the age of 12, and on May 2 the cruise line held a heartfelt ceremony onboard Rotterdam to celebrate her life of service. The event brought together crew members, guests, and port officials to honor Joska’s remarkable voyages and lasting impact on the Holland America community.
During the ceremony, Holland America Line unveiled a commemorative plaque in the elevator bay adjacent to the ship’s atrium. The plaque recognizes Joska’s dedication and her role in making travel accessible for the Marinussens, who relied on her guidance during visits to ports around the world. Captain Mark Harlow and senior officers joined Cornelia and Cornelis Marinussen for the traditional plaque exchange, underscoring the deep bond between Joska, her owners, and the Holland America family.
In conjunction with the plaque installation, Holland America Line announced a new charitable initiative in Joska’s honor. Throughout the summer sailing season, funds raised by participants in the cruise line’s On Deck for a Cause walks on Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam will support KNFG Geleidehonden, the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation. The foundation trains and places guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments as well as those living with autism, mobility challenges, and post-traumatic stress disorder. KNFG Geleidehonden originally matched Joska with the Marinussens and later provided them with their current guide dog, Wylou.
Joska’s extraordinary career at sea included more than 900 nights onboard Holland America ships, during which she accompanied her owners on journeys to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean, and beyond. In recognition of her service, she became the first canine to earn Holland America’s 5-Star Mariner status and was awarded the prestigious Platinum Medallion. These honors reflect the cruise line’s commitment to accommodating service animals and ensuring that travelers with disabilities have the support they need to explore the world.
“We are deeply honored that Holland America Line is commemorating Joska’s life in such a meaningful way,” said Cornelia and Cornelis Marinussen. “Joska spent more than 900 nights aboard Holland America Line ships, forging friendships with guests and crew on every voyage. Knowing that her legacy will continue with Holland America Line is truly heartwarming.”
Holland America Line’s recognition of Joska underscores its dedication to accessibility, inclusivity, and the unique bond between service animals and their handlers. The new On Deck for a Cause initiative offers guests a heartfelt way to celebrate Joska’s memory by contributing to the training of future guide dogs. As walkers traverse the decks of Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam, they will help raise vital funds for KNFG Geleidehonden, ensuring that individuals with disabilities around the world can benefit from the life-changing support of a guide dog.
Joska’s legacy lives on through every mile walked and every dollar donated in her name. Guests and crew who participate in summer’s On Deck for a Cause walks will carry forward her spirit of adventure and service. By honoring Joska with a permanent plaque and a charitable program, Holland America Line reaffirms its promise to create unforgettable travel experiences for all guests, regardless of their abilities, and to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of those who enable others to journey with confidence.
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