Sea day meet-ups as Holland America Line’s Volendam cruises from port to port on its annual 133-day Grand World Voyage has resulted in hundreds of handmade blankets for children facing illness, trauma or crisis.

As the Volendam continues on its Grand World Voyage, a different kind of journey is unfolding on every sea day. A journey measured not in nautical miles, but in stiches and a shared purpose.

Guests calling themselves “blanketeers” gather to knit and crochet blankets for Project Linus. The organization was named after the security blanket-toting character Linus from the Peanuts comic strip.

National Make a Blanket Day is Feb. 21. It’s a day that raises awareness for Project Linus, which celebrated its 30^thanniversary in December 2025 and recently announced that it has delivered more than 100 million blankets to children in need.

                         Project Linus Onboard HAL for More Than Two Decades

The Project Linus tradition has been part of Holland America Line’s world cruise experience for more than 20 years, transforming leisurely days at sea into a floating volunteer workshop.

Experienced knitters work alongside beginners, sharing their skills and teaching simple knitting. Project Linus has grown in popularity so much that crew members also participate in the efforts when they have time.

The result is hundreds of handmade blankets ready for donation once the ship return to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the end of the journey. Each blanket is unique and takes several days to complete, all created with intention and compassion.

Guests Marty and Gail Gottlieb from Jacksonville, Florida, have been spearheading the sessions on board. The Gottliebs boarded Volendam on Jan. 4 with nearly one million yards of yarn in more than 30 colors that will be turned into a collection of hundreds of blankets over the four-month cruise.

Over the past three Grand World Voyages, guests produced a combined 1,600 blankets. Each blanketeer is given a pouch with all the necessary supplies.

After the Grand World Voyage concludes in May, Holland America will ship the completed blankets to Project Linus where they will be washed and a special label is attached to each blanket, which says “Made with Tender Loving Care for Project Linus.”

                                    About Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations.

The fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 counties around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years – longer than any other cruise line.

Award-winning enrichment, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland American Line at the forefront of premium cruising.

Photos by Holland America Line

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