A beloved guide dog has become a Holland America Line 5-Star Mariner and received the prestigious Platinum Medallion from the cruise line.

Holland America Line hosted a special ceremony onboard Rotterdam to honor Joska who was a loyal companion to Cornelia and Cornelis Marinussen. Joska spent much of her life aboard Holland America Line ships with her human family.

A globetrotter Labrador, Joska passed away in February 2025 at the age of 12.

“Joska’s bright spirit was beloved by everyone who met her,” Holland America Line President Beth Bodensteiner said in a press release when Joska died.

“We’ll always remember her playing and engaging with our crew and guests, as well as her serious and conscientious efforts while on the job. She will be deeply missed,” Bodensteiner said.

Joska enabled the Marinussens to explore destinations like the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean and everywhere in between. She was more than a guide dog to the Marinussens. She was a regular fixture on board, warming the hearts of crew members on every ship on which she sailed.

Joska was also present at significant Holland America Line milestones, including the cruise line’s 150^th anniversary celebration in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in April 2023.

To commemorate Joska’s life of service and loyalty to the Marinussens, Holland America Line unveiled a special plaque aboard Rotterdam. The plaque is now permanently displayed in the elevator bay next to the ship’s atrium, ensuring memories of Joska live on.

“We are deeply honored that Holland America Line is commemorating Joska’s life in such a meaningful way,” Cornelius and Cornelia Marinussen said in a press release.

“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,” the Marinussens said.

In a touching tribute to Joska’s remarkable life, Holland America Line also announced a new charitable initiative. Funds raised from the cruise line’s On Deck for A Cause walks taking place on Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam during the summer sailing season will support the KNFG Geleidehonden, the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation.

This organization, which placed Joska with the Marinussens and has since provided them with their current guide dog, Wylou, trains guide dogs for visually impaired individuals and those with other disabilities, including children with autism, people in wheelchairs and those with PTSD.

Holland America Line’s On Deck for A Cause walks are non-competitive 5k fundraising walks held on each cruise. Guests are invited to participate and donate to the Holland America Line Foundation, which supports various charities.

The donations through On Deck for A Cause aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam not only honor Joska’s legacy but also underscore Holland America Line’s dedication to supporting the invaluable work of the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation.

Through this partnership, more individuals will benefit from the companionship and assistance of trained guide dogs, ensuring Joska’s spirit lives on.

Photos courtesy of Holland America Line

Please contact us for assistance booking a cruise or any vacation.

Open 7 Days a Week: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat-Sun

Toll free: 877-283-1114 or +1-609-945-9801
Email us: support@crowncruisevacations.com

Crown Cruise Vacations 120 Village Boulevard, Princeton, NJ 08540