Holland America Line Passengers Are "On Deck For The Cure"

Holland America Line and their passengers have put their money to good use while walking the world's oceans over the past two years. Indeed, the cruise line has surpassed the million-dollar mark in contributions raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® via its On Deck for the Cure program, earning it a place on Komen's prestigious Million Dollar Council. HAL will celebrate the milestone this week with special receptions and recognition on the ships in its fleet and at its corporate headquarters in Seattle.

Since the program began in 2006, On Deck for the Cure has raised nearly $1.1 million in support of breast cancer research. Noting the success of the ship-based program, where ship guests make donations for walking laps around the deck, Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, said the company has recently extended their contract with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to continue the On Deck for the Cure program in the years to come. "We're overwhelmed with the spirit and generosity of our guests," said Meadows. "On every cruise, our guests take time from their holiday to raise money to help fight this disease. Holland America Line is proud to be a vehicle for this most worthy cause."

Meadows noted that in 2007 one charter group on board the ms Maasdam turned out nearly 800 participants, smashing the previous Holland America Line single walk record of 349 walkers, and the 2008 Grand World Voyage on the ms Amsterdam raised more than $50,000 in its fund-raising walks.

Next time you sail aboard a Holland America Line ship, join in the fight against breast cancer and burn up some calories from dinner as well. For a pledge of $15 or more, put your sea legs to good use and walk around the ship's deck for a total of five kilometers. Depending on the ship, that could be up to 12 laps to reach 5K. Each participant receives an On Deck for the Cure T-shirt and pink wristband as well as an invitation to a pink lemonade party following the walk.

Trust me, you'll feel better at the end of your cruise after you've been On Deck for the Cure.