106-Year-Old Cruise Passenger Returns to Pearl Harbor

World War II Navy Nurse Alice Beck Darrow has made history at age 106, completing an emotional mission aboard Holland America Line’s Westerdam during a 28-day Legendary Glaciers and Volcanoes voyage. 

Two sailors in uniform shake hands with a 106-year-old woman in a wheelchair, wearing a flower lei. Two others stand in the background—one in uniform and one in a patterned shirt. The indoor setting hints at a Pearl Harbor tribute.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

When the ship arrived in Honolulu, Alice personally donated a bullet that once rested in her husband’s heart to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial Museum.

A Love Story Born From Tragedy

A 106-year-old woman, a former cruise passenger, sits at a dining table holding a model cruise ship, while a man in a captain's uniform stands behind her. Other people are seated at nearby tables in the well-lit restaurant.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

During the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, Fire Controlman Dean Darrow was serving aboard the USS West Virginia when five Japanese torpedoes struck the ship. 

Blown into burning, oily water, Dean was rescued and treated for wounds. Initially cleared for duty, he returned to the South Pacific, but complications months later revealed a bullet lodged in his heart muscle.

Dean was transferred to Mare Island Naval Hospital in California, where young Navy nurse Alice Beck from Paso Robles was assigned to his case.

Before surgery, Dean took Alice’s hand and asked, “If I make it through, will you go out with me?” She said yes. He survived, and they married in 1942.

A Cherished Relic Finally Finds Its Home

A 106-year-old cruise passenger in a wheelchair gazes at the white marble wall inscribed with names at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Natural light pours through geometric windows on the right side.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

Alice kept the bullet throughout their marriage and for over 30 years after Dean’s passing in 1991. “I’ve held onto this bullet for so long because it meant everything to us,” Alice said. “But I know it belongs in a place where others can understand what it represents—not just for Dean and me, but for all who served and sacrificed.”

The donation came during an overnight call in Honolulu, where Alice was warmly received by museum staff, including technician Mikael Fox who officially accepted the bullet. She spent time reflecting at the USS Arizona Memorial, making it an emotional day for the entire family.

A Perfect Cruise for the Mission

Four adults, including a cruise passenger and a park ranger, pose in front of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial sign. One person is in a wheelchair. Trees and a building provide the backdrop for this memorable visit.
(Photo courtesy of Holland America Line)

Alice, traveling with her daughter and son-in-law, chose this roundtrip Seattle sailing because long flights to Europe had become difficult. 

The Darrow family are loyal Holland America guests, having taken four cruises together recently.

Captain Vincent Smit presented Alice with a special signed ship model, saying, “It is an incredible honor to have Alice aboard. 

Her story is one of courage, love, and legacy, and we’re humbled to play even a small role in helping her complete this journey.”

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Frank M

Frank is a seasoned travel journalist with over a decade of experience covering hospitality, cruise, and air travel. He has traveled extensively by land, sea, and air, collaborating with industry giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Disney, and Carnival Corp. His work has been featured in major international and industry publications across four continents.
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