On board Holland America Line’s Grand Voyages, a group of cruise passengers is proving that sea days aren’t just for lounging by the pool.
Passengers aboard two of the cruise line’s longest itineraries—spanning over four months—are spending their time knitting blankets for Project Linus, a nonprofit organization that provides handmade blankets to children in need.
The initiative coincides with National Make a Blanket Day on February 15, a day dedicated to raising awareness for Project Linus and the volunteers—affectionately called “blanketeers”—who create blankets for children facing illness, trauma, or other hardships.
A Grand Tradition of Giving Back
For more than 20 years, Holland America Line’s Grand World Voyage passengers have gathered with their knitting needles and balls of yarn, turning idle time at sea into something meaningful.
Every sea day, a dedicated group meets in the Ocean Bar, stitching colorful blankets that will eventually bring warmth and comfort to children across the United States.
“This has become a special tradition aboard our Grand World Voyages over the years,” said Henk Mensink, Zuiderdam’s hotel general manager. “We are grateful to our guests for making the best use of their sea days for such a meaningful cause.”
The effort is spearheaded by Marty and Gail Gottlieb, longtime Holland America cruise passengers from Jacksonville, Florida, who have led the initiative for the past six world cruises. Before setting sail, the couple sources massive amounts of yarn—this year, nearly one million yards in more than 30 colors—and organizes the onboard knitting sessions.
For the first time, a second Holland America itinerary, the Grand Voyage: Pole-to-Pole, is joining the effort. Guest Johanna Oostewegel is overseeing the project aboard the Zaandam, ensuring even more blankets are created during this special sailing.
Knitting with Purpose: How It Works
Whether new to knitting or seasoned pros, cruise passengers are welcome to join in. Most blankets take eight days to three weeks to complete, depending on the complexity, and participants can either knit during group gatherings or take their projects elsewhere to finish on their own time. Crew members even pitch in, offering encouragement and lending a helping hand to beginners.
The results are nothing short of incredible. During the 2023 and 2024 Grand World Voyages, cruise passengers produced a combined 1,100 blankets—each one a small but powerful gesture of comfort for children in hospitals, shelters, and other difficult situations.
For many participants, the project carries personal meaning.
“Gail and I feel good and enjoy giving to others,” said Marty Gottlieb, a Holland America Line guest and longtime Project Linus chapter member.
“We enjoy having other guests experience the same feeling, making a handmade blanket for a child. Over the years, we’ve heard from fellow passengers who had a grandchild or child receive a Project Linus blanket while in the hospital—and they kept it into adulthood. The blanketeers feel an accomplishment finishing the blanket, knowing it will bring a child comfort and security.”
What Happens Next?
Once the ships return to port in May and June, the completed blankets will be shipped to Project Linus’ headquarters in Missouri, where they will be sorted and distributed to children’s hospitals, shelters, and other organizations that support kids in crisis.
As Holland America continues to expand its Grand Voyage offerings, it’s clear that the tradition of knitting for Project Linus isn’t just about making blankets—it’s about creating connections, both at sea and with the children who will one day receive them.
How to Get Involved
Inspired by the blanketeers? Whether at home or on your next cruise, you can contribute to Project Linus by donating handmade blankets or supplies.
Visit www.projectlinus.org to find a chapter near you or learn how to start your own knitting group on board your next sailing.
