Holland America Line has honored the memory of Joska, a guide dog who spent more than 900 nights at sea and earned the cruise line’s 5-Star Mariner status and Platinum Medallion, making her the first service dog to receive such recognition.
Joska sailed alongside Cornelia and Cornelis Marinussen, two of the line’s most loyal guests, helping them explore destinations across Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.
She became a familiar face on multiple ships and was loved by guests and crew.
We had the opportunity to sail with Joska out of New York City aboard Rotterdam in 2022. Even among the hustle of a busy cruise, she stood out as a working dog and had a calm and comforting presence.
After Joska crossed the rainbow bridge in February 2025 at age 12, a guest shared that Rotterdam “just didn’t feel the same without her.”
To honor Joska’s life and legacy, Holland America held a plaque dedication ceremony aboard Rotterdam on May 2.
The plaque is now permanently displayed near the ship’s atrium, serving as a subtle yet powerful tribute to a dog who made a lasting impression on both the crew and passengers.
Holland America is also dedicating proceeds from its On Deck for a Cause charity walks aboard Rotterdam and Nieuw Statendam this summer to KNFG Geleidehonden, the Royal Dutch Guide Dog Foundation. This organization placed Joska with the Marinussens.
These donations will support the training of future guide dogs for people with visual impairments, autism, PTSD, and other needs.
Through the plaque onboard and support for guide dog training, Holland America is making sure Joska’s memory isn’t just something people talk about—it’s something that keeps making a difference.
