Holland America Line’s beloved four-legged friend, Joska the service dog, reached a milestone of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam’s current 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing. This achievement made Joska eligible to receive the Platinum Medallion, the highest past-guest award for cruising days.
Joska is not just any ordinary dog but a globetrotter and the first service animal to sail 700 cruise days with her owners Cornelius and Cornelia Marinussen aboard Holland America Line ships. Her owners have previously received their Platinum Medallions and Joska was now following in their footsteps.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, Holland America Line held a special ceremony for Joska on board Rotterdam on Oct. 26. President Gus Antorcha and Rotterdam’s Captain Werner Timmers presented Joska with her Platinum Medallion, 5-Star Mariner status (the highest level) in the cruise line’s loyalty program, and a selection of dog-friendly gifts branded by Holland America Line.
“We wanted to honor Joska and show her how special she is to everyone in our company,” said Antorcha. “Joska has become a member of our family, not only brightening the spirits of everyone on board but also allowing Connie to do what she loves most, which is to cruise and explore the world.”
Joska’s owners, the Dutch couple, have been cruising with Holland America Line since 2013 and have taken nearly 60 cruises. Joska has sailed on more than 50 Holland America Line voyages and explored the world with them, from Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada to Europe, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Joska joined the Marinussen family in 2014 to assist Cornelia, who is legally blind, and has since become one of the most traveled dogs in the world.
Joska the service dog’s achievement of 700 cruise days on Rotterdam’s 150th Anniversary Transatlantic Crossing is a testament to the love and dedication of the Marinussen family and the warmth and hospitality of Holland America Line.