Holland Celebrates National Dog Day

Credit: Holland America

(PRESS RELEASE)_National Dog Day is Aug. 26, and premium cruise line Holland America Line is celebrating its paw-some four-legged guests that cruise with their owners. Not all dogs are allowed to cruise; only service animals that are trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability can set sail. However, we do have a lucky few that cruise regularly, and if you’re Joska, you cruise often!

Joska and her Dutch owners, who are both legally blind, have cruised so many times that in October 2022 the black Labrador Retriever received her Platinum Mariner Medallion for reaching more than 700 cruising days with Holland America Line. From Alaska, Hawaii and Canada to Europe, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, Joska has sailed on more than 55 Holland America Line voyages — more than most people. She sits among the most traveled dogs in the world.

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​At 11 years old, Joska is heading toward retirement, and her owners have a new service dog, Wylou, joining the family. Joska will continue to cruise with her family as their secondary service dog helping both mom and dad, working with Wylou to ensure her human parents have a safe and enjoyable cruise.

Joska and Wylou are among a special collection of cruising service animals, brightening the spirits of everyone on board and allowing their owners to do what they love: cruise and explore the world. Other service animals have traveled with Holland America Line and focus on different areas of need.  

Registered service animals are always welcome aboard Holland America Line. We’d love for you to share this unique story to celebrate National Dog Day.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact me or feel free to reach out to Erik Elvejord, director of PR for Holland America Line, at [email protected].