HAL Surpasses $1 Million Mark for Breast Cancer Research

Holland America Line surpassed the million-dollar mark in contributions raised for breast cancer research through its On Deck for the Cure program. The line will celebrate the milestone this week with receptions and recognition on the ships in its fleet and at its corporate headquarters in Seattle.

Since the program began in 2006 on Deck for the Cure has raised nearly $1.1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Noting the success of the ship-based program –where ship guests make donations for walking laps around the deck- Richard Meadows, executive vice president-marketing, sales and guest programs, said the company has recently extended its contract with Komen to continue the program in the years to come.

In 2007, one charter group onboard the Maasdam turned out nearly 800 participants, smashing the previous single-walk record of 349 walkers. Plus, the 2008 Grand World Voyage on the Amsterdam raised more than $50,000 in its fund-raising walks.

Holland America estimates that more than 80,000 guests have participated in more than 1,000 walks on cruises worldwide since the program began in 2006. Participants pledge $15 or more and then walked around the ship’s deck for five kilometers.

Depending on the ship, guests walk up to 12 laps to reach 5K. Each participant receives an On Deck for the Cure T-shirt and a pink wristband as well as an invitation to a pink lemonade party following the walk.

Buoyed by the success of Holland America’s On Deck for the Cure program, last year Carnival Corp. extended the year-round donation program to four other Carnival brands –Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, and Costa Cruises’ Florida-based vessels.