On World Cancer Day Holland America Line Launches 'On Deck for a Cause' Shipboard Fundraising Program Supporting Six International Cancer Organizations

New walk on 500 cruises annually to raise money for the global fight against cancer

SEATTLE, Feb. 4, 2013 /CNW/ - In honor of World Cancer Day, today Holland America Line announces "On Deck for a Cause," a new shipboard giving program that will benefit six international cancer organizations located in the United States, Canada, Australia, Netherlands, Germany and United Kingdom.

On Deck for a Cause invites guests to participate in a noncompetitive 5k fundraising walk on every sailing aboard each of the line's 15 ships, with proceeds to be distributed among the American Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Council Australia, Cancer Research UK, Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid) and KWF Kankerbestrijding (Dutch Cancer Society). The program will be implemented on ships in the coming month.

"With this new program Holland America Line will increase our support of the global fight against cancer," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer for Holland America Line. "Giving back is part of the Holland America Line culture, and it's gratifying to be able to support these incredible organizations in six countries where the majority of our guests live. This new program will help raise significant funds for cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs."

Guests of all ages are invited to donate $20 to the Holland America Line Foundation, with a minimum of 80 percent ($16) to be distributed to the organizations. The remaining 20 percent will cover program and administrative expenses. On a day at sea, participants join in a 5k walk around the ship's decks. Guests may walk less or not at all, as they prefer. Participants will also receive an On Deck for a Cause T-shirt, wristband and a reception following the walk. Depending on the ship, the distance to reach 5k ranges from nine to 12 laps.

Nearly 500 On Deck for a Cause events will occur across the Holland America Line fleet in the coming year, with walks taking place on cruises globally including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South Pacific, Alaska's Inside Passage, Mexico, Asia, the Baltic, Australia, New Zealand and South America.

Holland America Line and its corporate foundation's charitable giving programs include cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, shipboard events, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.

For more information about On Deck for a Cause, Holland America Line's cruises and CruiseTours, consult a professional travel seller, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]

Holland America Line's fleet of 15 ships offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies. One- to 110-day itineraries visit all seven continents and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. The line currently has a new ship on order from Fincantieri shipyard for delivery in fall 2015.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $500 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine — a state-of-the-art onboard show kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts provide cooking demonstrations and classes — Explorations Cafe powered by The New York Times, Digital Workshop powered by Windows, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream Beds.

Worlds Leading Cruise Lines

Holland America Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World's Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Photos are available at http://www.cleanpix.com/cleanpix/portal/W1eA8-P5w-PAe.

SOURCE: Holland America Line

http://www.hollandamerica.com