Holland America Line's On Deck for the Cure Program Surpasses $2 Million Mark Raised for Breast Cancer Research and Awareness

Fleetwide Celebrations Held and Inaugural Walk on ms Nieuw Amsterdam with Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker

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Jul 07, 2010, 03:50 ET

SEATTLE, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line has topped the $2 million mark in contributions raised for Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, a global leader in the fight against breast cancer, underscoring the line's place on Komen's prestigious Million Dollar Council Elite.

On July 6, Holland America Line's President and CEO Stein Kruse celebrated the fundraising milestone aboard the line's newest ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, with Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. While on board, Kruse and Brinker led the 5K walk around the gleaming new teak decks with more than 500 shipboard guests and crew, raising nearly $40,000. Following was a special pink lemonade and champagne reception. Special celebrations were also held this week across the line's fleet of ships.

"We're overwhelmed with the spirit and generosity of our guests," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs for Holland America Line. "On every cruise, they take time from their vacations and raise money to help fight this disease. Holland America Line is proud to be a vehicle for this most worthy cause and we expect to be walking the deck on behalf of Susan G. Komen for the Cure for many years to come."

Since its inception in April 2006, Holland America Line's On Deck for the Cure fundraising initiative has raised more than $2 million to support and fund breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. On all of the line's 15 ships, guests are invited to make a minimum $15 donation to participate in a five-kilometer walk around the ship's promenade deck. 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 pink wristband, as well as an invitation to a pink lemonade party following the walk.

"We are very appreciative of the partnership with Holland America Line," said Nancy Brinker, Founder and CEO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "Through leveraging the support of staff and guests alike, the company has reached the $2 million mark in less than four years. This is quite unique and an accomplishment achieved by only a few companies on our Million Dollar Council Elite."

On Deck for the Cure, administered through the Holland America Line Foundation, builds upon the line's existing corporate giving programs which contribute millions of dollars each year in cash sponsorships, in-kind shipboard events, free and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, United Way participation and other philanthropic activities.

To date, nearly 145,000 guests have participated in more than 1,800 On Deck for the Cure walks aboard HAL cruises worldwide.

For information about sailing dates and cruise destinations, contact a travel agent or call Holland America Line at 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com. For more information about Holland America Line's giving program, email [email protected].

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 Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested nearly $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

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 350 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- 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.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a commitment totaling more than $525 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.

World's 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 Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of 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