After counting, rolling, and transporting hundreds of pounds of pennies from six Holland America Line and six Princess Cruises ships sailing in Alaska, the two cruise lines made a meaningful community contribution. During an event in Ketchikan, Alaska, Scouting America Troop 4 and Troop 2004 received 5,000 dollars in coins alongside an additional cash donation. The initiative gives a sustainable new purpose to excess shipboard pennies, transforming spare change into vital funding for local youth programs.
While the penny is no longer minted, it remains legal tender. The donation marked the culmination of a resourceful onboard collection effort across various departments, including Guest Services, the Casino, and the Finance Department. Shipboard teams, shoreside employees, and community partners in Ketchikan collaborated closely to channel thousands of coins into actionable resources for youth in one of Alaska’s premier cruise destinations.
Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of the Alaska operations of Holland America Line and Princess Cruises“What began as a practical challenge aboard our ships became a unique opportunity to create something positive for a community that has welcomed our guests for generations. We’re proud to partner with the Ketchikan Scouts and help turn thousands of pennies into resources that will support leadership development, service and future opportunities for local youth.”
Crew members aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam, which have been exploring Alaska all summer, collaborated to collect and prepare nearly 1,000 pounds of pennies. Princess Cruises proudly joined the effort, contributing coins collected from six of its own regional ships: Discovery Princess, Star Princess, Ruby Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess, and Coral Princess.
“The Scouts participating in our program today will become tomorrow’s community leaders, business owners, first responders and volunteers. Support from partners like Holland America Line and Princess Cruises helps us provide experiences that build leadership, responsibility and a commitment to service. This generosity will help ensure today’s Scouts have the tools and experiences they need to become tomorrow’s leaders,” said Jim Meiresonne, scoutmaster of Troop 4.
Supporting Alaska Communities for 80 Years
This initiative is the latest example of Holland America Line’s deep-rooted investment in Alaska. As the cruise line approaches its 80th year of operation in the region, it continues to back local communities through philanthropic partnerships and large-scale investments, including a 70-million-dollar expansion project in Denali scheduled for completion in 2027. Onboard fundraising walks like On Deck for a Cause also generate significant support for regional organizations like Alaska Geographic and the American Legion Post 3 in Ketchikan.
Princess Cruises 2026 Alaska Season
Princess Cruises is currently executing its largest-ever Alaska deployment, highlighted by the highly anticipated debut of its newest fleet member, Star Princess. The expansive 2026 program features eight ships, 180 departures, and visits to 19 destinations, providing travelers with unmatched choices for cruise and land-and-sea adventures. It offers guests deep opportunities to connect with local history and the vibrant port communities that make Alaska an elite travel destination.
Pictures courtesy of Holland America Line and Princess Cruises.
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