Holland America Line philanthropy initiative invited guests aboard the Volendam to craft blankets for Project Linus, contributing hundreds of handmade items to children in need.
Summary: Holland America Line philanthropy effort on the Volendam invited guests to participate in a crocheting workshop during the 133-day Grand World Voyage, producing hundreds of blankets for Project Linus. The program has included nearly one million yards of yarn and has yielded about 1,600 blankets across recent voyages.
Holland America Line philanthropy took a tactile form on its 133-day Grand World Voyage, as guests aboard the Volendam joined an onboard crocheting workshop to make blankets for Project Linus. The activity combined leisure travel with charitable giving, allowing passengers of varying skill levels to contribute to a global cause while cruising.
Longstanding partnership with Project Linus
Project Linus, named after the Peanuts character famous for his security blanket, celebrated its 30th anniversary in December 2025. Over three decades the nonprofit has delivered more than 10 million handmade blankets to children facing illness, trauma or other difficult circumstances. Holland America Line has supported the organization for more than 20 years, integrating opportunities for guests to help into its world cruises.
How the onboard workshop works
The Volendam workshop welcomes both experienced crocheters and beginners. Participants work together during the voyage to produce blankets, which are packed and shipped to Project Linus after the cruise concludes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Crew members also join the effort when possible, providing extra hands and reinforcing the communal spirit of the project.
- Voyage: 133-day Grand World Voyage aboard Volendam
- Project anniversary: Project Linus marked 30 years in December 2025
- Blankets distributed: Project Linus has given out more than 10 million blankets to date
- Holland America Line partnership: active for more than 20 years
- Materials for 2026 voyage: nearly one million yards of yarn in over 30 colors
- Output from recent voyages: approximately 1,600 blankets across three voyages
Scale and impact of the initiative
For the 2026 Grand World Voyage, Holland America Line supplied nearly one million yards of yarn in more than 30 vibrant colors, enabling guests to produce blankets in diverse patterns and textures. The program has produced roughly 1,600 blankets over the past three sailings, demonstrating both the popularity of the workshop and the ongoing commitment of passengers and crew to giving back.
Once finished, the blankets are carefully packed and shipped to Project Linus, where they become tangible sources of comfort for children worldwide. The initiative underscores how simple, hands-on activities can create meaningful outcomes when supported by an organized platform like a cruise line.
Beyond comfort: skills, connection and responsibility
The blanket-making sessions offer more than donations; they create space for creativity, skill development and social interaction among passengers. Travelers learn or refine crafting techniques, collaborate with fellow guests from different backgrounds, and leave with the satisfaction of contributing to an established charity.
What this means for travelers and the cruise industry
Holland America Line’s hands-on philanthropy shows how luxury cruising can be paired with purposeful activities. For travelers, it offers an opportunity to engage meaningfully with a cause without leaving the ship. For the cruise industry, the program is an example of integrating social responsibility into the guest experience, enhancing brand value while delivering real-world benefits.
So what? Participating in onboard charitable programs allows passengers to blend leisure with impact: they return home having learned new skills, formed connections, and contributed to tangible relief for children supported by Project Linus. For industry observers, the initiative demonstrates a model for embedding meaningful, low-barrier philanthropy into travel itineraries.
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