Holland America, Princess Cruises Donate $5,000 to Ketchikan Scouts

Holland America Line and Princess Cruises recently turned a shipboard problem into a community win. Together, they donated $5,000 worth of pennies to local Boy Scouts in Ketchikan, Alaska.

Cruise Ships Donate $5,000 in Pennies to Ketchikan Scouts

It might sound like a quirky story, but this donation made a real difference. Twelve cruise ships — six from Holland America and six from Princess Cruises — spent the Alaska sailing season collecting spare pennies. Those pennies added up to nearly 1,000 pounds of coins.

The coins were donated to Scouting America Troop 4 and Troop 2004 during a community event on July 10 in Ketchikan.

How the Penny Collection Came Together

Crew members aboard Holland America’s Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam did most of the heavy lifting. They collected, counted, and packaged the pennies throughout the summer sailing season.

Princess Cruises joined the effort with contributions from six of its own ships. Those vessels included the Discovery Princess, Star Princess, Ruby Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess, and Coral Princess.

Before the event, crew members offloaded the coins in Ketchikan with help from local partners. Scout leaders and troop members then gathered to receive the donation.

Why This Matters to the Ketchikan Community

Robert Morgenstern, Senior Vice President of Alaska Operations for both cruise lines, explained the heart behind the idea.

“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,” he said.

He added, “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.”

Troops 4 and 2004 are well-known in Ketchikan. They give young people chances to grow through outdoor adventures, leadership training, and community service projects.

A Small Coin With a Big Impact

The funds will support local scouting programs and future community service efforts. It’s a great example of how cruise lines can give back to the Alaskan port towns they visit year after year.

For travelers sailing through Ketchikan, it’s a good reminder that the communities you visit often have a long-standing bond with the ships that pass through.