by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Tue July 14, 2026
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line haved donated $5,000 in coins to a pair of Scouting America troops in Alaska.
Six Princess and six Holland America Line ships counted, rolled and transported hundreds of pounds of excess onboard pennies to Ketchikan to donate to Troop 4 and Troop 2004. The two cruise lines also made a cash donation.
The funds will support local scouting activities and provide additional resources for future programs and community service initiatives.
“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,” says Robert Morgenstern, senior vice president of the Alaska operations of Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. “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.”
With the penny no longer minted but remaining legal tender, the donation was the culmination of a resourceful effort to collect the coins on board from different departments like guest services, the casino and the finance department.
Crew members aboard Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam and Zaandam, which have been sailing Alaska all summer, worked together to collect, count and prepare nearly 1,000 pounds of pennies for donation. Additionally, crew members aboard Discovery Princess, Star Princess, Ruby Princess, Royal Princess, Grand Princess and Coral Princess also contributed to the effort.
“The Scouts participating in our program today will become tomorrow's community leaders, business owners, first responders and volunteers,” says Jim Meiresonne, scoutmaster of Troop 4. “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.”
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