On Deck for the Cure®

On Deck for the Cure® is the innovative fundraising initiative founded by Holland America Line in 2006 and now involves four additional Carnival Corporation & plc brands – Carnival Cruise Lines, Seabourn Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, and Princess Cruises. 
In its third year, On Deck for the Cure has raised more than $1 million for the fight against breast cancer through fundraisers on dozens of the brands’ ships, with guests making a donation benefiting Komen for the Cure and participating in five-kilometer walks and other activities on the vessels’ open decks. The cruise lines will donate 75 percent of each registration fee to Komen for the Cure, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $260,000.

Holland America Line – On all of Holland America’s 13 vessels, guests are invited to make a $15 donation and participate in a five-kilometer walk around the ship’s upper deck wearing a custom-designed T-shirt and wristband. A post-walk pink lemonade reception – signifying the color associated with breast cancer research – is held for all walkers. 

Carnival Cruise Lines – Aboard the “Fun Ships,” guests are encouraged to make a minimum $10 donation and partake in a five-kilometer walk around the ships’ jogging track. 

Costa Cruises – Featured on Costa’s two Fort Lauderdale, Florida-based ships, the Costa Mediterranea and Costa Fortuna, during the vessels’ Caribbean cruise seasons, guests participating in On Deck for the Cure activities on these vessels make a $20 donation and then enjoy a five-kilometer stroll on the ships’ upper deck.

Princess Cruises – Following a five-kilometer walk on the ships’ promenade decks, participants on Princess’ 17 ships enjoy a post-walk reception poolside with refreshments and snacks. The minimum donation is $15 and all participants receive a special baseball cap with the On Deck for the Cure and Komen logos.

The Yachts of Seabourn – The intimate size of Seabourn’s 208-passenger ships limits the opportunities for hosting a five-kilometer walk. Instead, the line conducts “Quiz Night” team trivia contests in which participants can make a voluntary $25 donation and receive a special “On Deck for the Cure” visor and wristband.

Program Information

Program Name: On Deck for the Cure®
Benefit to Komen for the Cure: 75 percent of each On Deck for the Cure walker registration fee (fees vary depending on cruise line).
Guaranteed Donation: $260,000
2007 Donation: nearly $1 million 
Program Active: April 1, 2008, through March 31, 2009
Total number of years for program: 3