Princess & Holland America Pledge $175,000 to Ketchikan’s American Legion Post
Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have committed a combined $175,000 to help rebuild Joseph T. Craig American Legion Post 3 in Ketchikan, Alaska, more than two years after the historic veterans hall was destroyed by arson.
The announcement, made April 21, 2026, marks the first phase of what both brands describe as a multi-year rebuilding partnership. Princess Cruises will contribute $100,000 through the Princess Foundation, while Holland America Line is putting in $75,000, with part of that total funded through guest contributions to its On Deck for a Cause program in Alaska. Additional financial commitments are expected to be announced in 2027.
Alaska’s Oldest American Legion Post
Post 3 is the oldest American Legion post in Alaska, founded in 1919 and operated from the same Ketchikan location for more than 85 years. The building burned down in September 2023 in what investigators ruled an act of arson, displacing a veterans organization that had served as a gathering place for members, families, and local community groups for generations.
Since the fire, Post 3 has continued operating without a permanent home while organizers work toward a rebuild. The commitment from the two cruise lines gives the effort its most significant corporate backing to date.
“This generous support from Princess Cruises and Holland America Line is a meaningful step forward in our rebuilding journey,” said Bill Bolling of American Legion Post 3. “While the loss of our building was devastating, this partnership helps ensure our mission will continue for generations.”
Why Ketchikan Matters to Both Brands
Ketchikan is one of the most-visited ports in Alaska cruising, and both Princess and Holland America have deep operational ties to the town. The port sees millions of cruise passengers each year, and the two brands, both owned by Carnival Corporation, account for a substantial share of that traffic.
Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises, framed the donation as an extension of the brand’s long-standing presence in the state. “At Princess Cruises, we are deeply connected to the communities we visit, and Ketchikan holds a special place in our Alaska program,” he said.
Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, tied the effort directly to the post’s veteran mission. “American Legion Post 3 represents resilience, service, and community, values that deeply align with Holland America Line,” she said. “We are proud along with our guests to support the rebuilding of this historic post.”
A Record Alaska Season for Princess
The rebuilding commitment arrives as Princess prepares for what the brand is calling its largest Alaska program to date. The 2026 season features eight ships, 180 departures, and visits to 19 destinations, anchored by the fleet debut of Star Princess. Ketchikan remains a core port of call across most of the brand’s Inside Passage, Gulf of Alaska, and cruisetour itineraries.
Princess has been steadily expanding its Alaska footprint in recent years as demand for the region has rebounded well past pre-pandemic levels, and 2026 represents the brand’s most aggressive deployment yet in The Great Land.
Holland America Stays the Course in Alaska
Holland America will return six ships to Alaska in 2026, running from April through September with sailings roundtrip from Seattle, roundtrip from Vancouver, and between Vancouver and Whittier. Itineraries range from seven to 28 days, including the monthlong “Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice” sailing and a new 14-day roundtrip option from Seattle.
The brand is also running 18 Cruisetour itineraries in 2026, pairing its cruises with rail journeys into Denali National Park and Canada’s Yukon Territory. Alaska remains the centerpiece of Holland America’s summer deployment strategy, and the brand continues to position itself as a destination-focused operator in the region.
What Happens Next
Both cruise lines have pledged ongoing support in the years ahead, with further details about the next phase of funding expected in 2027. For Post 3, the partnership represents the strongest financial footing the rebuild effort has had since the fire.
