Photo courtesy of Andy Newman/Holland America Line
Last week at Seatrade Cruise Global 2016, I had the two-fold pleasure of being introduced to Seafarers' House at Port Everglades and eating a couple of Holland America Line Dive-In burgers from the company's impromptu food truck in support of the charity during the convention.
Seafarers' House is an unassuming retreat for cruise and industrial crew members, offering, "refuge, resources, renewal and respect to the maritime community through multi-faith service," according to its mission statement. The organization provides pastoral care, emergency assistance, local transportation, communication and wire transfer services and a wide variety of sundries and electronics.
READ MORE: Holland America Raises $4.3 Million for Cancer Charities
Visiting the facility in person was an eye opener to see how great the resources for crew are. The chapel welcomes multiple religions and denominations with several different worship materials and symbols, the common area provides a sanctuary for connecting with families back home and the general store sells an abundance of comfort foods, drinks and other necessities catering to all cultures with reasonable prices.
Holland America Line stepped up to raise funds for Seafarers' House by donating proceeds from its Dive-In food truck during the week. The eatery on wheels featured the line's chefs cooking up its signature burgers, hot dogs and fries just as they are prepared onboard, and the tasty flavors were spot on to those from the fleet, particularly its savory sauce. Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line (pictured above), was even on hand to help serve up the grill items, priced at $10 a piece with fries and a drink.
"We were pleased to share our gourmet 'Dive-In' burgers with the hard-working crew members visiting Seafarers' House at Port Everglades, and we have pledged the proceeds from our food truck sales this week to this worthy organization," said Ashford. "Seafarers' House is a valuable resource for our crew and every seagoing mariner, and we thank them for the support they provide the cruise industry and the maritime community."
READ MORE: Cruise Lines International Association Partners with Mercy Ships
After all, Arnold Donald, President & CEO, Carnival Corporation said at the conference, "in the end: happy crew, happy guests."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
