Sarah Bretz, ContributorIn honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the return of its annual Giving Joy teacher recognition program. The program celebrates the work of educators across the U.S. and Canada and awards 20 of them with a free cruise. They’ll also receive the chance to sail aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest upcoming ship, Norwegian Luna, in spring 2026.
Today through May 31st, the public is invited to nominate certified or accredited educators at nclgivingjoy.com by submitting heartfelt stories on how their favorite teacher is making a lasting impact on the lives of students and their community; being recognized by their peers for their passion and dedication to the world of education; and on their adaptability to overcome challenges and find creative and novel approaches to further the education of their students.
Nominations will be evaluated against the aforementioned criteria by a three-person panel made up of NCL leaders and partners.
The top 20 ranking teachers determined by the panel will be rewarded with a three or four-day cruise for two. In addition, the top three educators with the highest scores will be named a Grand Prize winner and will also win an exclusive invitation to the three-day christening voyage of Norwegian Luna next spring.
“At NCL we are all about delivering exceptional experiences, including honoring communities who make a difference in the world, such as teachers,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We’re so proud to celebrate six years of our Norwegian’s Giving Joy program and continuing to shine a light on incredible teachers who are shaping our future generation. This year, we’re excited to reward 20 exceptional teachers with an unforgettable vacation with MORE ways to relax and explore on board one of our many spectacular NCL ships.”
Since launching in 2019, Norwegian’s Giving Joy campaign has received nearly 61,000 teacher nominations and has awarded over 270 educators with a cruise vacation. Through the program, over $515,000 has been donated to teachers and their schools with the support of NCL’s partners.
“Travel opportunities bring excitement, relaxation, and rejuvenation into the lives of so many,” said Nancy Altimore, 2024 Norwegian’s Giving Joy winner and educator from Pembroke Pines Charter High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla. “The NCL family, through its Giving Joy Program, celebrates educators and provides them with an incredible opportunity to travel. It was such a joy to be a Norwegian’s Giving Joy winner and experience a pampered celebration for doing something I love – teaching! It was truly an honor to participate in this caring opportunity and experience a vacation with NCL.”
Next April, Norwegian Luna will begin sailing a season of seven-night eastern Caribbean voyages from Miami with calls to Puerto Plata, Tortola, St. Thomas, and NCL’s private island Great Stirrup Cay.
Comments
Do you have a teacher in mind that you’ll consider nominating for the Giving Joy program? Are you a fan of NCL and if so, what’s your favorite ship you’ve sailed in the fleet? Drop us an anchor below and let us know!
