For travellers who believe in meaningful experiences, Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) latest initiative might just tug at your heartstrings. As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, NCL has revived its award-winning Norwegian's Giving Joy® campaign for the sixth year running, recognising educators across the U.S. and Canada who go above and beyond. This year, the initiative isn’t just about applauding incredible teachers—it’s about sending them on the ultimate ocean escape.
Rewarding the Educators Who Inspire
This year’s NCL Giving Joy campaign runs from 5 to 31 May 2025, and invites heartfelt nominations from anyone who knows a teacher who deserves to be recognised.
Honouring Passionate Teachers With Purpose
Through NCL Giving Joy, families, students, and fellow educators can submit entries nominating certified or accredited teachers who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to education. Nominations are judged by a panel from NCL and its partners, focusing on how nominees have impacted students, inspired communities, and adapted creatively in their classrooms.
Each of the top 20 selected educators will receive a complimentary three- or four-day cruise for two aboard one of NCL’s vibrant ships. But the highlight? The top three Grand Prize winners will also be invited aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Luna™ during her christening voyage in Spring 2026—an exclusive event only few ever experience.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
In a post-pandemic world where the value of educators has come into even sharper focus, campaigns like Giving Joy provide more than just a holiday. They offer validation, visibility, and a chance for educators to unwind—and to feel appreciated on a grand stage. With more than 270 teachers already rewarded since 2019, this year’s celebration promises to be as inspiring as ever.
Meet Norwegian Luna: The Next Evolution at Sea
While Giving Joy is all about recognising real-world heroes, the vessel they’ll step aboard is equally noteworthy.
What to Expect on Norwegian Luna
The Norwegian Luna is the sister ship to the game-changing Norwegian Aqua, and she embodies the same spirit of playful innovation and luxurious comfort. One of the most talked-about features is the Aqua Slidecoaster, a roller coaster and water slide hybrid that promises thrills with panoramic sea views. But there’s also room for calm and connection: new dining venues like Sukhothai, a Thai speciality restaurant, and Planterie, a standout plant-based eatery, offer fresh culinary experiences.
And with destinations like Tortola, St. Thomas, Puerto Plata, and NCL’s rejuvenated private island Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Luna is crafted to deliver unforgettable island-hopping across the Eastern Caribbean. The upcoming upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay—including a new pier, expansive pools, splash zones and more—add another layer of excitement.
Teachers Celebrated With MORE to Explore
NCL is offering more than a token gesture. These award-winning teachers are being treated to everything that makes NCL special: the freedom to dine where and when they want, to relax in upgraded staterooms, and to enjoy world-class entertainment on board. It’s a cruise that promises rejuvenation, discovery, and fun in equal measure.
An Impact That Goes Beyond the Sea
Since 2019, Norwegian's Giving Joy® has received nearly 61,000 nominations and awarded over $515,000 to educators and their schools. The program not only offers unforgettable holidays but also tangibly supports educators in their everyday environments, thanks to partnerships that donate directly to schools.
If you’re considering a cruise but want your adventure to mean more, why not explore itineraries inspired by meaningful initiatives like Giving Joy? Browse through hundreds of culturally rich and wellness-inspired journeys via our Cruise Finder to find your next soul-satisfying sailing.
And if you’re an educator yourself—or someone who knows a classroom hero—this is the perfect moment to nominate them. It’s not just a thank-you; it’s a way to let them know the world sees their efforts.
Plan Your Next Cruise With Meaning
The joy of cruising goes beyond indulgence. When a journey starts with a purpose—like rewarding those who shape future generations—it becomes that much more memorable. Whether you’re drawn to the innovation of Norwegian Luna or the warmth of Giving Joy, one thing is certain: NCL is setting the bar for thoughtful travel experiences.
Let us help you be part of a voyage that celebrates real impact. Reach out to us to begin planning your next meaningful escape.
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