Norwegian Cruise Line honors educators
Norwegian Cruise Line, a global leader in the cruise industry, has once again honored educators with a special award: the annual Norwegian’s Giving Joy program, which celebrates the commitment, passion, and dedication of those who contribute daily to the growth of new generations.
For the 2025 contest, the company awarded 20 teachers from the United States and Canada with a cruise for two, designed to offer them a well-deserved break for wellness, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This is more than just a trip; it is a tangible gesture recognizing teaching as a fundamental profession within the social fabric. In addition to this significant recognition, the three Grand Prize winners will have the unique opportunity to sail aboard the brand-new Norwegian Luna™ during its inaugural voyage from Miami in spring 2026, with a stop at NCL’s stunning private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay.
Norwegian Luna aerial
The initiative attracted over 700 teacher applicants, each sharing touching and meaningful stories. Winners were selected by a panel of industry experts who evaluated the teachers’ impact on their students and local communities, their ability to inspire colleagues and students, and their resilience in overcoming academic and social challenges. The three Grand Prize winners are Joe Paneitz from Atascocita High School in Texas; Emily Banks from Mulberry Creek Elementary in Georgia; and Alexis Wellmaker from Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School in Illinois. Each has left a profound mark on their educational environments, standing out for their extraordinary commitment and humanity they bring to the classroom every day.
During the inaugural voyage aboard Norwegian Luna, the winners will enjoy an exclusive experience: not only will they attend the ship’s christening ceremony, but they will also get a first look at its innovations, including the Aqua Slidecoaster—a spectacular hybrid of a water slide and roller coaster—and new themed restaurants such as Sukhothai, dedicated to Thai cuisine, and Planterie, a plant-based eatery within the ship’s food hall. The trip will also include a visit to the revamped Great Stirrup Cay, featuring a heated 1.4-acre pool area, two swim-up bars, numerous relaxation zones, and a breathtaking tropical setting.
The prize goes beyond the cruise itself. Thanks to the collaboration with Coca-Cola, NCL’s official beverage partner, all winners will also receive complimentary round-trip flights, while the Guy Harvey Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation, will provide educational content and a free virtual training session. Furthermore, with donations from numerous commercial partners, over $40,000 has been raised to be donated directly to the schools of the three Grand Prize winners, further amplifying the initiative’s impact at an institutional level.
ncl-aqua-laterraza-11
ncl-aqua-mainpool-12
pulsefitnesscenter-aquaandluna
Since its launch in 2019, Norwegian’s Giving Joy has received nearly 62,000 nominations, awarded almost 300 deserving teachers, and distributed over $550,000 to educators and schools. These numbers reflect NCL’s ongoing and consistent commitment to the educational community, highlighting how tourism and education can find a constructive intersection. Not surprisingly, the company offers a year-round exclusive discount for teachers from the U.S. and Canada, with a 5% reduction on all cruises and a $50 onboard credit, making its experiences more accessible to education professionals.
Starting in April 2026, Norwegian Luna, the newest jewel of the NCL fleet, will offer seven-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries departing from Miami to destinations such as Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), Tortola (British Virgin Islands), St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), and, of course, Great Stirrup Cay. The island itself will receive further investments, including a new pier, a renovated welcome center, and the 2026 debut of the Great Tides Waterpark: a six-acre water park featuring 19 slides, a dynamic river, cliffside jump zones, and children’s play areas designed to provide fun for all ages.
With this program, Norwegian Cruise Line demonstrates that recognizing and celebrating the value of teachers is not merely symbolic, but a concrete commitment to supporting those who build the future every day—offering them moments of joy, well-earned rest, and unforgettable new experiences.
Don’t miss news, updates, and reviews of Norwegian Cruise Line on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and special cruise offers.
