NCL’s Giving Joy Program Back With Cruises for Teachers

May 7, 2025 Randy Young

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, Norwegian Cruise Line is once again shining a spotlight on some of the hardest-working professionals out there: educators. Now in its sixth year, the cruise line’s Norwegian’s Giving Joy program is back, offering free cruises to 20 deserving teachers from the U.S. and Canada along with an unforgettable experience aboard its upcoming ship, Norwegian Luna.

Nominate a Teacher Making a Difference

From now through May 31, 2025, NCL is accepting nominations for certified or accredited teachers at nclgivingjoy.com. To nominate a teacher, friends, family, coworkers, and students are encouraged to share personal stories highlighting a teacher’s positive impact on students and the community, their professional dedication, and how they’ve creatively adapted to modern challenges in education.

Free Cruises For the Teachers Who Win

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of NCL leaders and partners who will select 20 standout educators to win a three- or four-day cruise for two.

In addition to the free cruise, the top three Grand Prize Winners will receive an exclusive invitation to the christening of Norwegian Luna, the sister ship to Norwegian Aqua. This VIP event will happen in Spring 2026, where the Grand Prize winners will get a first peek at Norwegian Luna’s signature attractions like the Aqua Slidecoaster, a hybrid waterslide and rollercoaster, and new dining options including Sukhothai, a Thai specialty restaurant, and Planterie, a plant-based eatery inside Indulge Food Hall.

Learn about Norwegian Luna

A Long Term Commitment to Educators

Since launching in 2019, the Giving Joy campaign has recognized more than 270 educators with cruise vacations and donated over $515,000 to teachers and their schools.

Last year’s winner Nancy Altimore, a teacher from Florida, described the experience as “a pampered celebration for doing something I love – teaching.”

Year-Round Perks for Teachers Too

In addition to the Giving Joy campaign, NCL offers teachers a permanent discount through its Teacher Cruise Discount program. Verified educators receive 5% off any sailing and a $50 onboard credit, making it easier than ever to plan a well-earned vacation.

The discount applies to the following educators:

Active classroom teachers (PreK-12)
Principals and Assistant Principals (PreK-12)
School employees (PreK-12)
College/University professors

To get the discount, educators will have to validate their identities through the ID.me system. This secure digital identity network is also used by entities like the IRS and the Social Security Department. Once the educator verifies their identity, they won’t have to do it again.