Per a press release issued today, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the 20 winners of its highly anticipated fifth annual Norwegian’s Giving Joy Program, recognizing educators’ unwavering dedication to their students and commitment to bringing joy to the classroom.
Each of the 20 winners will receive an exclusive invitation to a two-day inaugural event in Boston from April 4 to 6, 2025 aboard the brand new Norwegian Aqua, when it makes its U.S. debut. Additionally, the top five Grand Prize winners will be invited to Norwegian Aqua’s three-night christening voyage, sailing from Miami on April 13, 2025.
“Giving Joy is a program near and dear to our hearts at Norwegian Cruise Line,” said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “It is an honor to congratulate the 20 incredible educators, who passionately serve their communities, with experiences on board Norwegian Aqua. These amazing teachers are shaping the future of the next generation, and I am thrilled to be able to showcase the brand new Norwegian Aqua with them; sharing the enrichments that bridge the connection between education and travel.”
Norwegian’s 2024 Giving Joy month-long contest launched during this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week in May, garnering over thousands of votes with winners from Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Washington; and Newfoundland, Canada.
The top five grand prize winners with the most votes are:
- Larry Knight Jr. from Stanton College Preparatory School in Jacksonville, Florida
- Debra Golding from Westglades Middle School in Parkland, Florida
- Shawn Miller from Loveland High School in Loveland, Ohio
- Bradley Gardner from Franklin Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana
- Nancy Altimore from City of Pembroke Pines Charter High School-Academic Village in Pembroke Pines, Florida
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy contest highlights the connection between travel and education, celebrating and commemorating the commitment that teachers have to enlightening young minds. Since 2019, Norwegian’s Giving Joy campaign has received over 60,00 teacher nominations; more than 1.8 million votes; awarded over 270 educators with a vacation of a lifetime; and donated upwards of $445,000 to teachers and their schools with the support from NCL’s partners.
As part of the 2024 campaign prizing, roundtrip airfare is included for the winners and their guest, in-part by a generous donation from Coca-Cola, NCL’s beverage partner.
Norwegian Aqua sets new standards and delivers brand-new guest experiences with an overall 10 percent size and capacity increase from its sister ships within the Prima Class. The ship will offer guests and Giving Joy winners an exceptional experience with more outdoor space and the highest staffing levels of any new contemporary cruise ship. While on board, the winners will have an opportunity to experience the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, the Aqua Slidecoaster, featuring three stories of exciting twists and turns around the ship’s funnel; indulge in the Company’s first upscale Thai restaurant, ‘Sukhothai’; experience the new dedicated plant-based venue, ‘Planterie’; and unwind with a well-deserved glass of wine at ‘Swirl Wine Bar’, Norwegian Aqua’s new contemporary wine lounge.
Building upon NCL’s history of supporting educators through its award-winning Giving Joy campaign, earlier this summer the company debuted a year-round Teacher Cruise Discount, further extending its gratitude for the dedicated teacher community. Now, all education professionals including active Classroom Teachers (PreK-12), Principals and Assistant Principals (PreK-12), School Employees (PreK-12) and College/University Professors, can enjoy a five percent discount off any NCL voyage from anywhere in the world, as well as a $50 onboard credit to enhance their cruise vacation.
To learn more about the 20 winners and their heart-warming stories, click here.
