According to a statement, Norwegian Cruise Line celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week with its fourth annual Giving Joy program, which gives teachers free cruises and a chance to sail on the Norwegian Viva.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s president, David J. Herrera, was delighted to launch the Giving Joy campaign, promote the importance of teachers in our community and to the young, and reinforce the connection between travel and education. We believe educators can inspire people, along with the trip, by broadening perspectives, connecting people worldwide, and bringing awareness to cultures and experiences worldwide.

My wife is a teacher in second grade, and I’ve witnessed first-hand how dedicated and passionate she is to connecting with and motivating her students. Educators who dedicate themselves to their students deserve to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. “We look forward to welcoming them aboard our ships and providing them with a well-deserved cruise vacation.”

Teachers are recognized for their dedication to inspiring students every day due to the program. Over 230 educators have been awarded free cruises by Norwegian so far, and over $350,000 has been donated to local schools and teachers. Twenty top teachers across the U.S. and Canada will receive sails for two in 2023. A second opportunity awaits the top three winners, who will be invited to attend the christening voyage of the Norwegian Viva later this year.

Until June 9, citizens can nominate inspiring certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada.

According to Shannon Cooke, recipient of the Giving Joy award in 2022 and teacher at Hunters Point Community Middle School in Long Island, NY: “This was a tremendous experience.” Meeting teachers across North America whose goals and visions of teaching were very similar was a wonderful experience. My trip to the ancient ruins in Mexico was incorporated into the Civilizations unit in sixth grade after I returned from my NCL cruise.