Travel and education can be a good combination. And it can get even better when teachers from the US and Canada can be awarded free cruises and a prize of up to €25,000 to their respective schools. This is Norwegian Cruise Line’s proposal in his campaign entitled Norwegian’s Giving Joy contest, which seeks to pay homage to teachers from the USA and Canada with these awards to recognize teachers for their unwavering dedication to inspiring students every day. The contest is launched in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6).

The annual program, which began in 2019, has awarded 130 teachers across the U.S. and Canada with free cruises and over $185,000 to schools since then. This year, 100 teachers will win an exclusive sailing aboard the Cruise Line’s newest groundbreaking ship, Norwegian Prima, during the inaugural five-day sailing from Galveston, Texas from October 27 – 31, 2022.

“We’re so proud to celebrate educators, the unsung heroes of our communities, with our Norwegian’s Giving Joy program,” Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, said in a press release. “After receiving more than 46,000 nominations and over one million votes within the first year of this contest, we knew this was a worthy cause that is near and dear to people’s hearts. Teachers are tenacious, they are inspiring, and more than anything, they are dream makers,” Sommer added.

According to Norwegian Cruise Line, the month-long campaign runs from May 2 through June 3, 2022. The company stated that it is encouraging nominations of certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada who strive to bring joy into their classrooms and inspire their students day in and day out.

The cruising company revealed that the top 100 educators with the most votes will be one of the first to sail aboard Norwegian Prima from Texas in October. “In addition, the top three grand prize winners will receive an additional seven-day voyage for two from the U.S. or Canada, as well as a $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 donation respectively for their school,” says the cruising line company.

Ashley Steadman, educator at Maynard Evans High School in Orlando, Fla. and second-place winner of the 2021 Norwegian’s Giving Joy campaign said, “Norwegian Cruise Line made me feel appreciated throughout the entire Giving Joy experience.” She added that with the prize money, the school’s Student Government Association has been able to organize student engagements throughout the year, creating a stronger sense of community.

“Educators, like travel, leave a lasting impression on us. They help shape who we are and expand our horizons. Norwegian’s Giving Joy campaign brings to light the importance of travel as a powerful means of education. Travel broadens our perspective and encourages us to discover, adapt and accept new cultures and experiences. We cannot wait to celebrate the next class of deserving Giving Joy winners aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Prima this fall,” Sommer concluded.

For more information about how to nominate a beloved teacher to win free cruises, to vote and for the contest terms and conditions, visit Norwegian Cruise Line’s campaign website.