by Brian Major
Last updated: 12:30 PM ET, Mon April 8, 2019
Norwegian Cruise Line has doubled both the number of cruises it will give away and the grand prize awards it will bestow on deserving teachers as part of its "Giving Joy" recognition initiative, designed to honor U.S. educators as Norwegian celebrates the North American debut of its newly refurbished 3,804-passenger Norwegian Joy.
Norwegian has expanded the "Giving Joy" cruises it will award to 30, while also increasing the grand prize giveaways to $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 for the top three teachers' schools.
On April 6, Norwegian Joy embarked on a pre-inaugural, trans-Pacific voyage following its $50 million refurbishment and drydock in Singapore. The ship will debut Alaska cruise itineraries departing from Seattle this spring following two seasons of service in China.
Norwegian Joy's inaugural North American cruise on May 11 coincides with National Teacher Appreciation Week, held this year from May 6 to 10. "This campaign has clearly resonated with the public, with nearly 45,000 nominations and 1.4 million votes in just three weeks," said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line's president and CEO.
"We set out to gift 15 cruises in honor of our 15th ship," Stuart said, "but given the engagement and appreciation of this effort we have decided to double the joy and award 30 educators who make an impact in children's lives in a positive and meaningful way."
Norwegian Cruise Line's 'Giving Joy' campaign celebrates the intersection of travel and education and runs through April 12. Norwegian is encouraging the public to submit nominations of certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada who are inspiring joy in the classroom.
The 30 teachers with the most votes will each win a seven-day cruise for two. The winners will also receive airfare and accommodations in Seattle for a May 3 award ceremony, where the teachers will have the opportunity to win $25,000, $15,000 and $10,000 awards for their schools.
"I encourage everyone to continue to nominate the teachers in their lives that have made a difference, and take the opportunity to recognize the outstanding work they do every day," said Stuart. "We are excited to see all the final submissions for the campaign and to celebrate the winners as we welcome Norwegian Joy to Seattle."
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