by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:35 AM ET, Tue September 9, 2025
Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled the winners of its annual Norwegian’s Giving Joy Program.
As part of the initiative, 20 educators are being sent on cruise for two. The top three grand prize winners will also get to join Norwegian Luna’s christening voyage in the spring of 2026 and experience the new amenities at Great Stirrup Cay.
“It’s our privilege to celebrate and honor the incredible educators who help shape the next generation,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “These educators have made an enormous difference in their communities, and now it’s their time to unwind and enjoy a meaningful escape, one that brings together the best of travel, learning, and well-earned joy.”
The program received more than 700 submissions, which were narrowed down to winners from across the U.S., including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and British Columbia, Canada.
The grand prize winners are:
- First Place: Joe Paneitz from Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas
- Second Place: Emily Banks from Mulberry Creek Elementary in Cataula, Ga.
- Third Place: Alexis Wellmaker from Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School in Peoria, Ill.
Coca-Cola is donating roundtrip flights for each winner, and The Guy Harvey Foundation is providing access to educational content and a free virtual training session. Norwegian Cruise Line’s partners have also contributed more than $40,000 that will be donated to the school of the top three grand prize winners.
Participating partners include:
- Alfa Laval Inc.
- Apollo Export Warehouse
- Bourne Group
- Calev Systems
- De Wave
- Gerolamo Scorza Spa
- Interglobo
- Lasvit Inc.
- RGB Electrical Services & Supplies Inc.
- Samsung
- Sangiorgio Export
- Scanship Americas, Inc.
- Tecnavi S.R.L.
- Weaver Manufacturing Co. Inc.
- Wingeco S.R.L
The winners were selected by three judges: Mandy Goddard of Cruise by Mandy travel agency, Sara Harsh, director of strategic partnership marketing strategy at The Coca-Cola Company and Katty Byrd, senior vice president of guest services of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Since 2019, Norwegian's Giving Joy campaign has provided free vacations to nearly 300 educators and donated more than $550,000 to teachers and their schools. The cruise line supports educators year-round by offering a 5 percent discount and a $50 onboard credit for voyages around the world.
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