Norwegian Cruise Line Giving Joy Contest 2025: Nominate a Teacher to Win a Free Cruise!

Teachers don’t just educate—they ignite dreams, build confidence, and shape futures. This May, Norwegian Cruise Line invites you to honor the everyday heroes in our classrooms through its inspiring Giving Joy Contest. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, NCL is rewarding extraordinary educators who go above and beyond with the chance to set sail on a well-deserved escape.

From May 5–31, nominate an exceptional teacher—someone who brings passion, creativity, and joy into their classroom. Or if you're an educator yourself, don’t be shy—share your story and how you impact your students’ lives. Twenty educators from across the U.S. and Canada will win a 3- or 4-day cruise for two, allowing them to unwind and be celebrated for all they give.

But the celebration doesn't stop there. Three Grand Prize winners will receive an exclusive invitation aboard the Norwegian Luna’s christening voyage, a once-in-a-lifetime 3-night sailing from Miami in Spring 2026. Imagine being part of cruise history—surrounded by ocean views, music, and well-earned relaxation.

Teachers give joy every day. Now it’s time we give it back. Submit your nomination for the Norwegian Cruise Line Giving Joy Contest and help thank an educator with the ultimate gift of adventure.

Limit: There is no limit to the number of individuals that a Nominator can nominate. The age of entrant must beat least 13 year old or older at the time nomination, unless you are nominating yourself as a Nominee, in which case you must be 21 years of age or older to be a Nominee. Void in Quebec.

How to Enter Norwegian Cruise Line Giving Joy Teacher Contest 2025:

In order to nominate a nominee, visit contest.nclgivingjoy.com and follow instructions to complete the nomination form including providing your Nominee's First and Last Name, Email Address, Phone Number, Zip/Postal Code (optional), Nominator's First and Last Name, Email Address, and Phone Number.

Answer all three prompts with original content in English (Minimum 1,000 – Maximum 2,000 characters per prompt).

• Describe how the Nominee has gone above and beyond to make a lasting impact on students and the teaching community.
• Provide examples of how the Nominee has been recognized by peers and/or the community.
• Share how the Nominee has overcome challenges, adapted, or innovated within their school.

After that, upload a high-resolution photo of the Nominee: In front of their school or in their classroom and submit the form to receive an entry.

Norwegian Cruise Line Free Cruise Vacation for Teacher Giveaway Winner Selection:

Semi-Finalist Selection:

A Judging Panel consisting of three representatives from the Sponsor will evaluate each eligible Submission. Submissions will be scored based on the following Judging Criteria:

• Lasting impact on students and community – 33%
• Recognition by peers and community – 33%
• Adaptability and innovation – 34%

The top 60 scoring Submissions will be selected as Semi-Finalist Submissions.

Around June 10, 2025, potential Semi-Finalists will be contacted via email and phone.

To confirm Semi-Finalist status, potential Semi-Finalists must provide valid proof of employment by June 17, 2025 at 11:59:59 PM ET, including one of the following:

• A valid School ID or badge
• A letter of employment from the school
• A recent pay stub (within the last 30 days)
• A current employment contract

Judging to Select Finalists and Grand Prize Winners:

Verified Semi-Finalist Submissions will be re-evaluated by the Judging Panel using the same Judging Criteria.

Based on the scores:

• The top 3 scoring Submissions will be designated as Grand Prize Winners.
• The next 17 highest scoring Submissions will be designated as Finalists.

On or about August 8, 2025, the Administrator will notify potential Grand Prize Winners and Finalists via email and phone.

They must submit the following by August 15, 2025 at 11:59:59 PM ET:

• Affidavit of Eligibility
• Liability Release
• Publicity Release (if allowed by law)
• W9 or W8 tax form, if applicable (including Tax Identification Number for reporting purposes)

NCL Cruise Giveaway 2025 Prizes:

Finalist Prizes (17 Total)

Each finalist will receive:

• One cruise certificate for a 3- or 4-day Norwegian Cruise Line cruise of their choice
• Balcony stateroom for two people
• Includes voyage fare, taxes, fees, More At Sea package, and service charges

(ARV: $2,100 for each)

Grand Prizes (3 Total)

Each Grand Prize winner will receive an invitation for two to attend Norwegian Luna’s Christening Voyage.

Trip includes:

• Round-trip coach-class air travel to Miami, FL
• One-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Miami (double occupancy, breakfast included)
• Round-trip ground transportation (airport/hotel/cruise port)
• Three nights on board the Norwegian Luna in March or April 2026, inclusive of food, beverages, WiFi, and inaugural amenities
• One additional cruise certificate for a 3- or 4-day Norwegian Cruise Line cruise of their choice.

(ARV: $3850 for each)