Celebrating Labor Day in Many Ways. A Special One? Norwegian Cruise Line® and Their Giving Joy® Program

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Written By: Miss Zooey and Cindy Bertram, September 2, 2024

In the United States we have special annual celebrations, including national holidays. And one taking place today, on September 3, 2024 is Labor Day. While relaxing today, Cindy and I were talking about Labor Day, its history, and how this annual national holiday actually came about.  I just thought this was just another special holiday  to have a cookout in the back yard, relax, enjoy great food and people. So we did some research and I learned so much more. 

It turns out this was a special way to celebrate workers in the United States that started taking place  in the 1880’s. Back then, these  were more local and informal events. Then in 1894,  Labor Day became a Federal Holiday. So  Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers in the United States.

The  United States of America is a country that  truly has been built by people who have and continue to work so hard, so it’s a wonderful Federal Holiday. And Labor Day is always observed the first Monday of September.

Thinking About People Working in America – Their Jobs, and Diverse Roles

The United States has successfully grown over the past hundreds of years, and there are so many diverse jobs and positions that Americans work in.  Cindy and I talked about this, and  then one I brought up involved teachers.  I went through obedience training school myself and was so grateful as far as what I learned from my human teachers. Cindy  shared a few stories about great teachers she had, starting in grade school, then high school, and then the professors at  two different universities, including Loyola University Chicago.  And they truly were such an asset to her..

Then Cindy shared a wonderful program that Norwegian Cruise Line  has been doing for five years –  Norwegian’s Giving Joy program.

At Emporium Marketplace, cooking stations serve destination-inspired dishes, including sushi, meats and seafood cooked to order, alongside pasta and freshly baked pizza. Guests can also enjoy charcuterie, bread and pastries. Smoothies, fresh juices and acai bowls are served at breakfast.

Fil Rouge offers French-inspired international cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. The decor features intricate hexagon shapes contrasting with clean white walls, a tribute to timeless elegance.

Norwegian Cruise Line and their 5th Annual Giving Joy Program 

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy program is one that they have been doing since 2019,  and this has been  based on their history over the years of supporting educators.  It’s their way of recognizing educators’ unwavering dedication to their students and commitment to bringing joy to the classroom.

During this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week, which took place in May, this month long contest began where teachers could be nominated. And over thousands of votes were submitted with winners from Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio and Washington, as well as  Newfoundland, Canada.

Winners and What They are Receiving

On August 29, Norwegian Cruise Line announced the 20 winners of their annual Norwegian’s Giving Joy Program. Each of the 20 winners will be receiving an exclusive invitation to a two-day inaugural event in Boston from April 4 to 6, 2025  on board the brand new Norwegian Aqua when it makes her debut in the United States. In addition, the top five Grand Prize winners will be invited to Norwegian Aqua’s three-night christening voyage, sailing from Miami on April 13, 2025.

In addition, roundtrip airfare is included for the winners and their guest. 

A Bit More About Norwegian Aqua

The Norwegian Aqua is Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, and she’ll be bringing some brand new guest experiences –  more outdoor space, as well as their new Thai restaurant, the new dedicated plant-based venue, Planterie, and Swirl Wine Bar, their new contemporary wine lounge. As mentioned, the Norwegian Aqua will be debuting in April 2025, and she will be sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Final Thoughts

Norwegian Cruise Line’s history of supporting educators continues on. And their Norwegian Giving Joy will again take place in 2025. So if you know of any great educators, it would be good for them to know about this tremendous program. And nominations for the month long contest will be launched again during Teacher Appreciation Week in May 2025.