May is Military Appreciation Month and Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating.
Norwegian Cruise Line has served as the lead partner of the first-ever Fleet Week Miami. The cruise line hosted the USS Bataan, a Navy flagship vessel, at its terminal at PortMiami. The USS Bataan arrived at PortMiami on Sunday, May 5, 2024, to kick off a week-long celebration hosted by the US Navy. This week NCL has participated in various Fleet Week Miami events and activities throughout the community with the cruise line’s Veteran Task Force–a group of NCL employees who are either veterans or have a familial connection to an active or former US military service member.
President of Norwegian Cruise Line David J Hererra, who also served in the Army National Guard, said, “Throughout Military Appreciation Month and every day on board our ships, it is our privilege to recognize and honor the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military and their families for their sacrifice. Supporting the military community is a shared passion for the entire NCL family and we are proud to team up with fantastic organizations like Fleet Week Miami, Coca-Cola, and Honor and Remember to make an impact for this community.”
Later this month, Norwegian Cruise Line will also partner with Coca-Cola to honor Gold Star Families. Gold Star Families are those families who have lost a family member while in the line of service. The families will be recognized at the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race held on May 26, 2024 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Norwegian Cruise Line has also been recognizing service members, veterans and retired U.S. military and their spouses through its Military Appreciation Program since November 2022. Through the program, guests can enjoy specific onboard experiences and amenities, as well as a 10 percent discount on cruise fares. The Military Appreciation Program was developed by veterans and since its inception more than 120,000 military members have vacationed with NCL.
“To hear the amazing feedback and stories from veterans and military families that have sailed with us through this program fills me with joy,” said Matthew Lewis, Senior VP of NCL Holdings Ltd and former US Navy SEAL. “Many of us personally understand the sacrifices this community has made for their country, and to be able to have a positive impact and provide an opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones is a privilege.”
Additionally, the cruise line is partnering with Honor and Remember–a nonprofit organization dedicated to paying tribute to all military lives lost. This year alone, the cruise line has pledged a $75,000 donation to the organization and, later this month, will also donate to Honor and Remember the proceeds from the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Annual State of the Travel + Tourism Industry presentation that NCL is hosting. Norwegian Cruise Line flies the Honor and Remember flag across its 19-ship fleet in solidarity of the mission.