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Norwegian Cruise Line Surprises Military Families With Free Cruise

Norwegian Cruise Line in partnership with Coca-Cola surprised over 40 Gold Star Families attending the Memorial Day Weekend Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Race with a free cruise. The designation of “Gold Star Family” is a honor given to the family of an active service member who lost their life in the line of service.  

David J. Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line President, was in attendance at the Coca-Cola 600 and presented these Gold Star Families with their free cruise. Herrera himself is a United States Veteran. 

“Military service members and their families are incredibly important to us at Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Herrera. “It is a pleasure to demonstrate this support with our Military Appreciation Program and offer them an opportunity to reconnect on board our ships and create memories that will last a lifetime. This program was designed for veterans by NCL veterans. These Gold Star Families have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and it is our privilege to recognize and provide them some respite aboard our ships.”

As part of Coca-Cola’s 600 Miles of Remembrance, each Gold Star Family was honored with an exclusive brunch and a free seven-day cruise. 

Giving back to those who serve is an important initiative for Norwegian Cruise Line. So much so that in November 2022, NCL launched its Military Appreciation Program which was sponsored by NCL President David J. Herrera and former U.S. Navy Seal Matthew Lewis. Lewis is the CSO for the cruise line’s parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 

Designed by veterans for veterans, the Military Appreciation Program is intended to recognize service members, veterans and retired United States military and their spouses and offers special onboard amenities, experiences and cruise fare discounts across its fleet.  

Guests who book through the Military Appreciation Program receive a 10% discount of their cruise fare along with special perks such as a welcoming reception, a commemorative military challenge coin, program participation pins, and ship-specific collectible patches.