In a gesture of encouragement, the President of Norwegian Cruise Line is offering free cruises to Gold Star Families who attend Memorial Day Weekend’s NASCAR Race.
Memorial Day Weekend Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Race: Amazing Cruise
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) President David J. Herrera—who also happens to be a United States Army veteran—recently honored Gold Star Families with a free cruise. They gave away these free rides at the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race, which took place this past Memorial Day weekend.
For anyone living outside the United States, Memorial Day is a US federal holiday that falls on the last Monday in May. The holiday honors fallen soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for their country. Memorial Day weekend also (unofficially) begins at the beginning of summer.
Norwegian Cruise Line and Coca-Cola, at the Coca-Cola 600 (held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina) honored more than 40 families who have lost loved ones.
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, the cruise provider recently announced that it will be gifting (through a contest) 20 inspiring teachers and trainers with seven-day cruises in the 142,500-gross-ton Prima class. Viva Norway.
All these actions show the appreciation and commitment of the company to people who have contributed to their country and rural areas.
Showing Appreciation for Gold Star Families in the USA
In the USA, the title “Gold Star” is reserved for families who have lost one or more loved ones to war. During World War I, families displayed a service flag with a blue star for each service member. If a service member died in the line of duty, the blue star was replaced with a gold star.
“Military members and their families are very important to us at Norwegian Cruise Line,” Herrera said, recalling this special event.
“It’s a pleasure to show this support with our Military Appreciation Program and give them the opportunity to reunite on our ships and make memories that will last a lifetime…These Gold Star families have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and it’s our privilege to recognize them and give them a break aboard the ships.” ours,” Herrera added.
During the Coca-Cola era 600 Miles of Remembrance, Herrera offered every Gold Star Family in attendance a free seven-day trip. The event took place on Sunday, May 28, 2023, and featured a special event for Gold Star Families.
NCL Military Appreciation Program
In November 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line announced its launch Military Appreciation Program. The program was established to recognize members of the military, veterans, and retirees of the US military, along with their spouses.
The Military Appreciation Program—sponsored by NCL President David J. Herrera and former US Navy SEAL Matthew Lewis (CSO for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd)—offers veterans unique experiences, special amenities, and affordable travel deals. bypassing NCL’s larger fleet of 18 vessels.
Designed and run by veterans, the Military Appreciation Program offers their members and their families a generous 10% discount.
The program also comes with exclusive seating, hospitality, and other small items such as a military memento, program participation pins, and exclusive NCL patches included.
