NCLH Expands Marine Education Access for Maui Students
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is expanding access to marine education for Maui students through a new partnership with Pacific Whale Foundation as part of its Sail & Sustain environmental stewardship strategy.
The collaboration will support and grow the foundation’s Keiki Whale Watch program, a hands-on ocean education initiative serving students in grades two through eight across Maui. According to NCLH, the alliance is expected to significantly increase participation, potentially more than doubling the number of students enrolled in 2026.
Keiki Whale Watch combines classroom-based learning with on-the-water whale-watching excursions led by marine naturalists and conservation experts. The program is designed to foster environmental awareness, deepen understanding of humpback whale behavior and marine ecosystems, and inspire long-term ocean stewardship among Hawaii’s youth.
By providing financial and strategic support, NCLH aims to strengthen experiential learning opportunities that connect students directly with their local marine environment. The initiative aligns with the company’s broader Sail & Sustain platform, which focuses on environmental protection, community investment and responsible tourism practices across its global operations.
As part of the partnership, NCLH will also support the Pacific Whale Foundation’s annual World Whale Day Parade on February 15 in Maui. The event celebrates marine conservation and highlights the cultural and ecological importance of humpback whales in Hawaiian waters.
Heike Naigur, senior director of sustainability at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief that environmental stewardship begins with education and community engagement. By backing both the Keiki Whale Watch program and the World Whale Day festivities, the company seeks to invest in local communities while promoting awareness of ocean conservation.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Through Sail & Sustain, the company continues to advance environmental initiatives and community partnerships in destinations where its brands operate, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable cruising and marine protection.
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