Captain
Evans Hoyt, Captain Hakan Svedung and Hotel Director Denis Prguda
Wiesbaden,
March 28, 2013 – Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the seasoned
captains who will serve on Norwegian Breakaway, the company’s most
innovative ship to date. Norwegian also introduced the ship’s hotel
director, responsible for all guest areas, including the 28 dining
options, world-class entertainment which includes three Broadway
shows, extensive nightlife venues, family and recreational activities
and staterooms ranging from studios to the luxurious suites in The
Haven.
Following
the ship’s transatlantic voyage and series of exciting inaugural
events, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest cruise ship to ever be
constructed in Germany, will sail 7-night cruises from New York City
to Bermuda under the command of Captain Evans Hoyt, an experienced
seafarer, with more than 30 years at sea. He joined Norwegian Cruise
Line in 2005. Previously serving as Captain of the company’s
U.S.-flagged vessel, Pride of America, Captain Hoyt is responsible
for all aspects of the ship, its guests and crew. He also served as
Captain aboard three additional ships within the Norwegian fleet,
including Norwegian Spirit. Captain Hoyt graduated from the U.S.
Merchant Marine Academy in New York in 1982. Born in Morocco, the son
of a U.S. diplomat has lived in many different countries. Showing his
true passion for the sea, he and his wife sail the world on their
sailboat during his time off.
While
Captain Hoyt is enjoying his holidays, Captain Hakan Svedung will
take the helm of Norwegian Breakaway. He has been at sea for 35 years
and is currently captain of Norwegian Epic. Captain Svedung, who
lives in Sweden, joined Norwegian in 2006; prior to that he worked
for Star Cruises, one of Norwegian’s shareholders, for 12 years.
Both captains are looking forward to this exciting and challenging
new role.
Norwegian
has also announced that Denis Prguda will serve as Norwegian
Breakaway’s Hotel Director. Prguda began his career at
Norwegian in 1997 on board the Leeward and has since held a variety
of positions on numerous ships in Norwegian’s fleet. His previous
positions have included Food and Beverage Director and Assistant
Hotel Director. He was promoted to Hotel Director in 2008. As Hotel
Director he has led teams on Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade and
Norwegian Epic. When he is not on board, Prguda spends his holidays
with his family, including his wife and two daughters, in Dubrovnik,
Croatia.
“We
carefully chose these seasoned veterans to lead the on-board team
that will launch the most extraordinary ship in our company’s
history,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s President
and CEO. “These team members have a proven track record as
successful leaders in our operations team and possess the dedication
and passion that will make the launch of Norwegian Breakaway in New
York City our most successful new ship launch to date.”
Inaugural
Sailing Dates
The
company will showcase Norwegian Breakaway to travel partners and
media in both Europe and the United States during four inaugural
sailings, prior to the ship entering weekly summer service to Bermuda
from New York City. Following delivery on April 25, 2013, Norwegian
Breakaway will sail to Rotterdam for a two-night inaugural cruise
departing on April 26, followed by a one-night cruise from Rotterdam
to Southampton on April 28, and then a one-night inaugural event in
Southampton on April 29. Following her transatlantic crossing from
Southampton to New York on April 30, the ship will be christened in
New York City on May 8, followed by two, two-night inaugural cruises.
Following the inaugural events, the ship will set sail on a series of
7-night cruises to Bermuda beginning on May 12.
