Norwegian Cruise Lines names Breakaway captains

MARCH 31, 2013 — Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the captains who will serve on the 146,600 grt, 3,969 passenger Norwegian Breakaway, which is currently on sea trials. Norwegian also named the ship’s hotel director, responsible for all guest areas.

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 seven-day cruises from New York City to Bermuda under the command of Captain Evans Hoyt, an experienced seafarer, with more than 30 years at sea.

Captain Hoyt (left) and Captain Svedung

A 1982 graduate of the U.S.Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY, he joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2005. Previously serving as Captain of the company’s U.S. flagged vessel, Pride of America, Captain Hoyt has also served as Captain aboard three additional ships within the Norwegian fleet, including Norwegian Spirit.  

When Captain Hoyt is on leave, 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 also announced that Denis Prguda will serve as Norwegian Breakaway’s Hotel Director. Mr. 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, Denis spends his vacation with his family, including his wife and two daughters, in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Denis Prguda

“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 chief executive officer. “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.”

The cruise line 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 London (Southampton) on April 28, and then a one-night inaugural event in London (Southampton) on April 29. Following her transatlantic crossing from London (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 seven-day cruises to Bermuda beginning on May 12.