Breakaway's Captain(s) and HD officially announced

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/pressroom/pressRelease.html;jsessionid=RJLbZ2VQ3qwYLfZjJ76pbZgSpcJR2WnY!356273318?storyCode=PR_032813

Norwegian Breakaway's Captains and Hotel Director Named

Captain Evans Hoyt, Captain Hakan Svedung and Hotel Director Denis Prguda

Miami - Mar 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 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. 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, he 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 vacation, 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, has 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. Denis 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.

"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."

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 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.

Norwegian Breakaway

Designed as New York's ship, Norwegian Breakaway will bring the best of NYC to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. To date, the company has revealed the ship's groundbreaking design, including an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests' connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway's entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York's own Slam Allen will perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway will also feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.

Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series "Cake Boss," will open an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo's Bake Shop. The ship will feature a total of 28 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which will be kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and feature New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to New York City.

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit http://www.breakaway.ncl.com. To book a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 or visit http://www.ncl.com. Comment on today's announcement on our Facebook page.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 46-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to "Cruise Like a Norwegian" on one of 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Recently, the line was named "Europe's Leading Cruise Line" by the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010 and has been named "Best Overall Cruise Ship" by the readers of Travel Weekly two years in a row and "Best Ship for Sea Days" by Cruise Critic. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, appearing for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, The Second City®, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams? & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

The Company has two 4,000-passenger vessels, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, under construction for delivery in April 2013 and January 2014, along with one larger "Breakaway Plus" vessel for delivery in fall 2015. Known as New York's ship, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest vessel to homeport year-round in the city, sailing to Bermuda for the summer beginning May 12, 2013. Norwegian Breakaway's features include hull art by legendary artist Peter Max, seafood restaurant Ocean Blue by famed New York Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, bakery by Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series "Cake Boss," and fitness classes and a retrospective display from the ship's iconic godmothers, the Rockettes®. The entertainment lineup includes three Broadway shows: Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams? & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy. Sister ship Norwegian Getaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami, will sail Eastern Caribbean voyages beginning in February 2014. Sailings for both vessels are now on sale.

Congratulations to the Captain(s), Hotel Director, and all of the other staff chosen to help make the ship a great success from the very start. It takes a great team to launch a ship.

See you in May!

http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/pressroom/pressRelease.html;jsessionid=RJLbZ2VQ3qwYLfZjJ76pbZgSpcJR2WnY!356273318?storyCode=PR_032813

 

Norwegian Breakaway's Captains and Hotel Director Named

Captain Evans Hoyt, Captain Hakan Svedung and Hotel Director Denis Prguda

 

 

 

Miami - Mar 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 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. 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, he 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 vacation, 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, has 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. Denis 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.

 

"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."

 

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 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.

 

Norwegian Breakaway

Designed as New York's ship, Norwegian Breakaway will bring the best of NYC to sea when she arrives to her year-round homeport in early May 2013, offering the high-caliber dining and entertainment options that New York is known for worldwide. To date, the company has revealed the ship's groundbreaking design, including an open-air boardwalk, The Waterfront, and 678 Ocean Place; a wide range of indoor and outdoor venues on three dynamic decks that will create a whole new complex at sea that enhances guests' connection with the ocean. Norwegian Breakaway's entertainment will include three Broadway shows: five-time Tony nominated ROCK OF AGES; the dance sensation BURN THE FLOOR; and CIRQUE DREAMS & DINNER JUNGLE FANTASY. The famed comedy troupe The Second City, Howl at the Moon dueling pianos, and New York's own Slam Allen will perform on the vessel. Norwegian Breakaway will also feature an exciting fireworks show on every cruise that will dazzle guests on the second to last night at sea each week, and will be the grand finale of a decadent 1980s-themed deck party.

 

Celebrity Chef and Food Network star Geoffrey Zakarian will also debut his first restaurant at sea on Norwegian Breakaway: Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series "Cake Boss," will open an extension of his popular bakery, Carlo's Bake Shop. The ship will feature a total of 28 dining options on board and an Ice Bar, which will be kept at 17 degrees Fahrenheit and feature New York City-inspired specialty cocktails, as well as ice sculptures of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and the Chrysler Building to pay homage to New York City.

 

The top decks of Norwegian Breakaway will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more.

 

The ship will also feature a rich mix of stateroom options including The Haven by Norwegian, comprised of 42 Suites at the top of the ship and 18 additional Suites located throughout the ship; the innovative Studios, designed and priced for solo travelers; Oceanview staterooms, Balcony and Mini-Suites; along with Spa Balcony, Mini-Suites and Suites in close proximity to the spa.

 

For more information on the incredible features and accommodations on Norwegian Breakaway, visit www.breakaway.ncl.com. To book a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 800-327-7030 or visit www.ncl.com. Comment on today's announcement on our Facebook page.

 

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 46-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which revolutionized the industry by giving guests more freedom and flexibility. Today, Norwegian invites guests to "Cruise Like a Norwegian" on one of 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea. Recently, the line was named "Europe's Leading Cruise Line" by the World Travel Awards for the fifth consecutive year.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010 and has been named "Best Overall Cruise Ship" by the readers of Travel Weekly two years in a row and "Best Ship for Sea Days" by Cruise Critic. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, appearing for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert, The Second City®, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids. Cirque Dreams? & Dinner is also featured on board Norwegian Epic as the first show of its kind at sea under a big top.

 

The Company has two 4,000-passenger vessels, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, under construction for delivery in April 2013 and January 2014, along with one larger "Breakaway Plus" vessel for delivery in fall 2015. Known as New York's ship, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest vessel to homeport year-round in the city, sailing to Bermuda for the summer beginning May 12, 2013. Norwegian Breakaway's features include hull art by legendary artist Peter Max, seafood restaurant Ocean Blue by famed New York Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, bakery by Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series "Cake Boss," and fitness classes and a retrospective display from the ship's iconic godmothers, the Rockettes®. The entertainment lineup includes three Broadway shows: Rock of Ages, Burn the Floor and Cirque Dreams? & Dinner: Jungle Fantasy. Sister ship Norwegian Getaway, the largest ship to homeport year-round in Miami, will sail Eastern Caribbean voyages beginning in February 2014. Sailings for both vessels are now on sale.

Denis is great!

Nice!:D

I love Denis also! He will be a great asset to the Breakaway!!

Congrats to all 3! I've met all 3 and Denis was a great fellow on the EPIC spring break cruise! :D I hope he gets to bring his assistant from EPIC with him! She was great too! :)

Captain Hakan Svedung has actually been on Norwegian Gem since 2011 (before that he was one of the original captains of Norwegian Epic)

Congratulations!

Does anyone know when Capt. Hoyt will turn the ship over to Capt. Svedung? We sailed with him on the Gem.

The press release just says he'll take over when Capt. Hoyt goes on vacation.

We're sailing on the Breakaway on June 2, 2013.

I hope Capt. Svedung has Julie with him because on Epic we couldn't understand a word...

And now Julie... Was our phrase of the cruise

But a great Capt.

I hope Capt. Svedung has Julie with him because on Epic we couldn't understand a word...

 

And now Julie... Was our phrase of the cruise

 

But a great Capt.

??? He speaks perfect english. Very easy to understand and a very nice and competent Captain.

In a Q&A last week the captain of the Dawn said they work 10 weeks on 10 weeks off.. So im assuming one captain at a time when one goes on vacation the other one takes over... He also said the captain does very little "driving" of the boat they have 4- 3 person navagation team that works 4 hours on 8 hours off.. and they are actually the ones behind the wheel.. On top of that its all computer auto pilot once they are in open waters they set a point and a time of arrival and the computer sets the course and assures the ship will be at that point on time..

Does anyone know the rotation time for the HDs? Is it the same as the Captains, 10 weeks?

Since the above info was posted earlier today, I'd like to add that I'm personally excited that the Assistant Hotel Director on Norwegian Breakaway will be one of the nicest staff members I've met on an NCL ship . . . Sonja Sommeregger. :)

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Does anyone know the rotation time for the HDs? Is it the same as the Captains, 10 weeks?

Denis's normal rotation should be 4 months on and 2 months off. Once in awhile it is a little longer rotation on with 2 months off.

Does anyone know when Capt. Hoyt will turn the ship over to Capt. Svedung? We sailed with him on the Gem.

 

The press release just says he'll take over when Capt. Hoyt goes on vacation.

 

We're sailing on the Breakaway on June 2, 2013.

Haven't heard the schedule yet. When Epic was introduced, Capt Tryggve Vorran was in command from handover and took her across to New York, where Captain Svedung joined the ship. They were both on board for the following one month, with Capt Vorran as the 'normal' ship's master and Capt Svedung looking after all the initial certification, inspections etc. that have to be done when the ship gets to the US for the first time. Capt Vorran then went on vacation and Capt Svedung took over.

I imagine things might be done similarly on Breakaway (so while Capt Svedung may be on board during your cruise, he might not be 'driving the ship')

I hope Capt. Svedung has Julie with him because on Epic we couldn't understand a word...

 

And now Julie... Was our phrase of the cruise

 

But a great Capt.

Who is Julie??? How could you possibly have difficulty understanding Capt Svedung??

??? He speaks perfect english. Very easy to understand and a very nice and competent Captain.

YES !! He is wonderful--and his English is perfect! How many of us speak Norwegian??

I hope Capt. Svedung has Julie with him because on Epic we couldn't understand a word...

 

And now Julie... Was our phrase of the cruise

 

But a great Capt.

I didn't find this at all on both my sailings with him on Epic and Gem. He was easy to understand and very engaging. I hope he's on my Breakaway sailing!

I am super excited that my favorite Captain Svedung will be on the Breakaway. He walks the ship greeting the guests, speaks clearly and has a great smile and sense of humor. I have sailed with him on the Dawn, Gem and Epic and hope he is onboard the Breakaway on May 26!!

Must have been a different Capt on our Oct 2011 sailing... Norse accent was hard to understand over PA.

I am sure Denis will do an awesome job as hotel direction on NCL's new ship. We have always enjoyed talking with him during the times we have sailed with him on other NCL ships.