Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the seasoned captains who will serve on Norwegian Breakaway.

Norwegian also introduced 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. 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.”