Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the veteran captains and senior officers who will serve on the Norwegian Escape, the company's newest and largest ship, which will be based in Miami starting in November 2015.
Captain Evans Hoyt, a mariner with more than 30 years of experience at sea, will take the helm of the Norwegian Escape upon its delivery in Germany this October. Captain Hoyt, who currently serves as Captain of the Norwegian Breakaway, will be responsible for all aspects of the ship, its passengers, and crew. Captain Hoyt joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2005 and previously served as Captain on four ships in the Norwegian fleet, including the U.S.-flagged Pride of America. Born in Morocco to an American diplomat, he has lived in many different countries. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York in 1982.
While Captain Hoyt is on vacation, Captain Gunnar Hammerin will be at the helm of the Norwegian Escape. Captain Hammerin, currently captain of the Norwegian Pearl, began his maritime career more than 40 years ago in the Merchant Marine. He has over 30 years of experience serving as a captain, 20 of which were with Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises.
Staff Captains Robert Lundberg and Preston Carnahan will also be part of the senior officers during the exciting inaugural season. As Staff Captains, they are second in command and report directly to the Captain. The two will be responsible for the Deck Department and are trained in all the Captain's responsibilities and duties. Lundberg and Carnahan will also assist the Captain of the Norwegian Escape with all operational matters and all issues related to the safety of passengers, crew, the ship, and the environment. Originally from Sweden, Lundberg joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2006 and has since served as Chief Officer of the Norwegian Breakaway and Staff Captain aboard the Norwegian Getaway. Carnahan, from Texas, joined the company in 2003 and has held positions on various ships, including the Norwegian Pearl and Pride of America. He currently serves as Staff Captain on the Norwegian Epic.
Zoran Posa will inaugurate the Norwegian Escape as Chief Engineer, and while he is on vacation, he will be replaced by Edin Huskanovic. As Chief Engineer, Posa and Huskanovic will have full responsibility for all the ship's technical operations, play a key role on the ship's management team, and work closely with the Staff Captain and Hotel Director. A native of Croatia, Posa joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2002 and has spent most of his time working aboard the Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky, and most recently, serving as Chief Engineer on the Norwegian Breakaway. Huskanovic, originally from Sweden, joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2001 and has held positions aboard the Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn. He currently serves as Chief Engineer on the Norwegian Jade.
Sean Wurmhoeringer will serve as Hotel Director on the Norwegian Escape. Wurmhoeringer began his career with Norwegian Cruise Line in 2002 aboard the Norwegian Sun and has since held multiple positions on numerous ships in the company's fleet. As Hotel Director, he has led the teams on the Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, and most recently, the Norwegian Getaway, where he successfully led the hotel team through its launch and delivery in 2014. Wurmhoeringer is originally from Salzburg, Austria.
Julie Valeriote will assume the role of Cruise Director and lead the entertainment team aboard the Norwegian Escape. A native of Ontario, Canada, Valeriote joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 1999 and has led entertainment teams aboard the Norwegian Epic, where she was also part of the ship's inaugural team. Most recently, she was involved in the launch of the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, where she cultivated close relationships with guests who admire her boundless enthusiasm and positive energy.
The Norwegian Escape
The Norwegian Escape is currently under construction at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany and will sail 7-night cruises from its homeport of Miami in the Eastern Caribbean, beginning November 14, 2015. At 164,600 tons and with a capacity for 4,200 passengers, the Norwegian Escape will be the largest ship to date based year-round in Miami. Its itinerary will visit the tropical Caribbean destinations of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. The hull design of the Norwegian Escape was created by Guy Harvey, renowned marine wildlife artist and ocean conservation champion.
The Norwegian Escape's dining and entertainment options draw inspiration from popular land-based venues, including the first-ever floating Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar, an open-air music bar on The Waterfront featuring live music nightly. James Beard Award-winning and Iron Chef Jose Garces will introduce two new culinary concepts onboard: a Latin-inspired seafood restaurant and Pincho Tapas Bar. Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group will develop the menu for Food Republic, an upscale food emporium. The District Brew House, a modern urban craft beer lounge, is the result of an exclusive partnership with Wynwood Brewing Company, serving 24 types of draft beer. Meanwhile, The Cellars, created in partnership with the Michael Mondavi family, will offer a variety of wine experiences, emphasizing flavor, learning, and enjoyment. The Norwegian Escape will also feature Tobacco Road, Miami's oldest and most legendary bar.
Continuing Norwegian's commitment to entertainment excellence, the Norwegian Escape will feature two Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals in its theater: After Midnight, a smash hit show combining the songs of Duke Ellington with Broadway's finest choreography; and Million Dollar Quartet, the smash hit show inspired by the famous recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. In a new and exclusive concept on the Norwegian Escape, the Supper Club has been reimagined to offer a unique dinner and show experience. For the Record : Dear John Hughes is an acclaimed Hollywood night that pays tribute to classic film scores from masters of cinema in a one-of-a-kind, postmodern 360° cabaret.
The ship will feature the largest adventure course at sea, a three-story sports complex packed with challenges, including two platforms and five Sky Rails with zip lines that will allow guests to soar through the air. The Norwegian Escape's water park will be the largest at sea and will include a new slide called Aqua Racer, while the expansive sports complex will feature a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-themed mini-golf course. Adding to these family-friendly entertainment options is an expanded children's water park, activities from Nickelodeon, the number one children's entertainment brand, along with the first dedicated nursery for children aged 6 months to 2 years.
Accommodations include The Haven by Norwegian®, the company's signature luxury "ship within a ship" concept; Studios, designed and priced specifically for solo travelers; and multiple options for families, multi-age groups, spa enthusiasts, and more
