The cruise line Cruise Saudi has announced the new appointment of Barbara Buczek.
Buczek joined the company in 2021 as Executive Director of Asset and Facilities Management, bringing nearly two decades of professional experience and extensive knowledge of the port and cruise ship industries worldwide.
The new director of asset management and operations spent more than 10 years working at the Port of Dover in the United Kingdom, where she served as the Group’s Commercial Director and previously held various senior management positions in different operational and commercial areas of the port.
As the Group’s Commercial Director, she oversaw the development of the Group’s business portfolio, including its ferry, cruise, cargo, marina, and real estate operations.
As Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination, a key part of Buczek’s current role at Cruise Saudi involves overseeing the port and terminal operations teams in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam. He is also responsible for the guest experience and for organizing shore excursions.
Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said:“Cruise Saudi has grown rapidly since its launch two years ago, and Barbara’s skills and experience have been instrumental in driving the business forward so that we can meet our goal of welcoming 1.3 billion cruise passengers annually by 2035.”
“With an operational strategy rooted in sustainability and environmental awareness, Cruise Saudi is opening the door to opportunities for tourism, business, culture, and social enterprises along Saudi Arabia’s pristine coastline. Cruise Saudi’s vision is ambitious and exciting, and I look forward to working with Barbara and the team to bring our plans to fruition.”
Buczek added:“It has been incredibly rewarding to be part of Cruise Saudi’s journey and the expansion and development of the port and terminal operations. Supporting the creation of an entirely new cruise industry in one of the world’s most exciting new tourist destinations has been a true highlight of my career.”
“However, we’ve only just begun. We plan to have 10 Saudi ports welcoming cruise ships over the next decade. These are destinations that have never been part of cruise itineraries before, so they represent true milestones in our growth. It is an honor for me to be part of such an ambitious team that has the vision to position Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s leading cruise destinations.”
