Former president of Norwegian Cruise Line group joins Cruise Saudi board

Frank Del Rio, the former President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has joined the board of Cruise Saudi.

Del Rio’s appointment marks a significant addition to the leadership of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding cruise sector.

Del Rio retired from NCLH in 2023 after nearly a decade at the helm, having overseen the company’s three brands—Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises—and driving substantial growth in fleet capacity and profitability. 

He was succeeded by Harry Sommer, who had served as president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

In his new role, Del Rio brings more than 30 years of cruise industry leadership experience to Cruise Saudi, the government-owned entity tasked with developing the Kingdom’s cruise ecosystem. 

His appointment supports Cruise Saudi’s ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a leading global cruise destination in line with Vision 2030.

Cruise Saudi has been instrumental in building Saudi Arabia’s cruise infrastructure and itinerary offerings since its launch in 2021. The Kingdom has since welcomed multiple international cruise lines to its ports, developed dedicated terminals, and launched its own cruise brand, AROYA Cruises.

Del Rio’s appointment follows a broader trend of senior cruise executives taking on advisory or leadership roles in emerging cruise markets, bringing with them a wealth of industry expertise as regions like the Middle East seek to increase their presence in global cruise tourism.

Cruise Saudi has also hired former Royal Caribbean and Intercruises executives to develop its shore excursion offerings and cruise port infrastructure as it pushes to join Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other regional cruise hotspots.

Mark Robinson, previously of Global Ports Holding & Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services, and Miguel Reyna, previously of Royal Caribbean Group, were hired in February 2021 to lead business growth and oversee asset development for Cruise Saudi.

In March the same year, Barbara Grabenweger, who previously worked for Royal Caribbean Group and ITM-Group Mexico, and Serafin Blazquez, who worked for Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services & Global Ports Holding, were brought on to lead the creation and implementation of services for the Cruise Saudi port and shore excursion network.