Cruise Saudi Names Taha Nazer Acting CEO as Clasen Departs
Saudi Arabia’s cruise ambitions are moving from infrastructure building to brand execution, with leadership now focused on proving demand for homegrown luxury travel.
Cruise Saudi has appointed Taha Nazer as acting chief executive officer, elevating its chief financial officer since 2023 to lead the company’s strategic, commercial, operational and financial agenda. He replaces Lars Clasen. Clasen’s tenure included establishing AROYA Cruises and leading the development of Aman at Sea.
The move puts Nazer in charge of a Saudi cruise company that was founded in 2021 and has since launched its own cruise line while advancing a yacht project scheduled for 2027.
Nazer takes over from Clasen
Nazer brings more than 19 years of experience across the oil and gas, aviation and cruise sectors. Cruise Saudi said his previous roles included strategic leadership, finance and governance responsibilities.
“I am proud of the Board’s confidence in entrusting me to lead Cruise Saudi during this important phase,” Nazer said. “Our focus remains on strengthening performance and accelerating the delivery of our strategic and commercial objectives.”
Cruise Saudi did not announce how long Nazer will hold the acting title or outline a process for a permanent appointment. The company also did not include a statement from Clasen in the announcement.
Portfolio includes AROYA and Aman at Sea
AROYA Cruises, introduced in 2023, currently operates AROYA Manara, a 150,695 GT ship built in 2017 with capacity for 3,362 passengers.
The company’s next dated project is Aman at Sea’s first yacht, Amangati, planned for 2027. The 183-meter, 23,000 GT motor yacht is being built by T. Mariotti in Genoa, Italy, with design by SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design and accommodation expected for roughly 94 to 100 passengers in 47 to 50 suites. Amangati is specified as a dual-fuel vessel capable of operating on marine diesel oil and methanol, with battery hybrid power for hotel loads.
