Shivangi Sinha
Bravo’s ‘Below Deck’ dives into the high-pressure world of luxury yachting, where opulence meets chaos, and the crew must navigate both demanding guests and their own turbulent dynamics. In the twelfth season, Barbara Kulaif instantly established herself as one of the most competent and composed members of the crew. Armed with a wealth of yachting experience, Barbara brought quiet confidence and a sure hand that stood in contrast to the more chaotic energy around her. Her professionalism and ability to adapt to changing circumstances made her a stabilizing force on the boat.
Barbara Kulaif’s Work Ethic Was an Inspiration to Her Coworkers
Barbara Kulaif came into the season with over three years of experience working aboard luxury yachts, and it showed from the moment she stepped on board. Confident and composed, she handled demanding guests with ease and professionalism, earning praise for her service and poise. She formed a close friendship with Solène Favreau, who often guided her through the ropes of yachting life. Barbara also built strong working relationships with Fraser Olender and Damo Yorg, contributing to a cooperative crew dynamic. Never afraid to stand up for herself, Barbara balanced her work and her personal life and left a lasting impression on her colleagues.
Barbara Kulaif is Sculpting Her Own Entrepreneurial Endeavor Today
Barbara Kulaif has seamlessly blended discipline, ambition, and adaptability throughout her career, crafting a professional path that is both inspiring and multidimensional. Hailing from Santos, São Paulo, Brazil, she first made her mark as a professional soccer player with the prestigious Santos Football Club, where she played from 2007 to 2013. In January 2017, she transitioned into the maritime industry, joining MSC Cruises as part of their cruise staff. There, she was responsible for overseeing guest activities, ensuring entertainment programs ran smoothly, and maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. Her warm demeanor and efficiency made her a favorite among guests and crew alike. Over time, she moved into the world of private yachting, accumulating years of hands-on experience on prestigious vessels across the globe.
Her progression led her to the role of Chief Stewardess, where she managed interior operations, coordinated team members, liaised with guests, and ensured that every detail was executed with precision. Recognizing a gap in mentorship for newcomers to the industry, Barbara launched Vida a Bordo de Yachts in April 2025. The personalized mentorship program is tailored for aspiring crew members and provides support at every stage, from organizing documentation and completing certifications to building polished CVs and making crucial industry connections. Her goal is to help others navigate the competitive world of yachting with the same grace and determination that propelled her forward.
In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, Barbara began pursuing a degree in Business Administration at Universidade Anhanguera São Paulo in January 2025, aiming to refine her management and leadership skills further. Multilingual and media-savvy, she also shares life at sea through her vibrant social media channels, where she engages over 143k followers on Instagram and a strong audience on TikTok, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the luxury yachting lifestyle.
Barbara Kulaif Treasures the Time She Spends With Her Mother
Barbara Kulaif’s personal life is as bold and dynamic as her professional journey. Passionate about authenticity, she has embraced every layer of her identity, her culture, her queerness, and her strength with pride and purpose. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she has openly spoken about moments when she faced discrimination, including being denied a job due to her presentation. But rather than letting it diminish her, she used that hurt to fuel her determination. She believes deeply in community and mentorship, which is why she’s collaborated with organizations like Sample Trip, which helps aspiring maritime professionals obtain ENG1 certificates, and Inner Circle Brasil, where she supports initiatives aimed at career growth, visibility, and inclusion for Brazilian youth.
Despite her busy schedule, the family remains her anchor. She shares a close bond with her mother, Márcia Kulaif, and in December 2024, Barbara gifted her mother an unforgettable New Year’s celebration in New York City. She called it one of her proudest accomplishments and a testament to how far she’s come. Now 30, Barbara is still hungry for life’s experiences. From spontaneous beach days to motorbike rides through Southeast Asia, she thrives on freedom and expression. Her deep love for tattoos (she has over 50) marks her body like a living scrapbook of her adventures, emotions, and beliefs. When she’s not creating content or mentoring the next generation of yacht crew, she is curling up with her beloved husky or planning her next adventure. Her life is a bold canvas, and she’s only getting started.
Read More: Solène Favreau: Where is the Below Deck Stewardess Now?
