Friday, August 2, 2024
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On June 29, 2024, Seabourn, renowned for its ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, celebrated the naming of Seabourn Pursuit in a unique and historic ceremony at Ngula Jar Island, Australia. The event marked a significant milestone as it was the first time Traditional Owners have named a ship. The Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners led the naming, with guests on Zodiacs alongside the ship and the onboard team lined up along the decks.
The day-long celebration and naming ceremony were thoughtfully planned to honor Wunambal Gaambera Country and people and Kimberley region, and guests were able to immerse themselves in the Aboriginal culture and history throughout the day. Guests took part in a remarkable Wunambal Gaambera welcome and smoking ceremony, “jimɨrri,” to welcome guests to the country and bid them safe travels. “Our smoking ceremony is done for visitors so that our old people’s spirits won’t follow them,” said Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owner Lillian Karadada. Afterwards, the “Junba,” a traditional story-telling song and dance, was carried out by Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, painted in ochre. Guests also visited ancient rock art sites and heard the cultural stories of that area. Artworks by Wunambal Gaambera artists were on display and for sale.
The ceremony was a celebration of a new partnership between Seabourn and the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners. To honor this relationship, both parties exchanged gifts. Seabourn guests Vince and Jane Roig, who have participated in every inaugural voyage of the current seven-ship fleet, presented the Traditional Owners with a meaningful gift of art supplies.
The highlight of the day was the naming ceremony conducted in both Wunambal Gaambera language and English. Representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation wished Seabourn Pursuit blessings and extraordinary expeditions in Wunambal Gaambera Country. In a gesture of respect to the land, Seabourn used a specially crafted bottle made from sugar and coated with sand from Ngula Jar Island. The bottle breaking on the bow of the ship was met with cheers from guests and crew members both on board and in the Zodiacs.
Seabourn President Natalya Leahy expressed her excitement about the special bond with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, highlighting their rich cultural history, deep connection to the land and sea, and sustainable tourism initiatives. She noted that these qualities made them a natural fit to be the godparents of Seabourn Pursuit.
“This day marks a very special event with the christening of Seabourn Pursuit, our newest ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship. This is a wonderful maritime tradition, and today is extra special for us because we asked the Wunambal Gaambera to be the ship’s godparents, which marks the beginning of long sustainable partnership between our brand and this community. We know our guests visit these wonderful places in the world because they believe in the transformative power of travel, and today we celebrate exactly this,” said Leahy.
“We are honoured to be the godparents of Seabourn Pursuit and share our culture with their crew and guests. It’s good to see our people working on Country and sharing our unique culture in the right way. Living and working on Country is important for us. When we are living and speaking language on Country, we are healthy. Thank you, Seabourn, for your support. Biyanga graa winya – Welcome,” said Catherine Goonack, Chair, Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation.
Distinguished guests at the event included Ms. Divina D’Anna, MLA and Parliamentary Secretary to Deputy Premier Hon. Rita Saffioti MLA (Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Transport; Tourism; Member for West Swan), alongside Di Bain, the Chair of Tourism Western Australia.
Seabourn chose the Kimberley region for this momentous naming ceremony, a locale that embodies the spirit and purpose of Seabourn Pursuit. The selection underscores Seabourn’s commitment to establishing a lasting relationship with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, emphasizing sustainable tourism. This partnership symbolizes stewardship and responsibility towards the environment and the communities Seabourn visits. As part of this alliance, Seabourn is making a donation to help Wunambal Gaambera develop a self-sustaining industry, enabling local artists to produce and sell authentic works of art and crafts. Additionally, Seabourn is contributing pearl shells, various art supplies, and polishing materials to support sustainable, commercial arts and crafts initiatives throughout the year.
Seabourn plans to collaborate closely with Wunambal Gaambera to share their unique Uunguu Experience. This includes welcome and smoking ceremonies, rock art tours, junba song and dance, and stories from the Uunguu Rangers, who are dedicated to preserving and maintaining the health of the land.
Seabourn’s financial contribution complements the funding already received from the State Tourism Authority, Tourism Western Australia, which will aid in developing tourism facilities and products. This support enables Traditional Owners to reside on their land during the dry season, when tourism operators can access the vast Kimberley coastline. The Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation has been lauded for implementing their Uunguu Visitor Management Plan, which aims to reconnect with their country, manage visitor access, lead in the tourism industry, and engage with water-based visitors. Ngula Jar Island will feature prominently on all Seabourn itineraries in the Kimberley, ensuring consistent visitation to Wunambal Gaambera Country.
Seabourn Pursuit offers the luxurious small ship experience that travelers expect, now enhanced with world-class equipment for a wide range of expedition activities led by an expert 24-person expedition team of scientists, scholars, and naturalists. Designed and built to PC6 Polar Class standards, the ship is equipped for remote and diverse environments. It boasts nearly 30,000 square feet of deck space, special touches at every turn, and indoor and outdoor guest areas with almost 270-degree views. Additionally, a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera is mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge, capable of broadcasting high-definition imagery from miles ahead to monitors throughout the ship and in guest suites.
