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Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, named Seabourn Pursuit in a unique and historic expedition naming ceremony at Ngila Jar Island. This remarkable event marked the first time Traditional Owners named a ship. A Day of Celebration and Immersion in Aboriginal Culture The day-long celebration was thoughtfully planned to honour the Wunambal Gaambera Country, its people, and the Kimberley region. Throughout the day, guests were able to immerse themselves in Aboriginal culture and history. They participated 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. The “Junba,” a traditional storytelling song and dance, was carried out by Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners and 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. A New Partnership and a Historic Naming Ceremony Seabourn and Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners exchanged gifts to celebrate their new relationship. Seabourn guests Vince and Jane Roig, who have sailed on every Seabourn inaugural voyage on the current seven-ship fleet, presented the Traditional Owners with a symbolic gift of art supplies as a token of appreciation for this new partnership together. The day culminated with the naming ceremony in Wunambal Gaambera language and English, where representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation wished Seabourn Pursuit an abundance of blessings and extraordinary expeditions to come in Wunambal Gaambera Country. Seabourn used a specially made bottle crafted from sugar and coated with sand from Ngula, Jar Island, to further celebrate and show respect to the land. A Special Relationship and a Bright Future Seabourn President Natalya Leahy shared her excitement about the special relationship Seabourn has built with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners – their country and people. “This day marks an extraordinary 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 a long, sustainable partnership between our brand and this community.” “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 in the country and sharing our unique culture correctly. Living and working in the country is important to us. When we live and speak the language of the country, we are healthy. Thank you, Seabourn, for your support. Biyanga graa winya – Welcome,” said Catherine Goonack, Chair, Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation. Photo credit: SeabournA Commitment to Sustainable Tourism Seabourn chose the Kimberley for the site of the naming ceremony because the region represents everything for which the ship is intended. It also affords the opportunity for the line to create a lasting relationship with Wunambal Gaambera as an investment in sustainable tourism. The relationship with Wunambal Gaambera serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that Seabourn visits. As part of the alliance, Seabourn is making a donation to assist Wunambal Gaambera in developing a self-sustaining industry that produces authentic works of art and craft by Wunambal Gaambera artists to sell. In addition, Seabourn is contributing pearl shells, various art supplies, and polishing materials to foster sustainable, commercial arts and craft initiatives year-round for Wunambal Gaambera artists and craft producers. Seabourn further intends to work alongside Wunambal Gaambera as they share their unique Uunguu Experience, imparting Wanjina Wunggurr culture through welcome and smoking ceremonies, rock art tours, junta song and dance, and art and stories from the Uunguu Rangers who are looking after and keeping the country healthy. Seabourn Pursuit: A New Era of Luxury Expedition Travel Seabourn Pursuit offers the same luxurious small ship experience that travellers have come to expect from Seabourn. It is enhanced by world-class equipment that allows the line to offer its widest range of expedition activities led by an expert 24-person expedition team of scientists, scholars, naturalists, and more. Designed and built for remote, diverse environments to PC6 Polar Class standards, the ship includes a plethora of modern hardware and technology that extends the ship’s global deployment and capabilities. There are nearly 30,000 square feet of deck space, special touches at every turn, and indoor and outdoor guest areas with almost 270-degree views. In addition, a 4K GSS Cineflex Camera is mounted on the mast of the Constellation Lounge and capable of broadcasting imagery from miles ahead on monitors located throughout the ship and in guest suites. For more details about Seabourn or to explore the worldwide selection of Seabourn cruising options, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-939, visit www.seabourn.com or contact a professional travel advisor.
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