SEATTLE, July 1, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Seabourn, the leader in
ultra-luxury voyages and expedition travel, named Seabourn
Pursuit in a unique and historic expedition naming ceremony at
Ngula Jar Island, Australia, on
June 29, 2024. With guests on Zodiacs
alongside the ship and the onboard team lined up along the decks,
the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners named Seabourn
Pursuit, marking the first time Traditional Owners named a
ship.
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.
Seabourn and Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners exchanged
gifts to celebrate their new relationship. In addition, 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. Keeping with the
time-honored maritime tradition, guests and crew members both on
board and on the Zodiacs cheered and celebrated the moment the
bottle broke on the bow of the ship.
Seabourn President Natalya Leahy
shared her excitement about the special relationship Seabourn has
built with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners - their country
and people - whose rich cultural history, deep connection to the
land and sea, and established sustainable tourism initiatives,
combine to make them a natural fit to be godparents for 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.
Also in attendance were 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), and Di Bain, the
Chair of Tourism Western Australia.
Seabourn chose the Kimberley for the site of the naming ceremony
because the region represents everything for which the ship is
intended, while also affording 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 develop a self-sustaining
industry, producing 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; junba song and dance; and art and stories from the Uunguu
Rangers who are looking after and keeping the country healthy.
Seabourn's monetary contribution adds to funding already
received from the State Tourism Authority, Tourism Western
Australia, that will assist Wunambal Gaambera's development of
tourism facilities and products for Traditional Owners to live on
their country during the dry season when tourism operators can
access the vast coastline of the Kimberley region. Wunambal
Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation is to be commended on the
implementation of their Uunguu Visitor Management Plan to reconnect
with their country, to manage visitor access and take leadership in
the tourism industry, and to engage with water-based visitors who
arrive on their land, thus participating in the value chain that
operators like Seabourn offer. Ngula Jar Island will be featured on
all Seabourn itineraries in the Kimberley, ensuring consistent
visitation to Wunambal Gaambera Country.
Seabourn Pursuit offers the same luxurious small
ship experience that travelers have come to expect from Seabourn,
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 is close to 30,000 square feet of deck space
and special touches at every turn, as well as indoor and outdoor
guest areas with nearly 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.
About Seabourn:
Seabourn represents the pinnacle of
ultra-luxury ocean and expedition travel and operates a suite of
seven modern ships. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer
all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning
dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at
all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a
relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a
pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn
program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships,
including Seabourn Venture that launched in 2022 and Seabourn
Pursuit in 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the
globe, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and
lesser-known ports and hideaways. Guests of Seabourn experience
extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with
leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and
engaging speakers.
Seabourn is a brand of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE/LSE:
CCL and NYSE: CUK).
For additional information about WGAC, please visit:
- www.wunambalgaambera.org.au
- https://www.facebook.com/uunguulife
- https://www.instagram.com/uunguulife/
-
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wunambal-gaambera-aboriginal-corporation/mycompany/
Find Seabourn on Facebook, Instagram,
YouTube, X and Pinterest.
Video and images of the ceremony are available
HERE
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SOURCE Seabourn