Seabourn appoints aboriginal traditional owners as ship godparents

Luxury cruise line Seabourn announced the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit.

The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s June 22-July 2, 2024   Kimberley cruise in Australia.

Seabourn is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship.

It serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment a as well as Seabourn’s commitment to sustainable tourism, the line says.

“We believe no one can give a better blessing to our ship. When we visit local communities we are able to both celebrate their culture and drive positive sustainable change,” said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn.

“When we set out to name the godparent for Seabourn Pursuit, we knew we wanted to do something that celebrates this special moment for the ship.”

The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of the region in the Kimberley that includes the sea country of Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay) and Yirinni (Hunter River), and the freshwater country of Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau).

Representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation will be at Ngula Jar Island on the Uunguu Coast to welcome the Seabourn Pursuit Kimberley cruise guests and to participate in the inaugural dedication ceremony.

Seabourn will make a donation to assist Wunambal Gaambera to develop a self-sustaining industry, producing works of art and craft by Wunambal Gaambera artists to sell.

In addition, Seabourn will also supply the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation with pearl shells and various art supplies and polishing materials  for commercial arts and craft initiatives year-round.

Seabourn intends to work with Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners to promote the Wanjina Wunggurr culture.

“Seabourn’s contributions will assist us to create economic opportunities for our people,” said Catherine Goonack, Chairperson of the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation.

Seabourn’s monetary contribution, along with funding already received from Tourism Western Australia, will contribute to Wunambal Gaambera’s development of tourism facilities.

Ngula Jar Island will be featured on all Seabourn Kimberley cruises, ensuring consistent visitation to Wunambal Gaambera Country.

Seabourn’s newest purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit features 132 veranda suites.

Each voyage offers exclusive experiences such as curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkeling and scuba diving. 

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