Seabourn is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship, with Western Kimberley’s Wunambal Gaambera bestowed the honour of Seabourn Pursuit.
Seabourn says the move to name Wunambal Gaambera godparents is, “a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that Seabourn visits, as well as Seabourn’s commitment to sustainable tourism”.
The new ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition ship was designed to create a yacht-like experience with 132 ocean-front veranda suites and a 24-person expedition team offering cultural tours, guided Zodiac cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkelling and scuba diving.
It will begin its inaugural season in the Kimberley region in June 2024 when a naming ceremony will take place.
A powerful partnership
As part of the partnership, Seabourn will donate art and craft supplies to the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation including pearl shells and polishing materials, to help Indigenous artists create sustainable, commercial art.
Along with funding already received from Tourism Western Australia, Seabourn’s monetary contribution will also contribute towards the development of tourism facilities and products for Traditional Owners to live on their country during the dry season.
Seabourn says it also intends to work alongside Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as they share their unique Uunguu Experience through welcome and smoking ceremonies; rock art tours; junba song and dance; and art and stories from the Uunguu Rangers looking after and keeping the country healthy.
Seabourn President, Natalya Leahy says Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation (WGAC), its country and its people, embody ideal ambassadors or godparents for Seabourn Pursuit.
“Their rich cultural history and deep connection to the land and sea, alongside their established sustainable tourism initiatives along the Kimberley Coast, make them a natural fit for Seabourn Pursuit’s inaugural season in Western Australia.”
And she says guests have the benefit of experiencing travel that makes a positive impact.
“We truly believe in the transformative power of travel, and when we visit local communities, we can both celebrate their culture and drive positive sustainable change in the places they call home.”
Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson, Catherine Goonack, says Seabourn’s contributions will, “assist us to be on Country, look after and keep our land and sea country healthy, strengthen our Wanjina Wunggurr culture, and create economic opportunities for our people”.
Tourism Western Australia Managing Director, Carolyn Turnbull, says it’s proud to support Wunambal Gaambera’s Ngula Jar Island development, which will be on every Seabourn itinerary in the Kimberley.
“We know visitors to Western Australia… are seeking immersive Indigenous experiences and the work we are supporting on Ngula Jar Island will enable this to happen.
“The ongoing visitation fuelled by premium cruise tourism operators, like Seabourn, provides the necessary market to make this initiative successful and sustainable.”
The Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of a 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 Seabourn Pursuit guests and to participate in the inaugural dedication ceremony on 29 June 2024.
For more information, visit seabourn.com
