Leading ultra-luxury
and expedition cruise brand Seabourn
is making waves with a groundbreaking move that’s part of a maritime tradition.
It has selected Australia’s
Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of its newest purpose-built
expedition ship, Seabourn
Pursuit. In doing so, Seabourn becomes the world’s first cruise line to
choose Traditional Owners to be godparents of a vessel.
Scheduled
for Seabourn Pursuit will receive its blessings from the Wunambal Gaambera people
during its naming ceremony, which is scheduled to take place as part of its voyage
through Australia’s rugged Kimberley region from June 22 to July 2, 2024.
The
appointment of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as the new ship’s
godparents amounts to a symbolic gesture that reflects Seabourn’s dedication to
responsible stewardship, and respect for the environment and communities that it
visits, while underscoring the company's commitment to sustainable tourism.
The
Wunambal Gaambera people are the Traditional Owners of an area in the vast Kimberley
region that encompasses the sea country of Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay)
and Yirinni (Hunter River), as well as the freshwater country of Ngauwudu
(Mitchell Plateau).
“We believe no one
can give a better blessing to our ship than the communities we visit. We truly
believe in the transformative power of travel, and when we visit local
communities, we are able to both celebrate their culture and drive positive
sustainable change in the places they call home,” 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 and also allows us to drive long-term sustainable positive change in line
with the values Seabourn and our guests stand for.”
Members of the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners community. (Photo Credit: Seabourn)
In
maritime tradition, the christening of a ship is a symbolic ceremony that
imparts to all who sail aboard her. Godparents play a significant role in
bestowing good fortune and protection upon the vessel and its passengers. The notion
of a godparent translates most closely as "garrangarru" in the
Wunambal Gaambera language, a word that signifies a mother or listener.
Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal
Corporation (WGAC), its country and people
will serve well to embody the spirit of guardianship and care for Seabourn
Pursuit. Their deep connection to the land and sea, their rich cultural
heritage and their sustainable tourism initiatives along the Kimberley Coast,
make the First Nation members ideal ambassadors for Seabourn Pursuit's inaugural
season sailing in Western Australia.
Representatives
from the WGAC will be present at Ngula Jar Island on the Uunguu Coast to
welcome aboard guests of Seabourn Pursuit and join in the ship’s inaugural
dedication ceremony on June 29. Their presence symbolizes a harmonious blend of
maritime tradition, cultural reverence and environmental stewardship,
highlighting Seabourn's commitment to creating meaningful and transformative
travel experiences.
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