SEABOURN Cruise Line and the Kimberley’s Wunambal Gaambera traditional owners have named the company’s new ultra-luxury ship Seabourn Pursuit in a ceremony in the region.
The historic formalities took place on the weekend at Jar Island in Vansittart Bay, with the Wunambal Gaambera conducting the ceremony.
Watching from Zodiacs were guests and VIPs, including Member for Kimberley Divina D’Anna and Tourism Western Australia Chair Di Bain.
The naming ceremony was conducted in the Wunambal Gaambera language and in English, as a bottle broke on Pursuit’s bow.
Seabourn and the Wunambal Gaambera exchanged gifts to celebrate their new relationship, with the cruise line using a specially made bottle crafted from sugar and coated with sand from Jar Island to further celebrate and show respect to the land.
Meanwhile, Pursuit passengers Vince and Jane Roig, who have sailed on every Seabourn inaugural voyage on the current fleet’s ships, presented the Wunambal Gaambera with a symbolic gift of art supplies, as a token of appreciation.
Other events on the day saw guests deeply immersed in Aboriginal culture and history, participating in a welcome and smoking ceremony, conducted to ensure safe travels and prevent spirits from following visitors.
Guests also had the opportunity to visit ancient rock art sites and learn about the cultural stories of the area.
Seabourn said it chose the Kimberley for the site of the naming ceremony as the region represents everything for which Pursuit 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 the Wunambal Gaambera serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that Seabourn visits,” the cruise line said.
The association will see Seabourn work alongside Wunambal Gaambera (CW 25 Jun), helping them share their unique Uunguu experience, imparting Wanjina Wunggurr culture through welcome and smoking ceremonies; rock art tours; junba song & dance; and art & stories from the Uunguu.
Jar Island will be featured on all Seabourn itineraries. MS
