Seabourn sails into Broome for the first time

Seabourn sails into Broome for the first time
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn’s newest luxury, purpose-built expedition vessel, made its maiden arrival at Broome on the morning of Saturday 22nd June.

    The ship is sailing in the Kimberley for the first time on a series of 10-day voyages between Darwin and Broome from June to August 2024. 

    Seabourn president Natalya Leahy, along with vice president and general manager of expedition operations and planning Robin West, hosted a group of local government officials, stakeholders, and media during an event to commemorate the arrival of the ship and Seabourn’s inaugural season in the region.

    Seabourn Pursuit has arrived for the first time in Broome.

    The day included a Welcome to Country from the Yawuru Aboriginal Corporation and remarks from 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), where she addressed the crowd on the significance of Seabourn Pursuit’s arrival for tourism in the region. Following, attendees joined a ship tour and then an onboard dining experience at the restaurant. 

    The Kimberley in Western Australia is one of the world’s most remote destinations, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, abundant wildlife, and Aboriginal culture. Experiencing the Kimberley with Seabourn Pursuit will provide travellers access to remote locations such as Ngula Jar Island; the most picturesque views throughout the entire journey as the ship weaves through the towering cliffs and gorges; and navigation by a world-class expedition team of experts through the most exhilarating nature and cultural experiences in the region.  

     Travellers will enjoy immersive experiences befitting the rich cultural significance of the Kimberley region.

    Guests were welcomed to Country by the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners.

     Earlier this year Seabourn announced the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit. Seabourn is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. The naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit serves as 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 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). 

     As part of this appointment with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, Seabourn will make a donation to assist Wunambal Gaambera to develop a self-sustaining industry, producing authentic works of art and craft by artists to sell.

    Wunambal Gaambera dancing at Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay).

    Wunambal Gaambera, Traditional Owners celebrate being named godparents of Seabourn Pursuit.

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

    Seabourn will work alongside Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as they share their unique Uunguu Experience – the sharing of their Wanjina Wunggurr culture 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’s monetary contribution, along with funding already received from the State Tourism Authority, Tourism Western Australia, will contribute to 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.

    Seabourn Pursuit offers an intimate ship with private, yacht-like atmosphere, in the port of Broome.

    Seabourn congratulates Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation’s 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.

    Seabourn Pursuit, is an intimate ship with private, yacht-like atmosphere, featuring 132 luxuriously appointed ocean-front veranda suites — taking ultra-luxury travelers further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world. Led by a world-class 24-person Expedition Team to deliver immersive experiences throughout the entire journey, 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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