Seabourn Pursuit Expedition Cruise Ship Finds WWI Shipwreck off Chile
(October 17, 2024) – It’s something you don’t see every day: the discovery of a World War I-era shipwreck by a cruise line. But that’s exactly what happened aboard Seabourn’s ultra-luxury expedition vessel, Seabourn Pursuit, during a routine dive in one of the vessel’s onboard submersibles off the coast of Chile.
The find was made on October 14, 2024, when Seabourn Pursuit discovered the wreck of the Titania, a German supply ship that hasn’t been seen since it was scuttled on November 19, 1914 – nearly 110 years ago.
"Experiences like these are a testament to the spirit of expedition, and this discovery is nothing short of historic," said Robin West, vice president and general manager of expeditions at Seabourn. “Seabourn’s expeditions and particularly our submarine explorations often take our guests to places where no other human has ever explored. I am so incredibly proud of our expedition team for delivering this once-in-a-lifetime and truly unforgettable ‘Seabourn Moment’ to our guests and the local community on Selkirk Island.”
The wreck, which had never officially been located until now, was discovered by Submarine Pilot Mauricio Fernandez and his team including Kieran Buckley, Henrik Enckell, and Isaac Yebra. Working in conjunction with local fisherman Gino Perez, the team discovered the wreck of Titania at 95 metres (311 feet) below the surface of the ocean, approximately four miles off the coast of Selkirk, Chile.
“I imagined this ship so many times and now I can see where she is, how she looks like and how she is resting at the bottom,” said Perez.
“We were there witnessing history, and our guests had the chance to be a part of this discovery of Titania and the first to see this ship after she sank to the bottom of the ocean 110 years ago,” said Fernandez. “This was truly a special moment of discovery and a perfect example of how Seabourn expeditions continue to provide our guests with incredible Seabourn Moments throughout each journey.”
Both Seabourn Pursuit and sister-ship Seabourn Venture are equipped with two submersibles valued at $4-million dollars apiece. Capable of diving nearly 1,000 feet below the surface, they are available to guests in specific locales around the world where both vessels sail.
-Aaron Saunders, Senior Editor, News and Features
Seabourn Pursuit Expedition Cruise Ship Named by Traditional Owners in the Kimberley
(July 1) – The Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners named Seabourn Pursuit on Saturday, marking the first time Traditional Owners have named a ship.
The Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners named Seabourn’s newest ultra-luxury expedition vessel in a unique ceremony at Ngula Jar Island, Australia, as guests on Zodiacs watched alongside.
The day-long celebration and naming ceremony was planned to honour Wunambal Gaambera Country, people and Kimberley region, and guests were able to immerse themselves in the Aboriginal culture and history throughout the day.
Seabourn President Natalya Leahy explained how the line has built a special relationship with the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners – their Country and people – whose cultural history, deep connection to the land and sea, and established sustainable tourism initiatives, make them a natural fit to be godparents for Seabourn Pursuit:
“This day marks a very special event with the christening of Seabourn Pursuit, our newest ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship,” said.
“This is a wonderful maritime tradition, and today is extra special for us because we asked the Wunambal Gaambera to be the ship’s godparents, which marks the beginning of long sustainable partnership between our brand and this community.”
Catherine Goonack, Chair, Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, said:
“We are honoured to be the godparents of Seabourn Pursuit and share our culture with their crew and guests. It’s good to see our people working on Country and sharing our unique culture in the right way,” said
“Living and working on Country is important for us. When we are living and speaking language on Country, we are healthy. Thank you, Seabourn, for your support. Biyanga graa winya – Welcome.”
Guests Participate in a Traditional Welcome And Smoking Ceremony
Guests took part in a remarkable Wunambal Gaambera welcome and smoking ceremony, “jimɨrri,” to welcome them to the country and bid them safe travels.
“Our smoking ceremony is done for visitors so that our old people’s spirits won’t follow them,” said Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owner Lillian Karadada.
Afterwards, the “Junba,” a traditional story-telling song and dance, was carried out by Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners, painted in ochre. Guests also visited ancient rock art sites and heard the cultural stories of that area.
Seabourn and Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners exchanged gifts to celebrate their new relationship. In addition, Seabourn guests Vince and Jane Roig, who have sailed on every Seabourn inaugural voyage on the current seven-ship fleet, presented the Traditional Owners with a symbolic gift of art supplies as a token of appreciation for this new partnership together.
The day culminated with the naming ceremony in Wunambal Gaambera language and English, where representatives from the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation wished Seabourn Pursuit an abundance of blessings and extraordinary expeditions to come in Wunambal Gaambera Country.
Seabourn used a specially made bottle crafted from sugar and coated with sand from Ngula, Jar Island, to further celebrate and show respect to the land. Keeping with the time-honoured maritime tradition, guests and crew members both on board and on the Zodiacs cheered and celebrated the moment the bottle broke on the bow of the ship.
Also in attendance were Ms. 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), and Di Bain, the Chair of Tourism Western Australia.
Seabourn further intends to work alongside Wunambal Gaambera as they share their unique Uunguu Experience, imparting Wanjina Wunggurr culture through welcome and smoking ceremonies; rock art tours; junba song and dance; and art and stories from the Uunguu Rangers who are looking after and keeping the country healthy.
– Adam Coulter, Executive Editor, Cruise Critic UK & Australia
Seabourn Names Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners Godparents to Seabourn Pursuit
(April 18, 2024) -- As Seabourn gears up to embark on voyages in Australia's Kimberley region this summer, the cruise line has announced that the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners have been named godparents to the luxury expedition vessel, Seabourn Pursuit.
The Wunambal Gaambera people are the native title holders of 6.2 million acres of land and maritime space in Australia's North Kimberley region. With the announcement, Seabourn becomes the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a cruise ship.
The cruise line said that the naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment as we as the communities that Seabourn visits.
"We, the Wunambal Gaambera people, have a communal need and responsibility to look after and prosper from our country. 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," said Catherine Goonack, Chairperson of the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation.
In addition to naming the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents to their new expedition ship, Seabourn will also make a donation to assist the community in developing a self-sustaining industry by producing authentic works of art and crafts that the Wunambal Gaambera artists can sell.
The cruise line has also committed to providing the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation with pearl shells and various arts supplies and polishing materials to foster year-round sustainable arts and crafts initiatives.
Seabourn passengers, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to experience the local Wanjina Wuggurr culture of northwestern Australia through activities like welcome and smoking ceremonies; rock art tours; junba song and dance; and art and stories from the Uunguu Rangers.
"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 Cruise Line.
Seabourn Pursuit's naming ceremony will take place on the ship's inaugural Kimberley voyage on June 12. The 264-passenger vessel will remain in the Kimberley until August, offering 10-day voyages in the region.
2025-26 Itineraries Feature New Destinations in Japan and Caribbean
(March 21, 2024) -- From Japanese hot springs to the oldest city in Colombia, Seabourn revealed its list of 2025-2026 itineraries aboard Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn.
The luxury cruise line will offer a total of 72 itineraries ranging from seven to 22 days, to more than 105 destinations between September 2025 and March 2026. Some highlights include 14-day itineraries in Southeast Asia, a 20-day voyage to the Hawaiian Islands, a circumnavigation of the Japanese archipelago and maiden calls in the Caribbean.
"This collection of extraordinary voyages invites guests to become immersed in an ocean of ultra-luxury, personalized service, and discovery, exploring hidden gems and staying longer in iconic ports with overnight stays," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn. “Our carefully curated itineraries will provide our guests with unforgettable ‘Seabourn Moments’ as they sail the high seas in Seabourn’s ultra-luxury style."
Seabourn Quest will visit more than 20 destinations in Japan between September and November 2025, marking the first time that the luxury cruise company offers sailings to explore the Asian country's fall foliage. The ship will make maiden calls to destinations like Akita, Ishinomak, Niigata and Wakayama.
In Southeast Asia, Seabourn Encore will sail on 14-day Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam itineraries between December 2025 and March 2026, all of which will include overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City. The ship will also spend time in the Arabian Peninsula, offering 17- and 18-day voyages in November 2025 and April 2026.
In the Caribbean, Seabourn Ovation will offer a total of 27 departures between November 2025 and March 2026. The ships will visit 23 destinations in the region, including maiden calls to Little Bay in Montserrat and an exclusive beach experience in Anguilla's Prickly Pear Cays.
Seabourn Sojourn will cross the Panama Canal in November 2025, visiting destinations in the Southern Caribbean and the Pacific coast of Central America, as well as the Hawaiian Islands. Some highlights of Seabourn Sojourn's trek include a Christmas Eve overnight stay in Honolulu, and a visit to Colombia's Tayrona National Park from the port city of Santa Marta.
--Jorge Oliver, Editor