Seabourn Cruise Line has carved a distinct place in the world of luxury cruises. Known for its intimate, upscale voyages, Seabourn offers an exclusive travel experience with an emphasis on personalized service, fine dining, and exploration.
They have kindly sponsored a series of events which have supported our bursary scheme and also enabled us to purchase new instruments which are vital to help us to continue to expand the scheme.
Here we had a chat with them to find out why they chose to support Music in Action.
Q1. Why has Seabourn chosen to sponsor the GENIUS Bursary Dinner?
For the last two years, Seabourn has been delighted to support Music in Action’s mission in bringing the joy of music to the hearts of the community, through sponsorship and support of fundraising musical events and projects in Jersey.
As an ultra-luxury cruise line, music is at the very heart of the Seabourn experience as we take travellers to some of the world’s most idyllic and hard to reach places on our ships. The music our guests hear – from piano, jazz or musical theatre onboard, to, for example a classical concert within the ruins of ancient Ephesus - becomes very much part of their incredible holiday memories and makes them want to rediscover those feelings - again, and again.
Q2. How does this sponsorship connect with Seabourn’s wider brand identity?
Seabourn voyages attract interesting, interested people. Their enthusiasms and curiosity are far-ranging, and these are what spark their desire to travel the world, learn about new cultures and engage with local communities.
As part of this wraparound enrichment programme, we are proud to offer bespoke, curated onboard entertainment, featuring a star-studded line-up of musicians, performers and guest speakers on many of voyages.
Q3. What impact do you hope this partnership will have on young people in Jersey?
‘Music in Action’ is a fantastic charity as it enables children to have access to musical instruments while they are still at school – and that more than 7,000 students have already engaged with the programme. We are so thrilled that in part due to Seaburn’s support, 74 pupils have benefitted from bursary-funded tuition, and the charity has been able to launch the scheme into two new schools from this month, La Passerelle and Samares.
Q4. Sir Willard White is a world-renowned artist. Why is supporting an event featuring him significant for Seabourn?
We are so proud to be sponsoring this Genius event with Sir Willard White. The range of his music – from folk songs and cabaret classics to Sinatra favourites and show tunes - truly reflects the breadth of musical entertainment Seabourn offers guests onboard our ships… whether that’s through an incredibly staged musical theatre performance in our Grand Salon or live opera on deck as we head away from a gorgeous Greek Island or Italian harbour at sunset.
Q5. Seabourn is a global luxury brand. Why is it important to also support local initiatives like Music in Action?
As a global brand, it is so important for us to connect with the places and cultures we visit, to work with local communities and to ensure we leave positive impact. For example, Seabourn is the first cruise company to have appointed a traditional landowner group, the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation as godparents to our new expedition ship, Seabourn Pursuit during a ceremony in Australia’s Kimberley during June 2024. Our donation continues to assist this community in developing a self-sustaining industry, producing and selling arts and crafts.
Q6. Beyond this event, how does Seabourn see its role in supporting the arts and cultural initiatives?
Seabourn is committed to creating meaningful cultural experiences both at sea and on shore.It is so important that our guests enjoy the most immersive possible experience of the incredible destinations we visit, which include culture and music – ranging from an authentic flamenco show in Seville to the opportunity to watch a fascinating dance by warriors from the Asmat tribe in remote Agats, Indonesia, who will perform in traditional costume, headdresses and paints.
We also hire local guides, we source local supplies where possible, so that our guests may enjoy regional produce as they travel the world. We even strive to accommodate scientists onboard our expedition ships to research and contribute to scientific projects!
Q7. What would you say to families and young people in Jersey who will directly benefit from the bursary scheme?
Seabourn shares Music in Action’s passion for bringing music inspiration and education to the reach of schools and young people in Jersey…
Music is just so important in education, and sadly too many children still don’t get to learn an instrument in school. Music can be life changing - and open doors into the wider world in so many ways…
So, our message is to seize the opportunity this bursary scheme offers. To enjoy learning about the music, the musicians who created these masterpieces, and the stories behind that incredible music – which will literally take you around the world.