OREANDA-NEWS. April 27, 2016. As part of its continuing partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Seabourn, the world's finest ultra-luxury cruise line, is welcoming its next group of prominent speakers as a part of its multi-faceted Seabourn Conversations enrichment and special guest entertainment program. Conversation topics will include culture, heritage, history, and the importance of sustainable tourism in preserving World Heritage Sites across the globe.

UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Among those sharing their insights on board Seabourn vessels over the 2016 spring and summer cruise seasons will be a number of UNESCO advisors and consultants.  

"UNESCO's vital role in encouraging cultural understanding and preservation always makes for fascinating conversation on Seabourn, and the seasons ahead will continue the tradition," said John Delaney, senior vice president, global marketing and sales for Seabourn. "The significance of educational experiences continues to grow and inspire, and we're always excited to welcome those who lend their expertise to UNESCO to engage our guests about such important topics as sustainable tourism, culture and heritage."

Speakers scheduled to take part in upcoming Seabourn Conversations include: 

  • Dr. Catherine Hickson, (Seabourn Odyssey, May 28 & June 4), a renowned Canadian geologist who has campaigned for the inclusion of volcanic locations as part of the emerging UNESCO GeoPark system. A global consultant for geological projects, Dr. Hickson stresses the relationships between geology and human history.
  • Alessandra Borchi, (Seabourn Odyssey, May 30, and Seabourn Quest, November 4), the 2013 lead UNESCO advisor in Afghanistan, a global monitoring agent for UNESCO World Heritage threatened sites, and currently offering her expertise to the Executive Office for Assistant Director-General for Culture of UNESCO.
  • Dr. Ege Yildirim, (Seabourn Odyssey, June 25), an urban planner specializing in heritage conservation who has worked at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage, as secretary of the Turkish Conservation and Restoration Specialists Association, and has served on national delegations of the UAE and Turkey for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. A prolific author and renowned artist, Dr. Yildirim's attention to the symbolic aesthetics of heritage is central to her work with UNESCO.
  • Ray Bondin, (Seabourn Sojourn, July 14), manager of the EU and International Programmes Office at Heritage Malta, who is involved in research, improvements and conservation of UNESCO sites on Malta and is Honorary Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Malta to UNESCO. His work in Gozo, Sicily, and mainland Italy are foundational to the region's heritage preservation.
  • Peter Stott, (Seabourn Quest, September 11), an industrial historian, archeologist and architect, as well as an expert on the architecture of Quebec City World Heritage Site and author of the history of the U.S. National Park Service. Based in Boston, Dr. Stott imagines the importance of inclusion of North American heritage sites of the future.   

To view the full list of scheduled UNESCO guest speakers, click here.

Seabourn's ships circle the globe throughout the year and include more than 150 designated World Heritage Sites in its itineraries. Through its partnership with UNESCO, Seabourn offers deeper insight and behind-the-scenes information about current and future World Heritage sites and projects. The line has created special World Heritage Discovery Tours with exclusive and enhanced content developed in cooperation with UNESCO World Heritage site managers and tour experts. Fares for Seabourn optional excursions that include UNESCO World Heritage Sites include a small donation to UNESCO's World Heritage Fund.

Seabourn's intimate, award-winning ships offer key elements that set Seabourn apart: spacious, thoughtfully appointed suites, many with verandas; superb dining in a choice of venues; open bars throughout the ship; fine wines poured at lunch and dinner; award-winning personalized service and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home on board. All-inclusive fares offer tremendous value for one of the world's finest travel experiences.

For reservations or more details, please contact a professional travel advisor; call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit www.seabourn.com.