Swan Hellenic Unveils Exclusive Photojournalism Experience On The Pacific Coast

Published on December 6, 2025

Swan Hellenic, in partnership with Travel Photo Tour, has launched its Photojournalism at Sea program. This unique experience will take place aboard the SH Vega during a 10-day expedition from Valparaíso, Chile, to Callao, Peru. The program, which caters to travelers who love photography and storytelling, will depart on March 30, 2026. It aims to provide a creative and enriching experience that blends exploration with visual storytelling.

A Voyage of Discovery Through the Pacific Coast

The Photojournalism at Sea program is crafted to help participants connect more deeply with the destinations along the Pacific coastline. The journey will move from Valparaíso, a colorful and historic port city in Chile, to Callao, the busy entry point to Peru’s vibrant capital, Lima. Passengers will experience the natural beauty of the Pacific coastline, visit ancient archaeological sites in Peru, and immerse themselves in the contemporary cultures of Chile and Peru.

Swan Hellenic’s partnership with Travel Photo Tour is for those seeking more than a typical cruise. This program targets travelers who want to engage in meaningful photography and learn to capture compelling stories with their lenses while exploring beautiful and historically rich locations in South America.

Photography Workshops and Lectures

During the voyage, participants will join a series of engaging lectures and themed photography workshops led by well-known photographers from Travel Photo Tour. These sessions aim to improve guests’ photography skills, focusing on techniques to capture strong narratives through images. The program welcomes all skill levels, ensuring that beginners and experienced photographers alike can gain valuable expert advice.

Workshops will cover a broad range of topics, from the technical aspects of photography to the artistic side of visual storytelling. With the stunning backdrops of Chile’s coastal cities and Peru’s ancient landmarks, guests will have the chance to refine their skills and develop their own photographic style.

On-Shore Field Assignments and Storytelling Labs

Beyond lectures and workshops, participants will take part in on-shore field assignments at different ports along the route. These assignments will allow guests to apply what they’ve learned in real-world situations, capturing local culture, people, and landscapes through their cameras. Shore excursions will offer participants a chance to photograph everything from Valparaíso’s colorful streets to Peru’s vast deserts and ancient ruins.

To help travelers improve their storytelling skills, the program will include storytelling labs and personalized image-review sessions. These sessions will guide participants in creating a cohesive visual narrative that reflects their unique journey. By the end of the voyage, each participant will have developed a portfolio of images that tells the story of their expedition along the Pacific coast.

A Final Curated Portfolio and Coffee-Table Book

The Photojournalism at Sea program will conclude with a final curated portfolio project. Each guest will collaborate with photographers to choose their best images, creating a polished collection that showcases their experience. To honor their participation, each guest will receive a professionally designed hardcover coffee-table book featuring selected images from the program, along with portraits, bios, and highlights from the trip.

This book will serve as a lasting reminder of their experience, allowing guests to share their stories with friends and family while recalling their incredible journey. The program not only offers a unique way to improve photography skills but also provides a tangible way for participants to present their travel stories meaningfully.

A Shared Passion for Storytelling

The launch of Photojournalism at Sea shows Swan Hellenic’s dedication to providing a more immersive and enriching travel experience for guests. Carlos Garzon, the VP of Global Sales at Swan Hellenic, expressed his enthusiasm about the program, noting how the collaboration with Travel Photo Tour enhances the guest experience. Garzon emphasized that the program reflects the true spirit of expedition cruising, which focuses on curiosity, connection, and discovery.

Chris Crass, the lead photographer and filmmaker for Travel Photo Tour, stated that the program aims to inspire guests to view the world from a new perspective and to share their experiences in ways that resonate with others. This idea was echoed by Peter Crass, the founder of Travel Photo Tour, who mentioned that this partnership allows them to fulfill their mission of authentic storytelling in a memorable setting.

An Unforgettable Experience

The Photojournalism at Sea program goes beyond simply being a photography workshop. It provides participants with a way to connect more deeply with the destinations they visit, capturing their personal stories through their cameras. From Chile’s stunning landscapes to Peru’s ancient wonders, this program promises a rich, immersive experience for anyone interested in photography, culture, and storytelling.

As the SH Vega travels along the Pacific coast in 2026, guests can anticipate a journey that combines exploration with the art of visual storytelling. Swan Hellenic’s new initiative aims to inspire travelers to view the world differently while equipping them with the skills and tools needed to share their stories authentically.

Conclusion: A Creative Journey of Discovery

Swan Hellenic’s Photojournalism at Sea program promises to be an unforgettable journey for those eager to explore the world through a camera. With expert guidance from Travel Photo Tour’s talented photographers, participants will gain a deeper understanding of photography and storytelling while visiting breathtaking destinations in South America. As the SH Vega sets sail in March 2026, travelers can look forward to a unique and enriching voyage that combines the excitement of exploration with the creativity of visual storytelling.