Published on
December 6, 2025
Swan Hellenic, together with Travel Photo Tour, is proud to announce the very first Photojournalism at Sea program on board SH Vega. Departing March 30, 2026, this exciting 10-day journey will take guests from Valparaíso, Chile, to Callao, Peru, on a route down the Pacific coast that promises both an engaging photojournalism experience and an expedition cruise.
The program seeks to enhance the guests’ experience while celebrating the very essence of expedition cruising-discovery, curiosity, and cultural connection. Carlos Garzon, VP of Global Sales at Swan Hellenic, expressed excitement over the new partnership with Travel Photo Tour: “We are very excited to welcome Travel Photo Tour aboard. This partnership raises the guest experience to a whole new level while celebrating the very spirit of expedition cruising: curiosity, connection, and discovery.”
An Immersive Photography Journey from Chile to Peru
The Photojournalism at Sea program is designed for travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful journey. During the voyage, participants will have the opportunity to engage in creative photography workshops under the guidance of internationally renowned Travel Photo Tour photographers. These experts will lead thematic photography workshops, on-shore field assignments, and storytelling labs at various ports along the Chile-Peru route.
The itinerary combines Chile’s port city of Valparaíso with the coastal deserts of Peru, offering a fascinating mix of ancient archaeological sites, contemporary culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Passengers will capture the cultural and natural heritage of these destinations, learning to document their discoveries through the art of photojournalism.
Key Program Highlights: Workshops, Assignments, and Storytelling Labs
Throughout the voyage, guests will engage in a variety of creative activities, including:
- Lectures and thematic photography workshops tailored to developing key photography skills
- On-shore field assignments at significant ports across Chile and Peru
- Storytelling labs where participants refine their photographic techniques and narratives
- Personalized image-review sessions, helping each traveler develop a cohesive visual story
One of the program’s highlights is the opportunity to participate in a final curated portfolio project, where participants can showcase their best work from the trip. This project will provide each guest with the chance to tell a story through their photography while developing a personalized visual narrative that captures the essence of the Pacific coastline.
Commemorative Coffee-Table Book for Participants
To commemorate the experience, each guest will receive a professionally designed hardcover coffee-table book that will feature a curated selection of the participants’ best images from the trip. This book will also include portraits, bios, and highlights from the expedition, allowing each guest to remember their photojournalism journey and share it with others.
A Unique Experience Combining Photography and Expedition Cruising
The Photojournalism at Sea program aboard the SH Vega promises to be a transformative experience for those who are passionate about photography and cultural exploration. Combining immersive photography workshops, field assignments, and onshore excursions in some of the most beautiful and culturally rich destinations, the program offers an opportunity for travelers to capture and preserve the essence of South America’s Pacific coast.
For Swan Hellenic, this collaboration represents a unique opportunity to expand its reach within the creative tourism sector, offering a specialized experience that integrates cultural immersion with artistic expression. The SH Vega, a modern expedition vessel, is the perfect setting for this exclusive program, offering world-class facilities and a luxurious, comfortable environment for both beginners and experienced photographers alike.
The Future Impact of Creative Tourism Experiences
The introduction of the Photojournalism at Sea program is part of a growing trend toward creative tourism, where travelers seek experiences that not only allow them to explore new destinations but also engage in artistic pursuits during their journeys. As the travel industry continues to evolve, programs like Photojournalism at Sea help meet the rising demand for meaningful travel experiences that combine learning, creativity, and cultural discovery.
This program is expected to inspire future cruise offerings centered on artistic and creative expression, making it possible for more travelers to engage with the destinations they visit in unique and personal ways. The lasting impact of this type of tourism will also contribute to preserving cultural heritage and showcasing local craftsmanship through the eyes of the participants, creating lasting connections between travelers and the communities they visit.
Cruise Tourism’s Expanding Role in Sustainable and Creative Travel
The Photojournalism at Sea program aboard the SH Vega represents a shift in the way cruise tourism is evolving. As travelers increasingly seek sustainable and creative travel options, expedition cruising provides a unique platform for integrating these elements into one experience.
Cruise tourism, traditionally focused on leisure and sightseeing, is now embracing more purpose-driven journeys that offer educational experiences and contribute to cultural exchange. By focusing on creative photography, Swan Hellenic and Travel Photo Tour are tapping into the growing demand for cruises that not only entertain but also educate and inspire travelers. This approach strengthens the value proposition of expedition cruises as a sustainable and enriching travel choice.
Moreover, photojournalism cruises like this one demonstrate how the cruise industry can play a role in local cultural preservation, allowing participants to document and engage with the cultures and landscapes they visit while supporting sustainable tourism practices. By embracing this model, the industry is positioning itself to appeal to a new generation of conscious travelers who seek more than just a luxurious escape, but an opportunity to leave a positive impact on the places they visit.
A Unique Voyage for Photography Enthusiasts
Photography buffs will find this a great opportunity with the Photojournalism at Sea program to develop their skills in a world-class environment complemented by professional photographers and access to some of the most photogenic destinations in the world. It will not only enable guests to engage in photography but will give them an understanding of the power of visual storytelling and the importance of documenting cultural and natural heritage.
The SH Vega cruise is going to be an adventure like none other, with new discoveries intermingling with the art of storytelling through photography, amidst varied landscapes of unmatched beauty in Chile and Peru. This promises to be a superb opportunity for amateur and experienced photographers alike to make memories, capture lifetime shots, and share experiences through the viewfinder of photojournalism.
