Swan Hellenic is adding a hands-on photography program to its 2026-27 Antarctic season. The optional add-on puts a small group of guests with a pro instructor, a dedicated Zodiac boat and daily editing workshops.
Cruise Industry News reported the launch on October 28, 2026. Details are on Swan Hellenic's Antarctic Photography Program page.
How the program works
The program is offered on nine departures this season. Each voyage has room for only 10 participants. The cost is $1,000 per guest, charged on top of the cruise fare.
Swan Hellenic says guests do not need to be professional photographers. They should be comfortable using their own camera. Guests bring their own gear, and the line suggests bringing a laptop and editing software for the workshops.
What's included
According to Swan Hellenic, the program includes:
- A professional Photography Instructor for the whole voyage
- A priority landing group, often among the first guests ashore
- Up to about 30 minutes of early time on land when operations allow
- A dedicated Photography Zodiac during suitable boat outings
- Daily photo feedback sessions
- Editing and post-processing workshops on board
The line says one-on-one sessions are not guaranteed but may be arranged with the instructor when time allows.
What guests will learn
Workshops cover camera settings for bright snow and ice, wildlife photography and composition. Guests also learn how to shoot from a moving Zodiac and how to protect gear in cold, wet conditions.
On board, sessions focus on picking the best frames, editing exposure and white balance, and building a set of images that tells the story of the trip.
The instructors and departures
Photographer Simon Ager leads the Antarctic Peninsula Odyssey from November 24 to December 4, 2026, aboard SH Vega.
Photographer Lauren Buchholz leads two Antarctic Wonders voyages, from December 4 to 13 and from December 13 to 22, 2026. She also leads a Patagonia sailing from March 25 to April 4, 2027.
Other departures with the program include a Weddell Sea voyage from January 22 to February 2, 2027, and an Antarctic Circle voyage from March 12 to 25, 2027. More Antarctic Wonders dates are also part of the lineup.
Safety and wildlife come first
Swan Hellenic stresses that the program does not create special access. All activities follow the rules of IAATO, the group that sets guidelines for Antarctic tour operators. Weather, ice, sea conditions and wildlife behavior still decide what happens each day.
Program guests cannot get closer to wildlife than other guests. The captain and expedition leader make the final call on every landing and Zodiac trip.
Why Swan Hellenic is doing this
Mario Bounas, chief commercial officer at Swan Hellenic, said the program answers a clear demand from guests. "Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth to photograph," he said.
Bounas also said the line plans to launch dedicated photography sailings in the Asia-Pacific region next summer season.
Who it suits
The program fits travelers who already carry a good camera and want more time to use it. With just 10 places per voyage, spots are limited. Guests who want to join should book the cruise and apply for the program early.
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