Swan Hellenic Expands Presence in Latin America

wan Hellenic is seeing strong momentum throughout the Latin American market, according to Gustavo Benetti, the company’s Sales Director for the region.

Following a successful 2025, Benetti said the cruise line has met one of its key objectives in Latin America by attracting a larger number of Brazilian travelers to Antarctica.

We want to build interest in the destination and this product. It is now translating into demand for 2026, which started very well,” he said.

According to Benetti, attention is already turning toward the 2027 and 2028 seasons, with several future voyages already sold out.

“We are seeing growing demand for group bookings. We realized that Brazilians are interested in travelling to these exotic destinations, but they prioritize traveling in groups,” he added. “They tend to feel safer and more comfortable with a travel agency or a service provider in the background, providing support,” Benetti explained.

To take advantage of this increasing demand, Swan Hellenic is placing greater emphasis on Arctic expeditions, promoting voyages to destinations such as Greenland, Iceland, and Svalbard.

The company is also tailoring its repositioning cruises to suit regional preferences. For the upcoming Antarctica season, these sailings will focus on routes along the African coastline.

“Africa was a sales success for Brazilians, so we are having two itineraries there this year,” Benetti said, noting that the continent will continue to be a key destination for Latin American travelers.

In late 2026, the SH Vega will return to Brazil to operate a series of distinctive expedition cruises that Swan Hellenic first introduced in 2024.

Benetti described the Brazilian program as an ideal opportunity for South American travelers to sample the company’s luxury expedition experience without venturing far from home. However, he emphasized that the main purpose of the operation is to attract international guests by offering a unique cruise product within the region.

Swan Hellenic has also experienced strong demand from Latin American travelers for its Asian itineraries following the return of SH Minerva to service.

“These itineraries, which sail from Vietnam to Japan and South Korea, resonated well with Latin American passengers,” Benetti said.

“Swan Hellenic goes into ports that other ships can’t reach, so we offer an insider look at the culture of these regions. Compared to Antarctica and the Arctic, fares for these cruises are also very inviting.”

Looking across the wider Latin American market, Benetti said Argentina continues to be one of the strongest sources of Antarctic bookings, largely due to its geographic location and cultural ties to the region.

Meanwhile, countries including Mexico and Costa Rica are generating solid demand for Arctic and African itineraries. Swan Hellenic is also increasing its focus on Panama, aiming to benefit from the country’s affluent customer base and strong air connectivity.

Benetti said the company’s ongoing investment in South and Central America reflects the potential of a highly engaged travel market. “Historically, Brazilians and Latinos invest in travel. Our partners have past experiences within the cruise industry, and they know this profile,” he explained.

“The region is also a significant part of the overall cruise market, so we want to increase our business here, turning Swan Hellenic into a reference for cultural and experiential cruising,” Benetti continued.

“While other companies focus more heavily on European, Asian or American guests, our goal is to bring more Latinos onboard.”