HX Expeditions Announces Major Expansion of Americas Team Amid Growth and Global Investment

Ahead of its 130th anniversary, the pioneers of expedition cruising expand trade and travel advisor support with new sales and marketing hires

London, UK (April 22, 2025) – HX Expeditions, the world’s largest and first expedition cruise company, has announced a major expansion of its Americas team across business development, marketing, and tour operations. The move underscores the company’s strengthened focus on travel trade partnerships and advisor support in one of its fastest growing markets and reflects a broader transformation ahead of HX’s 130th anniversary in 2026.

Backed by new investment and a sharpened growth strategy, the company has entered a new era—one focused on trade partnerships, global expansion, and a revitalized brand identity. HX is investing across every part of the business, from fleet upgrades and onboard innovation to market development. “Alongside these global investments, we’re also investing in the people who will help us deliver on our most ambitious goals,” said Steve Smotrys, MD & SVP Commercial, Americas. “This expanded team brings the energy and expertise needed to strengthen our trade relationships and accelerate growth across the region.”

HX’s presence in the Americas has grown rapidly, with total U.S. booked revenue up 115% between 2022 and 2024. As demand grows, HX is expanding its commercial footprint and advisor support to unlock even greater market share. “As we prepare to celebrate 130 years of exploration, we’re building a modern brand with deep roots,” said Matt DeWitte, Head of Marketing, Americas. “This next phase is about scaling smart—creating more value for our partners and ensuring our brand connects in meaningful, inspiring ways across the Americas.”

Expanding Sales and Trade Support Across the Americas

Under the leadership of Steve Smotrys and Carla Brake, Senior Director of Sales, Americas, HX is strengthening its advisor-first approach across key regions. “Our Business Development Managers play a pivotal role in delivering the support and partnership that travel advisors need to succeed,” said Smotrys. “With this expanded team on the ground, we’re ensuring our trade partners have the tools they need to grow alongside us.”

Ana Duarte, Senior Business Development Manager, LATAM & Tour Operators
With over 20 years of experience in the cruise industry, Ana has built a global career working across multiple countries and developing a keen ability to identify emerging trends and opportunities that drive growth and innovation. At Princess Cruises, she played a key role in deployment and itinerary planning, new market entry, and international marketing strategy. Ana now joins HX as Senior Sales Manager, where she is leading efforts to grow the brand across Latin America, strengthen partnerships with tour operators, and develop charter programs to expand HX’s presence throughout the Americas.
Ana.Duarte@travelhx.com

John Milbrath, Business Development Manager, Northwest U.S.
With more than 30 years in the tourism industry, John has held leadership roles in cruise shore operations, AAA Washington, and most recently, business development at Seabourn. He brings a deep understanding of the cruise and travel landscape and will focus on expanding HX’s reach throughout the Northwest region.
john.milbrath@travelhx.com

Linda Cavanah, Business Development Manager, Central U.S.
Linda brings more than 20 years of cruise industry experience, including shipboard roles as Shore Excursion Manager and Event Manager with Celebrity Cruises and Holland America Line. She later served as Director of Land Operations at UnCruise Adventures, where she oversaw shore programs and logistics. Linda joined HX in 2023 as Senior Product Manager, Expedition Product and Planning, specializing in itinerary deployment and strategic forecasting. In her new role, she supports commercial leadership in shaping sales strategy, building industry partnerships, and driving growth across the Central U.S.
linda.cavanah@travelhx.com

Barrett Caldwell, Business Development Manager, Midwest & Mid-Atlantic U.S.
Barrett brings seven years of experience in luxury travel sales, spanning global safaris, major sporting events, and destination marketing. He will lead travel industry growth across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Known for his strong industry relationships and advisor-first approach, Barrett is focused on helping partners craft unforgettable experiences—from Antarctica to the Galápagos.
barret.caldwell@travelhx.com

Aidan Flood, Business Development Manager, Northeast U.S.
Aidan comes to HX with a strong background in account management across multiple industries. Known for his client-first mindset and dedication to service, he will lead growth efforts in the Northeast U.S., connecting partners and travelers with the transformative world of expedition cruising.
aidan.flood@travelhx.com

A Strategic Marketing Expansion for the Americas

HX is also expanding its marketing function in the Americas, bringing on new roles to drive a more focused and effective commercial strategy. “This is the most focused and deliberate marketing team we’ve ever had,” said Matt DeWitte. “We’re building new capabilities in trade marketing and digital strategy—laying the foundation to better support our partners, grow brand visibility, and engage new audiences.”

Destiny Weiss, Senior Marketing Manager, Americas
Destiny is a performance marketing expert with over eight years of experience driving brand growth across industries. At HX, she leverages her data-driven approach and strategic insight to create impactful marketing solutions that deepen engagement and support business objectives across the Americas with our current partners while seeking new commercial relationships.
destiny.weiss@travelhx.com

Jenna Amaral, Senior Marketing Manager, Americas
Jenna brings extensive experience in digital marketing, having led strategy for brands including Hilton, The Container Store, and Hornblower Group. With a focus on SEM, paid social, and video marketing, she will play a key role in expanding HX’s market presence and optimizing digital campaigns to engage new audiences and drive revenue.
jenna.amaral@travelhx.com

Cristina Macedo, B2B Trade Marketing Manager, Americas
Cristina is a marketing professional with more than six years of experience in brand management, B2B sales enablement, and cross-functional leadership. She has a proven track record of driving revenue growth through strategic marketing and stakeholder collaboration. At HX, Cristina supports the marketing team with content development, performance analysis, and brand consistency across global platforms.
cristina.macedo@travelhx.com

For more information about HX, please visit www.travelhx.com.

For agent bookings, please call (866) 312-6791 or email us.expeditions@travelhx.com.

To download a selection of high-resolution images and headshots, visit the Dropbox link here.