Nov. 20 update: Ninth NCL ship resumes, Crystal in Antarctica, Seychelles cruising restarts with Ponant

Norwegian Joy at PortMiami

Norwegian Cruise Line's ninth ship, Norwegian Joy, returned to service today, with Norwegian Joy embarking at PortMiami.

Norwegian Joy will offer weekly round-trips to Roatán, Costa Maya, Cozumel and NCL's Belize private island, Harvest Caye. This itinerary is available through April 23. An 11-day holiday sailing on Dec. 23 visits Curaçao, Aruba, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

'With the launch of our ninth ship, we now have more than two-thirds of our berths in operation, and we couldn't be more excited,' NCL President and CEO Harry Sommer said.

Starting in December, PortMiami will be home to four NCL vessels including Norwegian Joy, Encore, Getaway and, soon to restart, Norwegian Pearl. Travelers can take advantage of NCL's 'Greatest Deal Ever,' offering a 70% discount for the second guest fare and seven free offers.

Crystal Endeavor captains Niklas Peterstam, left, and Thomas Larsen at Ushuaia

Crystal Endeavor embarks for Antarctica

Crystal's new expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor, departed Ushuaia, Argentina on Thursday on its first Antarctica voyage. The ship will be operating eight round-trip 11- to 19-night sailings this season.

Round-trip Miami-Ushuaia charter air and luxury pre-cruise accommodations in Ushuaia as well as luxury hotel accommodations in Miami after the return flight are included.

Crystal Endeavor’s Antarctica season runs through February.

Three Ponant ships will be sailing the Seychelles until April

Seychelles cruising resumes with Ponant

Also on Thursday, Ponant resumed cruises in the Seychelles as the first line to return to the archipelago. During the 2021/22 winter season, which stretches to April, Ponant will offer 19 departures of five itineraries.

Le Bellot sailed from Mahé on an eight-night adventure calling at eight islands. Le Bellot will be joined by Le Bougainville and Le Jacques-Cartier. All three among Ponant's newest Explorer series ships.

Sales for the 2022/23 winter Seychelles season are also now open, with six itineraries and 18 cruises scheduled.

'We’ve been taking guests to discover this paradise on earth for almost 20 years. We are happy to be able to actively contribute to relaunching tourism in the Seychelles,' said Ponant's Hervé Bellaïche, chief sales, marketing and communications officer.