Ponant Expedition Cruise Ship Temporarily Removed from Service for Repairs

(10 a.m. EST) -- Luxury expedition cruise line Ponant has temporarily removed its Le Soleal ship from service to make necessary technical repairs. As a result, cruises have been canceled until December 20, 2018, when the ship is expected to reenter service.

Le Soleal suffered damage to one of its propellers while sailing through Chile's Kirke Passage on November 14. The incident, which the line said had no impact on the safety of the passengers or crew, forced the ship to end its cruise early; it was then transferred to the ASMAR shipyard in Talcahuano, Chile, on November 23 for repairs.

"The charter cruises due to depart on November 30 and December 10 have been cancelled, in addition to the November 20 cruise as previously announced," the line confirmed in a statement. "All guests have been contacted and are being looked after by the company and the charterers.

"The ship will be back in service on December 20, 2018."

Ponant will continue to offer South America and Antarctica cruises on Le Soleal through February 2019. Cruise Critic will update this story as more information becomes available.