Holland America Line announced multiple adjustments to the itinerary of its Zaandam cruise ship departing October 15, 2026, for the 35-day “Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas” sailing. The changes affect scheduled port calls and timings across the Pacific route.
Itinerary Changes and Port Cancellations
The Zaandam will no longer call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati on October 29, 2026, due to required operating speed adjustments during parts of the voyage. The ship’s visits to Raiatea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia have been swapped, with Zaandam now scheduled to call at Raiatea on November 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and at Bora Bora
on November 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Previously, the itinerary had Zaandam visiting Bora Bora on November 3 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Raiatea on November 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Additional Port Time and Passenger Compensation
To offset the removal of the Tabuaeran stop, Holland America Line added two extra hours at Kahului, Hawaii on October 24 and Moorea, French Polynesia on November 6. The cruise line is providing all passengers on the October 15 sailing a $100 USD non-refundable shipboard credit for use during the voyage on retail, spa, dining, and shore excursions.
Background on Propulsion Issues and Previous Itinerary Impacts
Holland America Line has not
disclosed specific reasons for the current itinerary updates but has indicated adjustments arose from changes to the ship’s operating speed requirements. The Zaandam experienced propulsion difficulties earlier in June 2026, causing the cancellation of calls at Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, and skipping Glacier Bay cruising. The ship’s captain announced then that a technical issue with one propulsion system reduced sailing speed, leading to revised itineraries and repairs.
Passenger Capacity, Exclusive Port Visits, and Official Statements
With a passenger capacity of 1,432, Zaandam is significantly larger than the Silversea Silver Whisper, which carries 388 guests and had been scheduled to visit Raiatea and Bora Bora with Zaandam’s original itinerary.
Holland America Line pointed out that the revised port dates will make Zaandam the only ship in port at Raiatea and Bora Bora on November 3 and 4, 2026. This exclusivity is intended to improve access for guests to local transportation, shore excursions, and onshore experiences.
In an official statement, Holland America Line said, “These revised dates mean Zaandam will be the only ship in port during both visits, providing greater access to local transportation, shore excursions, and experiences ashore. An earlier departure time from Bora Bora will also offer the opportunity to enjoy a memorable sunset sailaway.” Regarding the
port cancellation and adjustments, the company noted, “Adjustments to the ship’s planned operating speed will be required during portions of the voyage. As a result, we will no longer call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati, on Thursday, October 29, and have adjusted the time spent in certain ports.” The Zaandam captain had previously stated in June 2026, “We’re dealing with a technical issue affecting one of our propulsion systems, which means we’re unable to sail at our normal speed.”
Traveler Impact and Industry Context
Passengers booked on the Zaandam’s October 15, 2026 sailing are advised to review updated port schedules due to the swap of
Raiatea and Bora Bora visits and the cancellation of the Tabuaeran call. The itinerary now ensures Zaandam is the sole ship at Raiatea and Bora Bora, reducing potential crowding in these remote island destinations.
However, some travelers have expressed concern about possible ongoing propulsion issues during the extensive Pacific crossing, which covers more than 9,400 miles and includes remote locations distant from advanced shipyards. These concerns relate to the potential impact of mechanical problems far from repair facilities amid recent Pacific hurricane activity.
