Holland America Line has announced multiple changes to the Zaandam’s 35-day ‘Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas’ cruise departing on October 15, 2026. The itinerary modifications affect port calls and sailing speeds for the voyage ending November 18, 2026.
Swap of Raiatea and Bora Bora Visits
The cruise will now call at Raiatea, French Polynesia, on November 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by Bora Bora on November 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This reverses the original schedule which had Bora Bora on November 3 (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and Raiatea on November 4 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
These changes mean Zaandam
will be the sole ship in port at both Raiatea and Bora Bora during its visits, while initially it was planned to share the schedule with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper, which carries 388 guests compared to Zaandam’s 1,432.
Cancellation and Extended Port Times
Holland America Line has canceled the October 29, 2026 stop at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati. Meanwhile, the ship’s calls at Kahului on October 24 and Moorea on November 6 will be extended by two hours each, allowing passengers additional time ashore.
Adjustments to Sailing Speed and Operational Impact
According to Holland America, the itinerary changes follow adjustments to the ship’s planned operating speed for parts of the voyage. The
line noted on email to guests that these adjustments necessitated dropping the Tabuaeran port call and altering time spent in other ports.
The modification of speed and schedule is possibly linked to ongoing propulsion system difficulties experienced earlier in 2026. Zaandam faced mechanical issues during its June Alaska sailings, which led to cancellations and schedule disruptions then.
Compensation and Passenger Experience
All guests booked on the October 15 departure will receive a $100 non-refundable shipboard credit. This credit applies toward onboard expenses such as specialty dining, spa treatments, shore excursions, and retail purchases.
Holland America stated the revised Raiatea and Bora Bora calls improve
passenger experience by ensuring Zaandam is the only ship in port, providing greater access to local transport, shore excursions, and shore activities. They also highlighted that departing Bora Bora earlier on November 4 allows for a sunset sailaway.
Passengers are advised to review the revised itinerary to accommodate canceled stops and revised port schedules. The updated routing spans over 9,400 miles across the Pacific, covering Hawaii, Tahiti, Marquesas, and other destinations with complex navigation far from major shipyards, raising concerns about mechanical reliability.
