Holland America Line has announced changes to MS Zaandam’s 35-day Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas cruise departing San Diego on October 15, 2026. The itinerary now excludes the Kiribati port of Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) and features revised port arrival and departure times.
Canceled Port Call and Revised Schedule
The previously scheduled October 29, 2026, stop at Tabuaeran in Kiribati has been canceled. In French Polynesia, the sequence of calls has been altered: Raiatea is now scheduled for November 3, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by Bora Bora on November 4, 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This reduces the time in Bora
Bora by five hours compared to the original plan, which had the ship departing at 11:00 p.m.
Additional adjustments include extensions of port stays at Kahului, Hawaii, on October 24, 2026, and Moorea, French Polynesia, on November 6, 2026, each lengthened by two hours.
Reason for Changes
Holland America Line states the modifications are necessary to accommodate adjustments in MS Zaandam’s planned operating speed during parts of this voyage. The line did not directly link these changes to the propulsion system failure MS Zaandam experienced on June 3, 2026, during an Alaskan deployment, which caused an extended stay in Juneau and cancellations of
Skagway, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay calls.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers booked on the October 15, 2026, sailing will receive a US$100 non-refundable onboard credit. The credit may be applied toward specialty dining, spa services, retail purchases, and shore excursions. Travelers are advised to review the updated itinerary details ahead of the voyage as changes to port times may impact excursion schedules.
Avoiding Conflicts in French Polynesia
The revised itinerary changes in French Polynesia were designed to prevent port scheduling conflicts with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper. By calling at Raiatea and Bora Bora on separate days, MS Zaandam will be the sole cruise ship at these ports on November
3 and 4, 2026, respectively.
