Holland America Line has modified the Zaandam’s 35-day Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary for October 2026, removing a planned port call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) in Kiribati and adjusting arrival and departure times at several other ports.
Itinerary Changes and Revised Schedule
The cruise departs San Diego on October 15, 2026, and returns to the same port after visiting key destinations in Hawaii and the South Pacific. The October 29 stop at Tabuaeran in Kiribati has been cancelled. The itinerary now shifts the Raiatea port call to November 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Bora Bora to November 4 from 8 a.m.
to 6 p.m. The Bora Bora port time has been reduced by five hours, with an earlier departure at 6 p.m. instead of 11 p.m.
Additional schedule changes include extending the port visits in Kahului, Hawaii, on October 24 and Moorea, French Polynesia, on November 6 by two hours each.
Operational Reasons and Background
Holland America Line stated these itinerary revisions were necessary due to adjustments in Zaandam’s planned operating speed during parts of the voyage. The company did not explicitly connect these changes to technical problems, but Zaandam experienced a confirmed propulsion issue earlier in 2026 on an Alaska cruise, which affected its
schedule and speed capabilities.
Passenger Impact and Compensation
Passengers booked on the October 15, 2026 sailing will receive a $100 non-refundable onboard credit applicable to specialty dining, spa treatments, retail, and shore excursions. Travelers should review the updated itinerary reflecting the removal of Tabuaeran, reduced time in Bora Bora, and extended calls in Kahului and Moorea.
Scheduling Coordination with Competing Cruise Lines
The itinerary revisions also aim to prevent schedule overlaps with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper, which is set to visit Raiatea and Bora Bora on November 3 and 4 respectively. This rescheduling allows Zaandam to be the sole cruise ship calling at these ports on those dates, enhancing passenger
experience and operational efficiency.
