Holland America Line has announced adjustments to Zaandam’s 35-day Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary departing San Diego on October 15, 2026. The revision removes the October 29 port call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati, and changes arrival and departure times at multiple ports.
Updated Port Calls and Scheduling
The original itinerary included 14 ports across Hawaii, Kiribati, and French Polynesia. Following revisions, Zaandam will now omit Tabuaeran, Kiribati on October 29. In French Polynesia, the schedule shifts to a visit at Raiatea on November 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by Bora Bora on November 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This change reverses the prior order and avoids an overlap with Silversea’s Silver Whisper, leaving Zaandam as the sole ship in each port on those days.
The Bora Bora port call departs five hours earlier than originally planned, moving from an 11:00 p.m. to a 6:00 p.m. departure, reducing time in port accordingly. To offset time lost at Tabuaeran, the Kahului, Hawaii call on October 24 and the Moorea, French Polynesia call on November 6 are extended by two hours each.
Operational Reasons and Previous Incidents
Holland America Line cited the need to adjust the ship’s planned operating speed during certain voyage segments as the
reason for the itinerary changes. HAL has not connected these adjustments to any technical fault. Earlier in 2026, Zaandam experienced a confirmed propulsion issue during its Alaska season, which led to itinerary disruptions and cancellations, but no links to the current changes have been confirmed by the cruise line.
Passenger Compensation and Travel Advice
Passengers booked on the October 15, 2026 sailing will receive a non-refundable US$100 onboard credit. This credit applies to specialty dining, spa services, retail purchases, and shore excursions. Travelers on this itinerary are advised to review the updated schedule to confirm times and port calls.
Official Statements From Holland America Line
HAL has officially attributed the itinerary
revisions to adjustments in operating speed required during parts of the voyage. The cruise operator has not verified any connection between these changes and the propulsion problems reported earlier in 2026. Zaandam’s October 15 departure from San Diego remains confirmed with the amended schedule covering Hawaii, Kiribati, and French Polynesia destinations.
