Holland America Line has updated the MS Zaandam’s 35-day Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary, including the removal of one port call and revised schedule times. The cruise departs San Diego on October 15, 2026, and originally planned to visit 14 ports across Hawaii, Kiribati, and French Polynesia.
Port Cancellations and Schedule Adjustments
The October 29, 2026, call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) in Kiribati has been removed from the itinerary. In French Polynesia, the order of port calls has changed, moving Raiatea to November 3, with a shore time from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by Bora Bora on November 4, arriving at 8:00
a.m. and departing at 6:00 p.m. The stop in Bora Bora is shortened by five hours compared to the original schedule.
Additional extended port time has been added at Kahului, Hawaii, on October 24, 2026, and Moorea, French Polynesia, on November 6, 2026, each extended by two hours.
Revised Dates, Times, and Durations of Key Ports
The cruise’s revised itinerary includes the following specific port schedules: Kahului, Hawaii, extended two hours on October 24; Tabuaeran call fully removed on October 29; Raiatea visit on November 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Bora Bora on November 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., now departing earlier than previously
planned; and Moorea on November 6 extended by two hours.
Overall, the itinerary maintains the original 35-day duration with these timing adjustments and the removal of a Kiribati call.
Cause of Itinerary Changes and Prior Technical Issues
Holland America Line attributed the revisions to the need for adjustments in the ship’s planned operating speed during certain voyage segments. HAL did not link these changes to the propulsion problems Zaandam experienced earlier in 2026 during Alaska sailings.
The earlier propulsion issue, confirmed during a June 3, 2026 Alaska cruise, involved a technical fault impacting one propulsion system, causing delays and cancellations on that itinerary. However, HAL stated the current
itinerary updates for the October 2026 Pacific cruise relate solely to operating speed management and did not confirm any direct connection with the previous mechanical problems.
Impact on Passengers and Onboard Credit
Passengers booked on the October 15, 2026 departure will receive a US$100 non-refundable onboard credit applicable toward specialty dining, spa services, retail purchases, and shore excursions. Travelers are advised to review the updated itinerary details to note the changes in port calls and schedules.
Coordination with Other Cruise Lines
The revised order of Raiatea and Bora Bora port calls was planned to avoid overlapping with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper, which has scheduled calls in French Polynesia during the same
timeframe. Zaandam’s new itinerary ensures it is the sole cruise ship docked at each of these ports on the updated dates.
