Holland America Line has revised the itinerary for its MS Zaandam 35-day cruise covering Hawaii, Tahiti, and the Marquesas Islands, scheduled to depart from San Diego on October 15, 2026. The original itinerary included 14 ports across Hawaii, Kiribati, and French Polynesia but has undergone changes affecting port calls and schedules.
Canceled Port Call and French Polynesia Schedule Adjustments
The updated itinerary removes the October 29, 2026, call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island) in Kiribati. Additionally, the itinerary swaps the French Polynesia port calls of Bora Bora and Raiatea to avoid overlap with Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper, which is scheduled to visit those ports on November 3 and 4,
2026. MS Zaandam will now arrive in Raiatea on November 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and visit Bora Bora on November 4 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The port time at Bora Bora is reduced by five hours compared to the original plan, with departure moved earlier than the initial 11:00 p.m. scheduled time.
The cruise also extends port calls by two hours at Kahului, Hawaii, on October 24, 2026, and at Moorea in French Polynesia on November 6, 2026, partially compensating for the canceled Kiribati stop.
Reason for Changes and Previous Propulsion Incident
Holland America Line attributed the itinerary adjustments to the necessity
of modifying the ship’s planned operating speed during segments of the voyage. The company has not confirmed any direct link between these changes and a propulsion problem MS Zaandam experienced during a June 3, 2026, Alaska sailing. That earlier incident involved equipment affecting propulsion, which forced an extended stay in Juneau and resulted in canceled calls at Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as the cancellation of scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.
Passenger Impact and Compensation
Passengers booked for the October 15, 2026, sailing will receive a non-refundable onboard credit of US$100. This credit can be used for specialty dining, spa services, retail purchases, and
shore excursions. The change to the Bora Bora itinerary reduces time in port but offers an earlier departure that may provide guests with a sunset sailaway opportunity. Travelers on this cruise should verify the updated schedule to account for the revised ports and timing.
Coordination with Other Cruise Schedules and Voyage Details
The swapping of port calls at Raiatea and Bora Bora ensures no schedule conflicts with Silversea’s Silver Whisper, which is arriving at those ports on November 3 and 4, 2026, respectively. MS Zaandam remains scheduled to depart from and return to San Diego as originally planned for this 35-day journey through the Hawaii and South Pacific
region.
