Holland America Line revises Zaandam's 2026 Pacific cruise
Holland America Line has altered the Zaandam's 35-day October 2026 cruise from San Diego due to operating speed adjustments.
Holland America Line has adjusted the Zaandam's October 15, 2026 departure due to ongoing operating speed adjustments, though no technical cause has been confirmed. The 35-day Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary was revised, including the cancellation of a port call and adjustments to arrival and departure times. These changes were required due to the need to adjust the ship’s planned operating speed during parts of the voyage. The line has not linked the operating-speed changes to a technical problem, referring only to adjustments in its latest communication.
This follows a confirmed propulsion issue in June 2026, when the Zaandam skipped scenic Glacier Bay cruising and altered Alaska sailings. Holland America Line has not confirmed any connection between that incident and the current itinerary changes.
Port calls swapped in French Polynesia to avoid Silversea overlap
The French Polynesia schedule was modified to prevent an overlap with Silversea’s Silver Whisper. Instead of visiting Bora Bora on November 3rd and Raiatea on November 4th, Zaandam will call at Raiatea on November 3rd, followed by Bora Bora on November 4th. This makes Zaandam the only cruise ship scheduled in each port on those dates.
The new Bora Bora schedule reduces the ship’s time in port by 5 hours compared with the original plan. Holland America Line said the earlier departure would provide an opportunity for a sunset sailaway.
| Port | Original Date (2026) | Original Times | Revised Date (2026) | Revised Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bora Bora | November 3 | 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. | November 4 | 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Raiatea | November 4 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | November 3 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
Fanning Island cancelled, time added elsewhere
The revised itinerary removes the October 29th call at Tabuaeran, also known as Fanning Island, in Kiribati. Some additional time has been allocated elsewhere following this cancellation.
The calls at Kahului, Hawaii, on October 24th and Moorea, French Polynesia, on November 6th have each been extended by 2 hours.
Guests receive compensation amid concerns over voyage length and reliability
Holland America Line is providing all guests on the October 15, 2026 departure with a $100 USD non-refundable credit to their shipboard accounts. The credit can be used during the sailing for retail purchases, spa treatments, specialty dining, shore tours, and other spending.
The October 15, 2026 sailing covers more than 9,400 miles. Guests are concerned about the voyage because it is covering such a distance in destinations far from advanced shipyards. One guest commented on Facebook about crossing the Pacific with no guarantee the propulsion system problem would not worsen. Another mentioned being very concerned about having mechanical issues in the middle of the Pacific with hurricanes going through lately due to El Niño.
Other guests acknowledge that no ports are ever guaranteed on an itinerary and may be cancelled at the last minute for a variety of factors. The uniqueness of the sailing and the exotic destinations continue to make the itinerary worthwhile for many booked guests despite the last-minute shuffling.
Pattern of disruption continues from June Alaska voyages
The announcement comes 4 months after MS Zaandam experienced a confirmed propulsion issue during its Alaskan deployment. During a June 3rd Alaska voyage, a technical problem affecting one propulsion system prevented the vessel from maintaining its normal speed. The ship's captain announced they were dealing with a technical issue affecting one of the propulsion systems, meaning they were unable to sail at normal speed.
The incident resulted in an extended stay in Juneau and the cancellation of calls at Skagway and Ketchikan, as well as planned scenic cruising in Glacier Bay. The following voyage, scheduled to depart Vancouver on June 10th, was also delayed while repairs continued, with the itinerary substantially revised to just two port visits.
Guests are concerned about the strong El Niño in the Pacific Ocean and its potential impact on the cruise. The original itinerary included 14 ports across Hawaii, Kiribati and French Polynesia. The round-trip sailing is scheduled to depart San Diego on October 15th, 2026. Zaandam remains scheduled to depart San Diego on October 15, 2026 for the 35-day Pacific voyage and return to the same port following its revised itinerary.
