Key Aspects:
- Zaandam‘s 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary leaving San Diego on October 15, 2026 is shifting ports and changing port visit times.
- Holland America Line has not explained the last-minute changes, but Zaandam did have confirmed propulsion difficulties in June 2026.
- Guests are concerned about the strong El Niño in the Pacific Ocean and how that might impact the cruise, especially if there are technical difficulties.
The upcoming 35-day “Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas” sailing aboard Holland America Line’s Zaandam has seen significant port changes in recent days. The ship departs on Thursday, October 15, 2026 and ports are still being moved and times adjusted, raising concerns among booked guests about possible propulsion difficulties and other challenges.
Guests recently received notification of several changes, some of which provide unique opportunities but others that are disappointing to eager travelers.
For example, a swap in the order of calls to Raiatea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia does give guests more exclusivity during their visits to both destinations.
Originally, Zaandam was to have called on Bora Bora on Tuesday, November 3 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., followed by Raiatea on Wednesday, November 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On those dates, Silversea’s Silver Whisper is also planned for each port.
Now, Zaandam will visit Raiatea on November 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Bora Bora on November 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“These revised dates mean Zaandam will be the only ship in port during both visits, providing greater access to local transportation, shore excursions, and experiences ashore. An earlier departure time from Bora Bora will also offer the opportunity to enjoy a memorable sunset sailaway,” the cruise line explained.
While Silver Whisper only has a guest capacity of 388 travelers compared to the 1,432-guest Zaandam, the extra guests could have caused crowding at such unique destinations.
Could There Be Propulsion Problems?
Not all the itinerary changes are welcome ones, however, and some changes are causing concern to booked guests.
“Adjustments to the ship’s planned operating speed will be required during portions of the voyage,” the email noted. “As a result, we will no longer call at Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), Kiribati, on Thursday, October 29, and have adjusted the time spent in certain ports.”
To compensate for the loss of Tabuaeran, two extra hours have been added to two different ports, Kahului on October 24 and Moorea on November 6.
Holland America Line has not disclosed why Zaandam must have adjustments to her planned operating speed. In many cases, such operational changes may indicate propulsion difficulties.
Cruise Hive reported in June 2026 that Zaandam had to drop both Skagway and Ketchikan from her June 3 Alaska sailing, as well as skip scenic Glacier Bay cruising, due to propulsion difficulties.
At that time, Holland America Line confirmed the technical problems and scheduled overnight time in Juneau for repairs.
“We’re dealing with a technical issue affecting one of our propulsion systems, which means we’re unable to sail at our normal speed,” the ship’s captain announced to guests on the June 3 sailing.
The ship’s next voyage, scheduled to depart on June 10, was also delayed more than a full day and had to operate a revised itinerary with just two port visits, Wrangell and Ketchikan.
In addition to the extended time for Kahului and Moorea, Holland America Line is providing all guests on the October 15 departure with a $100 (USD) non-refundable credit to their shipboard accounts. That credit can be used at any time during the sailing for retail purchases, spa treatments, specialty dining, shore tours, and other spending.
Some guests are concerned about the voyage, however, as the sailing is covering more than 9,400 miles in destinations far from advanced shipyards.
“We are going to cross the pacific and no guarantee that the problem with the propulsion system is not going to get worse,” one guest commented on Facebook.
“I am very concerned about having mechanical [issues] in middle of Pacific with hurricanes going through lately due to El Niño,” another guest mentioned. “One by Cabo right now, three earlier this past week.”
Other guests are acknowledging 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.
