Zaandam’s 35-Day South Pacific Cruise Revised Days Before Departure

Holland America Line has made a series of late itinerary changes to Zaandam’s 35-day Legendary Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas voyage, including dropping a port call and altering several arrival and departure times after advising guests that the ship’s planned operating speed will need to be adjusted.

The roundtrip sailing is due to leave San Diego on 15th October 2026, visiting Hawaii and French Polynesia during a voyage originally marketed with 14 ports across three countries. Holland America Line’s published material for the cruise included four Hawaiian islands, Fanning Island in Kiribati and eight destinations in French Polynesia.

Among the most significant changes is the removal of Tabuaeran, also known as Fanning Island, which had been scheduled for 29th October.

“Adjustments to the ship’s planned operating speed will be required during portions of the voyage,” Holland America Line told guests. “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.”

The cruise line has not stated that the latest operating-speed adjustments are connected to a technical problem. However, they come four months after Zaandam experienced a confirmed propulsion issue during its Alaska season.

Changes To French Polynesia Schedule

The revised itinerary also changes Zaandam’s schedule in French Polynesia, including the order of its calls at Raiatea and Bora Bora.

Under the previous schedule, the ship was due in Bora Bora from 8am until 11pm on 3rd November, followed by Raiatea from 8am until 5pm on 4th November. Silversea’s Silver Whisper was also scheduled to be in the respective ports on those dates.

Zaandam will instead visit Raiatea from 8am until 5pm on 3rd November before moving to Bora Bora on 4th November, where it is scheduled to remain from 8am until 6pm.

Holland America Line said the revised order would leave Zaandam as the only cruise ship in port during both visits.

“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.

The new Bora Bora schedule means guests lose five hours compared with the original 11pm departure, although the change avoids the overlap with Silver Whisper.

Additional time is being provided elsewhere following the cancellation of Fanning Island. Two hours have been added to Zaandam’s calls at Kahului, Hawaii, on 24th October and Moorea, French Polynesia, on 6th November.

Guests booked on the 15th October departure are also being given a $100 non-refundable onboard credit. The credit can be used during the cruise for purchases including speciality dining, spa services, retail spending, shore excursions and other onboard expenses.

Previous Propulsion Issue Raises Questions

The reference to changes in Zaandam’s planned operating speed has prompted concern among some passengers because of the ship’s propulsion difficulties earlier in 2026. Holland America Line has not said the two situations are connected.

During Zaandam’s 3rd June Alaska cruise, a technical issue affecting one of the ship’s propulsion systems prevented it from maintaining its normal operating speed. The problem led to an extended stay in Juneau and the cancellation of scheduled visits to Skagway and Ketchikan as well as scenic cruising in Glacier Bay.

“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 told guests at the time.

The following voyage, originally scheduled to depart Vancouver on 10th June, was also disrupted while repairs continued. Its departure was delayed by more than a day and the itinerary was substantially revised.

There is no confirmation that Zaandam is currently experiencing a recurrence of that propulsion fault. Holland America Line’s latest communication refers only to adjustments to the ship’s planned operating speed, making it unclear whether the changes are technical, operational or precautionary.

The voyage’s extensive Pacific routing has nevertheless added to concerns among some booked passengers. The itinerary covers thousands of miles and includes long stretches at sea between Hawaii, Kiribati, French Polynesia and the North American coast.

One guest wrote: “We are going to cross the pacific and no guarantee that the problem with the propulsion system is not going to get worse.”

Another passenger raised concerns about a combination of potential mechanical problems and weather conditions in the Pacific.

“I am very concerned about having mechanical [issues] in middle of Pacific with hurricanes going through lately due to El Niño,” the guest said. “One by Cabo right now, three earlier this past week.”

El Niño is currently strengthening in the tropical Pacific. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said in its 10th September update that there was a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during the Northern Hemisphere autumn and winter of 2026-27. It also placed the chance of an event exceeding previous El Niño events in its historical record during October to December at 75%.

That outlook does not mean Zaandam will encounter adverse weather during the cruise. NOAA notes that even with an El Niño event of this magnitude, associated impacts are not guaranteed in individual locations.

Zaandam remains scheduled to depart San Diego on 15th October for the 35-day voyage. Holland America Line also currently lists the sailing in its programme, with the ship due to return to San Diego after its extended Hawaii and South Pacific itinerary.