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
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