Cruise disrupted by propulsion issue; Alaska sailing delayed and large refunds offered

Holland America Line's Zaandam will depart from Vancouver, Canada, later than planned due to propulsion issues requiring urgent repairs. 

Guests aboard the June 10 voyage to Alaska were given the unfortunate news that their departure would be delayed by one day because of a propulsion issue that's forcing the 26-year-old ship to sail at slower-than-normal speeds.

"As you may be aware, during her current voyage, Zaandam experienced a technical issue with her port-side propulsion system. The ship is currently sailing to Vancouver for an early arrival to begin repairs and we have determined the work required will impact your voyage," reads an email sent to confirmed passengers.

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"To conduct repairs, we will remain in the Port of Vancouver for the first night of your cruise. You will be able to board Zaandam as scheduled Wednesday, enjoying the amenities on board as well as exploring the Vancouver area if you desire."

The email also states that, due to the delayed departure, the original itinerary likely won't proceed as planned. Passengers were given an updated itinerary after boarding on June 10, reflecting adjustments to the voyage schedule and ports of call.

Instead of visiting Endicott Arm, Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier Bay, the seven-night voyage will now call at Wrangell and Ketchikan, Alaska, and have two scenic cruising days along the British Columbia coast and in The Last Frontier's famous Inside Passage. 

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"We know how much guests look forward to experiencing Alaska, and while your voyage will differ from the original plan, we are pleased to still offer a scenic voyage to some of Alaska's remarkable landscapes," the letter reads. 

As of 10:00 a.m. EST on June 11, Zaandam remained docked in Vancouver. According to the updated itinerary provided to guests, the ship is expected to depart around midnight on the 12th. 

Holland America Line is compensating guests on the affected sailings

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Passengers will receive a 50% refund of their cruise fare to their original form of payment, as well as a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to 65% of the fare paid for the voyage. 

The FCC includes Holland America Line's Glacier Guarantee, which states that passengers who don't visit an Alaska glacier will receive a credit equal to 15% of their cruise fare.

The letter continues, "It is our sincere hope that this will help you to come back and create new cruise memories with us in the future... We are now working on securing shore excursions for Wrangell and will advise you when they are available to book in the Navigator app or at the Shore Excursions Deck."

The previous Zaandam Alaska cruise was heavily impacted 

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This propulsion issue didn't come out of nowhere. The 61,396-gross-ton ship was forced to adjust its itinerary on the previous voyage due to problems with its port-side propulsion system. 

The June 3 cruise from Vancouver saw its planned visit to Juneau turned into an overnight stay as emergency repairs were carried out. After the extended stop, the vessel returned directly to Vancouver, skipping its visits to Skagway, Glacier Bay, and Ketchikan. 

By heading directly back to Canada, Zaandam arrived in Vancouver for an on-time disembarkation on Wednesday, June 10. This change was necessary due to the vessel sailing at slower speeds. 

Holland America Line Zaandam Facts

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Zaandam is one of the oldest ships in Holland America Line's fleet, having set sail on her maiden voyage in May 2000. 

As an R Class vessel, she is also among the smallest ships operated by Holland America. This makes her a strong contender for longer, more immersive itineraries. 

She measures under 62,000 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of just 1,432. She's also a fairly short cruise ship, coming in at just 780 feet long.

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After wrapping up her seasonal stint in Alaska, she'll relocate to San Diego, where she will offer an impressive lineup of voyages to destinations like French Polynesia, Hawaii, and the Mexican Riviera.