Alaska Cruise Cut Short After Zaandam Propulsion Issue

Holland America Line’s *Zaandam *was forced to cancel the remainder of its Alaska itinerary after experiencing a propulsion problem that reduced the ship’s operating speed.

The 1,432-guest vessel made an unexpected overnight stay in Juneau, Alaska, on Friday after the issue was discovered. Although *Zaandam *had been scheduled to leave the port at 10 p.m., it remained alongside while technical teams worked to address the problem.

In a letter issued to passengers, Holland America explained that one of the ship’s propulsion systems had been affected. The cruise line stressed that the safety of both guests and crew remained unaffected, but the issue prevented the vessel from achieving the speeds needed to complete its scheduled voyage.

Because of this situation, we regret that we are unable to continue with the remainder of our planned Alaska destinations,” the company told guests. “Exploring the region is often the highlight of the experience, and we are truly sorry for the disappointment this will cause.”

After departing the dock area early Saturday to make space for arriving cruise ships, *Zaandam *stayed near Juneau before returning later in the day to collect passengers who had chosen to spend additional time ashore.

Due to the reduced speed, the ship canceled planned visits to Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan and instead began its return journey to Vancouver, British Columbia. Guests scheduled to join the ship in Skagway were transported to Juneau to board the vessel.

To compensate passengers affected by the itinerary changes, Holland America is providing a refund equal to 50 percent of the base cruise fare, along with a future cruise credit worth an additional 50 percent of the base fare.

*Zaandam *departed Vancouver on June 3 and is still expected to return to the Canadian port on its originally scheduled arrival date on Wednesday. Vessel tracking data on Sunday morning showed the ship heading south through waters off Southeast Alaska.