Holland America Cancels Second Veendam Cruise for Propeller Issue

Holland America Line's Veendam // Photo by Susan J. Young

On Thursday, Holland America Line said it was cancelling the Oct. 4 voyage of Veendam, as work has progressed on a propeller issue but the repairs are not yet complete. The line was forced to cancel a voyage on Sept. 28 for the same issue. 

"It has been identified that more time will be needed to make the necessary repairs," Holland America said in a statement issued Thursday. "As such, Holland America Line regrettably must cancel the Oct. 4 seven-day Canada & New England sailing."  The line stressed that "the safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our top priority."

The newly cancelled voyage is a point-to-point itinerary from Boston to Quebec and comes during the peak of the fall foliage season. "We are extremely sorry that our guests’ cruise vacations have been affected in this way and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience," the line's statement said. 

Holland America said guests booked on the Oct. 4 cruise will receive a full refund of their cruise fare plus a future cruise credit of 100 percent of their cruise fare paid. In addition, the line said it will reimburse guests for any non-refundable expenses such as missed tours and excursions that were purchased through Holland America Line. 

Holland America Line is working closely with guests scheduled to sail on this voyage as well as their travel agents to assist with necessary changes.

Currently, the ship is alongside the pier in Quebec as repair work continues. All services and safety systems on the ship are fully operational, the line said. Due to port traffic, the ship shifted berths within the port Thursday morning, but did so under its own power. Two tug boats accompanied it, per regulatory requirements. 

Guests with questions are asked to call 877-425-2231 or 206-626-7398.