Businesses in American Samoa are looking forward to October 14, as the Pacific destination was expecting a double call-day with the Noordam and Luminosa both making their second visits of 2016, according to David Vaefe, executive director of the American Samoa Visitors Bureau.

For 2017, the Oceania Sirena and Emerald Princess are both on the books for their maiden visits.

For all inaugural ship visits we have a local entertainment group performing traditional Samoan dances when the ship arrives and departs,” said Vaefe. “We also have our reigning Miss American Samoa pierside greeting all passengers and crew for every ship visit throughout the year.”

Vaefe said American Samoa was distinct as it is an un-commercialized cruise destination with a strong “living culture.”

“For most visitors that come, it’s our hospitality that they remember and what a South Pacific island truly is,” he said.

“Another thing we do is we work with the port lecturers from the ships. We update them on our tours, showing them the new sights and more. That way in their onboard lectures they can update the passengers on new things to see and do,” Vaefe said.

“For us it’s about passengers and crew going away feeling they experienced our unique Samoan hospitality.”