These calls are expected to carry more than 23,000 passengers, according to Federico A. Schad of Bahia Cruise Services in Samaná, who estimated 54,000 total passengers for the season.
In the past seven years Samaná has hosted more than 1.2m passengers from 16 cruise lines.
Located on the Dominican Republic's northeastern shore, Samaná Bay is called the 'Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean' since thousands of humpback whales from the North Atlantic migrate to the area each winter to mate and give birth.
Next season Samaná will also handle calls from Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, AIDA Cruises and Holland America Line.
