Cruise lines and its passengers were responsible for spending $17.6 billion in the U.S. in 2006, while 12 million people worldwide took a cruise vacation, according to a study released by the Cruise Lines International Association on Wednesday. The report shows that total cruise spending increased last year by 10 percent and indirect economic impacts, such as transportation services, bumped the total U.S. expenditure to $35.7 billion. "The U.S. economic benefits for 2006 reflect what we believe is a healthy rate of growth that supports an expanding industry," said Terry Dale, CLIA's president and CEO. Other findings: Miami is the top cruise port by embarkation numbers, with New York and Hawaii gaining ground. Approximately 40 percent of embarking passengers stay one or more nights in a port city and pay, on average, $289 per visit. To view the complete report, visit [www.cruising.org].
