Bloomberg: NYC Cruise Industry Is Booming

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City cruise passengers spent more than $120 million last year -- more than any other continental U.S. port, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday.

The industry generated a total economic impact of $200 million last year, according Bloomberg. An impact study revealed a 32 percent increase in New York City cruise passengers since the first year of analysis in 2009.

The passengers, along with crewmembers, have spent over 30 percent more on the cruises since 2009, and the number of ship calls has increased nearly 40 percent, Bloomberg said.

"These numbers confirm that the our critical investments and ongoing efforts to support and grow the cruise industry are paying off," Mayor Bloomberg said in a news release. "Last year, a record number of 52 million visitors came to New York City – many of them by cruise ship – leading to additional jobs, increased spending, and providing a major boost to our economy."

Tourism as a whole is the city's fifth largest industry.

Please leave your comments below...