Vital Part of America's Economy

Although cruise ships sail throughout the world, cruising as a business substantially benefits North America, and cruise lines make up a vital piece of the American economic picture. According to the study conducted by Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA), the cruise industry contributed $25.4 billion to the U.S. economy in 2003.

• Total cruise industry spending supported 295,077 American jobs, generating total wages and salaries of $11.6 billion

• Cruise lines directly employ over 29,000 Americans in their U.S. headquarters offices. Field sales positions, support and administrative positions worldwide and on board their ships. During 2003, the cruise industry paid $850 million in U.S. wages, salaries, benefits and wage taxes.

• Many cruise industry purchases - from food and beverages served on the ships to crew uniforms - are made in the United States. The combined direct spending of cruise lines and their passengers on American goods and services in 2003 totaled $12.9 billion.

• Direct purchases by cruise lines benefited business representing virtually every segment of the U.S. economy, including airlines, travel agencies, ground transportation companies, business services, energy, finance, food and beverage and ship repair and maintenance.

• Three states - Florida, California and New York - topped the list of economic beneficiaries from cruise lines purchasing and employment in 2003, but the industry's impact reached far beyond the seashore. In fact, all 50 states benefit from the positive economic contributions of the cruise industry.

• The growing popularity of cruising throughout the world has also provided a bonus for U.S. tourism. The number of tourist from other countries who travel to North America for a cruise vacation - and frequently an extended pre- or post - cruise visit - increased by 50 percent in the last half of the past decade.