Cruise industry still strong in Florida, study says

James Crichlow

The Carnival Cruise Line's Fascination ship in Jacksonville offers cruises to Key West and the Bahamas.

Shaun Bevan, Reporter- South Florida Business Journal

Florida remains a key player in the cruise industry with about 60 percent of the nation?s embarkations beginning in the Sunshine State.

According to the latest study from industry group Cruise Lines International Association, Florida businesses received $7 billion, or 36 percent of the direct spending generated by the cruise industry in the nation.

?The cruise industry is a growing contributor to our nation?s economy and the economic benefits of cruising go beyond port communities as all 50 states benefit from the cruise industry?s direct and indirect spending,? said Christine Duffy, CLIA?s president and CEO. ?Various businesses nationwide contribute products and services that are integral to the cruise experience. The study demonstrates that cruising, aside from being a fun and affordable vacation option, continues to spur U.S. economic growth.?

More than 131,000 Florida residents are employed by the cruise industry, the report says.

Jacksonville Port Authority Interim CEO Roy Schleicher said he has had ?some very, very preliminary talks? with JEA?s CEO, Paul McElroy, the possibility of building a new cruise terminal on JEA land.

Passenger embarkations in Florida increased by 2.6 percent in 2012 to 6.1 million. Jacksonville?s cruise business the same year counted 195,000 passengers.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/bizj_jacksonville/~3/9YSFt5hW654/cruise-industry-still-strong-in.html

windows 8 Emanuel Steward nyc.gov SAT Notre Dame Football Schedule detroit tigers Tsunami