NYC Cruise Industry Generates $239M, a New Record

NEW YORK (AP) - Mayor Michael Bloomberg says New York City's cruise industry generated $239 million last year, setting a new record.

The mayor's office says more than 632,000 passengers and crew members spent nearly $150 million in the city while boarding a cruise ship or making a stop here during a voyage.

Embarking passengers spent the most at more than $120 million, with about half of that spent on hotel accommodations.

Bloomberg says supporting the cruise industry is part of his larger plan to reconnect New Yorkers to the city's waterfront with new parks, recreation and maritime activity.

Cruise industry leaders said at an annual convention in Miami Tuesday that they expect to see a record number of people taking cruise vacations this year.