Miami, FL, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The economic impact of the cruise industry in the United States rose by 11 percent to $25.4 billion, The Miami Herald reported Wednesday.

A study commissioned by the International Council of Cruise Lines said the increase was fueled by a surge in the number of ships and passengers.

It said there were 20 new ships in 2003 creating a 6.6 percent increase in passengers from 2002.

"When other sectors of travel and tourism struggled to recover in 2003, the cruise industry saw a steady increase in demand," said Michael Crye, president of the council.

The report said an additional reason for the increase was the move toward "drive to" ports, which are close enough to home to eliminate the need for buying an airline ticket to get to the embarkation point.

Florida led the nation with $4.6 billion of the overall impact with the Port of Miami and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., leading the way.

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