Newsome said the cruise study, prepared by two College of Charleston researchers, shows the average cruise passenger comes with an above-average income — “not that we should even be talking about that” — and that they, by default, spend money.

The economic impact study by professors John Crotts and Frank Hefner estimates that cruises will generate more than 400 local jobs, with each averaging nearly $40,000 in wages, and $3.5 million in state sales and income tax. The report suggests that each cruise call originating in Charleston results in $530,000 in direct local business income.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/oct/03/are-cruises-a-boon-for-local-economy/