Growth in Cruise Line Spending Slows

Spending related to cruises run by Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and other lines grew at the slowest pace in at least six years as fewer new ships were launched.

Cruise ships traveling to and from U.S. ports and their passengers pumped $32.4 billion into the U.S. economy, a 7.9% increase, the International Council of Cruise Lines said in a report. Passengers traveling from U.S. ports rose 6.3% to 8.6 million last year, less than half the rate of growth in 2004.

Separately, Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. agreed to buy Spain’s biggest cruise and tour operator, Pullmantur, for $551 million in cash to boost operations in the lucrative European cruise market.