Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — In Boston on Friday, Massport officials highlighted the economic benefits of the cruise industry at a kickoff party at the Flynn Cruiseport in Boston. The city is the hub of the cruise line industry in New England.
“We are now at 135 million dollars of economic impact, we support over 2,200 jobs and over 40 million dollars in tax revenues for federal, state and local spending,” said Chief State Administrative Officer for Massport, Lauren Gleason.
“So many amazing small and medium businesses throughout the Commonwealth that benefit from cruising coming here from March through November," Gleason added.
The Norwegian Gem is one of 169 cruise ships that is marked on this year’s cruise schedule for the 2024 season. Gleason anticipates that if all goes well, that Massport should see well over 400,000 passengers on cruises this season alone.
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WBZ NewsRadio talked to some passengers at the cruise port about what they like most about the cruise ship experience.
“They make it simple, you don’t have to plan a lot, the food’s good [and] everybody on board is nice, it’s just a fun experience,” said Tim from New York.
Passengers were also asked about what advice they had for first time cruise goers.
“Plan ahead, make sure you know what you want to do when you get [to your destination], if you want dining at certain places [on the ship], make sure you sign up early,” said one passenger.
“Know where you are going to park beforehand, my husband is still looking for a parking spot,” said another.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.
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