Cruisers were never big spenders. They pay one price for a ticket and not a penny anywhere else. They feel they can eat for "free' on the boat as they have already put up the money. Look at Maho beach when a lot of cruise ships are in. Three quarters of the beach are the cruisers sitting on the ships towels and one quarter will rent loungers. They do nothing for the economy. The only ones making out is the government, the more cruise ships in, the better. Fills their pockets while businesses are hurting.