BAR HARBOR (AP) – Passengers and crews from cruise ships spent $10.3 million at town businesses last year, according to a new University of Maine study.

The study, conducted by students in the Department of Resource Economics and Policy, found that the average cruise ship passenger spends about $106 during the a five-hour visit, compared to the typical tourist who spends about $40 a day.

The average passenger had an annual income of $75,000, and nearly 40 percent had incomes of at least $100,000.

Most of the 64 ships that visited Bar Harbor dropped anchor in September and October, which had the effect of stretching out the town’s tourism season, according to the study.

Passengers accounted for 64 percent of all retail sales and 26 percent of restaurant and bar sales in October 2002.

Todd Gabe, one of report’s four authors, said additional studies will be done on the impact of cruise ships on Bar Harbor’s economy. Topics will include why people return after seeing the town by ship and where exactly they spend their money.

“This is part of our service and outreach by the university,” Gabe said. “The study will benefit business owners and residents of Bar Harbor, and it’s also an interesting subject for us to study.”

The study was based on a survey of 1,080 passengers between August and October 2002.

Clare Bingham, director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the independent study because research by the cruise ship industry has been seen as self-serving.

“So this 1/8UM 3/8 study is an independent source who was given complete access to the passengers, and I think the results are fascinating,” Bingham said. “It’s exciting. This is very positive.”

The new cruise ship season officially begins May 12, when the Astor makes its maiden voyage into Bar Harbor. The 650-passenger ship is one of 19 companies that will make Bar Harbor a port of call in 2003.

Charlie Phippin, Bar Harbor’s harbor master, said 71 cruises have stops scheduled this season, most in September and October.

AP-ES-04-08-03 1359EDT