Newer and larger cruise ships homeported at the Dante B. Fascell Port of Miami-Dade helped the transportation hub retain its title as the Busiest Cruise Port in the World. Year-end statistics for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2001, show that passenger traffic at the Port of Miami was up .8 percent from last year with 3,391,091 people cruising the high seas. The cargo side of the business also experienced a boost with 8,247,004 tons moving through the port, representing a 5.7 increase. According to seaport director, Charles A. Towsley, the port’s figures indicate that the port is a steady force and major contributor to the economic well-being of the community.