Dan Hanrahan - AP

The cruise industry's outlook is positive this year despite economic pressures such as high fuel costs, the weak dollar and the struggling housing market, leaders of the world's largest cruise lines said Tuesday.

Dan Hanrahan, marketing committee chairman for Cruise Lines International Association, said 12.6 million passengers took cruises in 2007 with 10.3 million of those coming from North America.

The industry expects an increase in worldwide cruise passengers this year to 12.8 million people - as lines plan to add eight new ships in 2008 and more than 35 new vessels in the next four years.