CHARLESTON (AP) -- South Carolina is ushering in a new era of tourism with the first cruise liner to be permanently based in the state.

The Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Fantasy arrived in port Tuesday morning as a sail boat fired a gun in salute and a tug boat escorting the ship sent arcs of water spraying into the air.

The Fantasy carries 2,056-passengers. She will sail from Charleston year-round and the first cruise leaves later Tuesday.

This year, there will be 67 cruise calls in Charleston.

The State Ports Authority is making plans to open a new cruise terminal in a renovated building on the waterfront.

A study for the authority in February found the cruise industry will mean $37 million for the state economy this year.

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