American Express card members spent 23% more on cruises in December 2009 than December 2008, the company said Thursday at the American Express Semiannual Financial Community.

A note from Wells Fargo Securities analysts said American Express revealed that purchases on cruises exceeded increased spending in other travel segments.

Card members' spending on tours increased 12.4%, airlines 10.6% and lodging 2.3%, Wells Fargo reported, adding that American Express suggested that positive spending trends had continued into January.