SINGAPORE, April 7, 2008 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- RCI(R), the global leader in vacation exchange and timeshare exchange and one of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN), today announced the launch of RCI Cruise, the first cruise vacation exchange in Asia. RCI entered into an agreement with ICE Gallery Asia Pacific (ICE) to offer RCI subscribing members in Asia a choice of 10,000 cruise itineraries from among the world's leading cruise liners.
"We are very excited about RCI Cruise as it allows us to offer a new dimension in vacation exchange to our members. In addition to offering holiday exchanges at over 4,000 RCI affiliated resorts globally, the launch of RCI Cruise will enable our members to enjoy the experience of a cruise holiday from among 10,000 itineraries available across the globe. The debut of RCI Cruise in Asia underlines our vision to identify innovative vacation exchange options and we will continue to explore opportunities that will enhance the vacation experiences of our members and their families," said Kendall Oei, president and managing director of Group RCI, Asia Pacific.
Group RCI's foray into offering cruise exchange in Asia is timely as cruise holidays are gaining popularity around the world. According to the UN-World Travel Organization (WTO), 1.4 percent of international arrivals are cruise passengers, generating rising revenues from all locations, and mainstream liners are extending their itineraries into Asia. The World Cruise Shipping Industry to 2020 report predicts that globally, world cruise passenger aggregate is expected to reach 18 million by 2010, 22.6 million by 2015 and 27 million by 2020.
"We are delighted to have ICE steer our first cruise exchange in Asia. In view of the growing demand for cruise holidays, working together with an international and experienced cruise organization like ICE is key to the success of RCI Cruise. We are confident that ICE's expertise in cruise programs and their array of cruise offerings will be most appreciated by RCI members," added Mr Oei.
"The cruise market is growing rapidly in this region with the influx of new ships providing seasonal itineraries. ICE is committed to delivering the very best value in cruising across the world and working with the right companies. As RCI's chosen cruise provider for Asia, we are very excited to be able to help convert the dream of cruise vacations into a reality for RCI members, with the ease of RCI Cruise," said Stuart Ockenden, Chief Operating Officer for ICE.
ICE is one of the foremost worldwide cruise and leisure organizations specializing in value-added cruise programs, internet marketing solutions and unique technology solutions for a global portfolio of innovative travel alliances among top corporations, resorts, cruise lines and vacation suppliers.
ICE will manage and operate the RCI Cruise program and provide cruise products and benefits to RCI members. Through RCI Cruise, RCI members will have access to a vast network of renowned international cruise liners including Royal Caribbean International, Cunard, Holland-America Line, Princess, Norwegian, Celebrity, Disney Cruises and Carnival.
RCI members will be able to exchange their vacation week or RCI Points(r) towards the purchase of up to four cabins at cruise exchange pricing plus only one transaction fee on selected cruises, depending on the type of cruise, cabin, date and destination. Alternatively, RCI Members and their family and friends can avail themselves of member-only special rates should they opt to purchase a cruise holiday outright through RCI, instead of exchanging their week or RCI Points.
About Group RCI
Group RCI, part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of companies, (NYSE: WYN) is the global leader in non-hotel leisure accommodations with exclusive access for specified periods to more than 67,000 vacation properties in nearly 100 countries. Organizationally, Group RCI is comprised of vacation exchange, including RCI(R), the worldwide leader in timeshare and vacation exchange and provider of travel services to businesses and consumers and The Registry Collection(R), the world's largest luxury exchange program; vacation rentals, including Endless Vacation Rentals(SM), Landal Greenparks(R), Novasol(R), and more than 30 other vacation rental brands, through which vacationers can rent a wide variety of property types, from city apartments to country cottages to unique villas; and NorthCourse(R), Leisure Real Estate Solutions, an international leader in providing a full spectrum of advisory, research, asset management and turnkey solutions and services. Collectively, the company delivers vacation experiences to leisure travelers around the world and provides products and services to business customers that support the growth of the leisure real estate industry. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation is one of the world's largest hospitality companies with leading brands in lodging franchising, vacation ownership, vacation rentals and vacation exchange. For additional information visit http://www.grouprci.com or the media center of http://www.wyndhamworldwide.com .
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Ranjana Biswas, Group RCI
Tel: +91-80-4184-9355
Email: Ranjana.Biswas@rci.com
Joanna Ong, Urban Scoop Consultancy
Tel: +65-9687-7910
Email: joanna@u-scoop.com
