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Press Release: ICE Gallery
November 13, 2002
PHOENIX, AZ -- With a view of Mt. McKinley and a ship full of fun, more than 40 vacation ownership industry leaders
still made time to discuss the important issues facing the growing industry while on the International Cruise &
Excursion (ICE) Gallery's third VIP Cruise event.
The seven-day Northbound Alaska cruise on the Ocean Princess was a time for invited executives to offer their opinions
and their business paradigms as examples and illustrations for the new direction of the vacation ownership industry.
Shari Levitin was onboard to conduct two workshops on building a bottom line on customer service and employee loyalty,
and a roundtable discussion allowed industry leaders to talk frankly and openly on the changing industry and their
ideas for future success.
However, the third VIP Cruise did provide more than an opportunity for business for invitees; there was also time
for fun. Cocktail parties, shore excursions to the cities of Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway and a view of the beauty
of Glacier Bay and College Fjord were just part of the trip. In addition, invitees were able to personally experience
the amenities so often associated with cruising-gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, onboard shopping-to
provide first-hand proof as to why cruising is the highest rated travel vacation experience.
"The VIP Cruise has become an industry event not to miss, allowing industry leaders an opportunity to meet
and discuss the pertinent subjects of today's vacation ownership industry," said David Crabtree, Chief Operating
Officer of Sales and Marketing for Westgate Resorts. "What makes it work is the opportunity to do business
with my contemporaries, while looking out at a great view and enjoying the perks of a luxury cruise ship."
In addition, ICE Gallery used the VIP Cruise as a fundraising opportunity for Christel House, their Charity of
Choice and a well-known organization within the timeshare industry. The non-profit institute that aids children
worldwide conducted a Silent Art Auction with 15 framed original pieces produced by Christel House children. ICE
Gallery donated a 7-day cruise vacation to the auction and, following the spirit of the evening, many developers
spontaneously donated resort vacations for the charity. Total, the Christel House evening garnered an impressive
$31,000 for the charity, a record setting donation.
"Our VIP Cruises have proven to be a way for the industry to come together and discuss the issues that are
affecting all of us while still having a rewarding vacation," says Marcia Rowley, Vice President of Marketing
and Operations for ICE Gallery. "We believe that the VIP Cruises not only offer our Resort Affiliates a time
to network in a relaxed setting, it also shows exactly why cruising is a valuable benefit for their owners and
therefore a valuable sales tool for their staff."
The next VIP Cruise is scheduled for February 2003 onboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas. Industry executives
will set sail to the exotic Southern Caribbean on one of Royal Caribbean's most celebrated ships.
The Phoenix-based International Cruise & Excursion (ICE) Gallery is the largest provider of Cruises to the
Vacation Ownership industry. ICE Gallery currently has more than 650 Affiliated Resorts, which represent more than
one million Vacation Owners worldwide. ICE Gallery provides cruise programs and marketing services to more than
3 million timeshare owners through offices in the United States, Mexico, South Africa, United Kingdom, Malaysia
and Australia and is the recipient of the 2000 ACE Innovator Award (ARDA Circle of Excellence Award) for its industry
innovation with Cruises.
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Contact: Michelle Wade mwade@icegallery.com (602) 749-2119