Interval International Introduces Cruise Exchange Program


Miami, Fla.,-- Interval International, the World-Class Vacation Exchange Company, has launched a cruise exchange program with access to the top cruise lines in the industry. This new benefit will allow Interval Preferred members in North America to exchange their timeshare week for a cruise of seven days or longer. Through the program, Preferred members can enjoy cruises to popular destinations in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Europe and a variety of other locations.

In a recent poll of timeshare owners, Interval found convincing evidence that vacation owners want a cruise option. Eighty percent of the company's members polled said that they would be interested in a cruise exchange program.

"Our research clearly demonstrated that a cruise offering is something our members really want," said Lawrence R. Biondi, senior vice president of Marketing for Interval International. "We designed this program with great care to ensure that this benefit provides enhanced value to our membership base."

Interval's program offers sailings on some of the top cruise lines in the industry and will allow Interval Preferred members in North America to exchange their timeshare week for a cruise of seven days or longer.

Meals, entertainment and much more are included with payment of a supplemental cruise fee. This fee is based on a number of factors including the type of cabin, the cruise line, length of the cruise and the home resort unit being exchanged.

To use the cruise-exchange option, members call an Interval International cruise advisor at a toll-free number. Once they have selected a cruise, members place an exchange request. Cruise exchange is on a "request first" basis - members don't relinquish their home resort unit until the cruise exchange is confirmed.

"This benefit adds another world-class component to our Interval Preferred member offerings," said Biondi. "it is an excellent example of one of many value-added benefits available to our Preferred membership base."

Interval International has served the vacation ownership industry since 1976, offering innovative products and leading the industry with the highest level of quality, service and value. Interval has attracted leading independent and brand-name developers to its network, which now includes over 1,800 resorts in more than 70 countries. Interval serves more than one million member families and its member resorts worldwide through 31 offices in 23 countries. Beyond exchange, Interval offers its developer clients a range of services, including program design, sales and marketing support, travel, reservations and financial services.