Got ICE?

As regular readers of this blog know, I’m not about selling anything; I’m about letting consumers know more so they can make wise choices.

Today, I’m highlighting a company called International Cruise and Excursions, abbreviated to ICE and sometimes-called ICE Platinum Rewards.

Let’s make it clear from the outset that if you don’t own a timeshare, you can’t become a member of ICE.  But for those of you who do own a timeshare, you may want to find out more about ICE in order to maximize your timeshare usage. Note that ICE does not accept every timeshare week, they limit the number of non-RCI Gold Crown and non-II 5 Star resorts that they accept.

ICE was started in 1997 as a cruise exchange. This was a novelty back then. No one was giving timeshare owners the opportunity to trade vacation weeks towards cruise vacations. Note the word “towards.” It is important to understand that when anyone speaks about trading timeshare “for” a cruise, that’s not the whole story. Timeshare weeks are just that . . . a week of accommodations only. Cruises encompass accommodations, meals, entertainment, beverages, and much more. In plain-speak, yes, there will generally be an additional charge when trading weeks towards cruises.

In 12 years, ICE has grown to be one of the top 3 distributors of cruises in North America, and the top producer for every major cruise line out there. What that means for consumers is buying power, which we’ll talk about in a bit.

ICE has four core benefits of their Platinum Rewards Program:

1. When owners exchange a timeshare week towards a cruise, there is no exchange fee assessed.
2. Members may book resort and hotel vacations at a discount rate.
3. Members take advantage of ICE’s “Best Price Guarantee” on cruises, experiential vacations, resorts, hotels, and car rentals.
4. ICE’s Loyalty Program, which allows you to earn rewards.

Core Benefit #1, Cruise Exchange: Members can deposit one (1) timeshare week and receive up to four (4) cabins at the discount pricing. This is wonderful if you are planning a family vacation or even a company retreat. As stated before, there is no exchange fee assessed, although members will still have to “get” a week from their resorts in order to “give” it to ICE. ICE works with every major cruise line, so you can tailor your vacation to your specific needs. For those of you who have never cruised, it pays to do some research: a Celebrity Cruise is very different from a Carnival Cruise or a Disney Cruise. Depending on the cruise you choose, you will be able to save up to $1,500. What this means is that ICE will “value” your timeshare week up to $1,500. There are no blackout dates or restrictions as with some other companies. However, it is always wise to book ahead for peak times.

Core Benefit #2, Resort and Hotel Vacations: ICE works with both RCI- and II-affiliated resorts, so you can increase your vacation opportunities. Since ICE works mainly with RCI Gold Crown and II 5 Star resorts, members have the opportunity to check out really great resorts worldwide. These weeks do not require you to deposit or trade anything, and start at $399 per week. For those of you who are flexible on time, ICE’s “Last Minute Vacations” (booked 90 days or less from check-in) can save you money. These weeks are $399 or less! I’ve taken advantage of some of these and have been quite impressed with the quality and the savings. If you are looking for a hotel, ICE works with the major brands and you can save up to 60% off rack rates.

Core Benefit #3, Best Price Guarantee: ICE guarantees their pricing on cruises, experiential vacations, car rentals and resort and hotel vacations. These guys mean business. This guarantee is printed on every receipt they produce, on their Web site, and on every piece of member collateral. If you find a lower price, they will match it or beat it. Nice to know!

Core Benefit #4, Platinum Rewards: ICE members earn rewards on all travel purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for savings on pretty much everything ICE works with–cruises, resort stays, and experiential vacations. One of the best features of these rewards is that they never expire!

So, should you look into an ICE membership? Absolutely. I think a well-informed and savvy timeshare owner should look at all of their options and have a variety of discount tools available to them. There are times when exchanging your timeshare week towards a cruise will not be a good idea. For instance, if it’s only “valued” at $300, I’d pass, of course. But then look into their lowest price guarantee.

If you’d like to find out more about ICE, contact your home resort to see if they are affiliated with ICE, or you can contact ICE directly at www.icerewards.com.

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Lisa Ann Schreier, The Timeshare Crusader, is not affiliated with, or employed by ICE. A former timeshare salesperson and manager, she formed the first and only consumer consulting company dedicated to timeshare, Timeshare Insights. The author of “Surviving A Timeshare Presentation…Confessions From The Sales Table” and “Timeshare Vacations For Dummies,” Ms. Schreier is a sought-after speaker, a fixture on major media, and a regular contributor to Holiday Group.

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