Many timeshare owners are unaware that they may be able to use their timeshare to exchange for a cruise vacation, or that their vacation ownership may entitle them to a discounted rate for cruises. In order to compete with many of the discount vacation websites that are popping up, timeshare exchange companies and vacation club memberships such as RCI, Hilton Grand Vacation Club and Interval International have started offering cruise vacations as perks for membership.
Many timeshare owners and potential buyers are given misinformation regarding what exactly a timeshare exchange company does for its members, and the benefits of taking part in a traditional exchange program. For example, did you know that as a timeshare owner you have the right to go with any exchange company that deals with your resort? Did you know that there are many small exchange companies out there offering no enrollment dues or exchange fees? I have spoken with many timeshare owners that believed because they signed up for a Resort Condominiums International membership when they first purchased your timeshare, that they needed to conduct all of their future trades through RCI. While I am sure it is lucrative for RCI to convince its members that they need to continue to renew their membership with them, it simply is not true. It is time to separate the facts from fiction and find out the truth about timeshare exchange companies.
Read the rest of this entry »