To Whom It May Concern:
We came across this information in the trades and thought it would be of
interest to this newsgroup as well.
Happy sailing,
John Sisker, SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at (800) 724-6644 & (pagoo ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com
Alliance Data Signs Long-Term Agreement to Provide Card Services to North
America's Largest Retailer of Cruise Vacations
DALLAS, Oct. 31 / -- Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE:ADS), a leading
provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services,
today announced that it has signed a long- term agreement with Cruise
Management International LLC. Under the agreement, Alliance Data will
provide co-brand credit card services for cruise industry customers through
Cruise Management's various marketing channels, specifically CruiseOne and
Cruises Inc.
CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. are leading travel agencies specializing in
cruise packages with more than 900 independent agents serving customers in
the $32 billion North American cruise industry. The co-brand credit card
services Alliance Data will provide include account acquisition and
activation, receivables funding, credit authorization, card issuance,
statement generation, direct mail and email marketing services, remittance
processing, and customer service functions. Through the co-brand credit card
program, cardholders will automatically be enrolled in a loyalty rewards
program and receive points for every dollar spent when booking a cruise
through CruiseOne or Cruises Inc., as well as for general use/everyday
purchases at any merchant. Additionally, cardholders will earn additional
points when making purchases on the card at participating partner merchants
during a cruise, such as jewelry retailers, and art auction houses, among
others. Accrued points may be redeemed for free or discounted cruises on any
cruise line when booked through CruiseOne or Cruises Inc.
"Alliance Data has significant retail industry experience, impressive
integrated credit and marketing tools, and the deep understanding of
consumer behavior that collectively will help us increase sales and customer
loyalty," said Hossam Antar, president of Cruise Management International
LLC. "We view Alliance Data's expertise, suite of services and ability to
customize a program that fits our customers' needs as a true competitive
advantage that will help us grow our business. According to the
International Council of Cruise Lines, nine out of 10 people who have taken
a cruise will take another. That indicates a significant opportunity for
this co-brand credit card program, particularly when a loyalty offering like
this is tied to the card." "We are excited to add Cruise Management as a new
client, and simultaneously mark our entrance into a new vertical market,"
said Ivan Szeftel, president of Retail Services, Alliance Data. "Through
this innovative program, we are able to leverage our significant credit and
marketing expertise in the retail industry to deliver a unique customer
loyalty and financing solution for the travel and leisure industry. Alliance
Data looks forward to providing an appealing co-brand program to help
increase Cruise Management's customer base and helping grow its business."
About Cruise Management International LLC CMI is a service provider for the
cruise and travel industry, enhancing customer value and branding efforts
for its customers. They also have strategic alliances with international
retailers, whose locations are primarily cruise destinations. CMI
underwrites the loyalty currency and customer service infrastructure for the
Leisure Miles brand. Its Senior Management team brings significant expertise
in the areas of customer loyalty, consumer marketing, credit card services,
technology and cruise travel. CMI delivers premium value to its partners and
their customers. About Alliance Data Alliance Data (NYSE:ADS) is a leading
provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services,
managing over 105 million consumer relationships for some of North America's
most recognizable companies.
Alliance Data creates and manages customized solutions that change consumer
behavior and that enable its clients to build stronger, mutually beneficial
relationships with their customers. Headquartered in Dallas, Alliance Data
employs approximately 8,000 associates at more than 40 locations worldwide.
For more information about the company, visit its web site,
http://www.alliancedata.com/. Alliance Data's Safe Harbor Statement/Forward
Looking Statements This release may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such
statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate,"
"expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they
relate to us or our management. When we make forward-looking statements, we
are basing them on our management's beliefs and assumptions, using
information currently available to us. Although we believe that the
expectations reflected in the forward- looking statements are reasonable,
these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and
assumptions, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if
our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary
materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements contained
in this news release reflect our current views with respect to future events
and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions
relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and
liquidity. We have no intention, and disclaim any obligation, to update or
revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future results or otherwise. "Safe Harbor" Statement under the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press
release regarding Alliance Data Systems Corporation's business which are not
historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and
uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could
cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking
statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the most recently ended fiscal year. Risk factors may be updated in Item
1A in each of the company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for each
quarterly period subsequent to the Company's most recent Form 10-K.
(Travel Wire News)
|