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Press Release
CRUISE COMPETE.COM TRAVEL AGENTS PROVIDE
ONE MILLIONTH CRUISE QUOTE TO CONSUMERS
DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 28, 2006 "One million cruise quotes have now been provided to consumers
by cruise travel agents via CruiseCompete.com. This milestone was reached a little more than
two years since the launch of the unique competitive-quote site, announced Bob Levinstein, CEO of
CruiseCompete LLC.
Consumers use CruiseCompete.com to find the best deals on cruise vacations offered by more than
200 member-agencies, many of them large cruise travel aggregators. Consumers select a ship and a
sail date, then receive an average of 3-6 quotes from independent, competing travel agents. As
CruiseCompete's system is anonymous, consumers can protect their identities until and unless they
decide to contact an agent for more information or to book their cruise.
Mike Ellington, a 12-year senior consultant at Cruise Vacation Outlet, is the travel agent who
provided the one millionth CruiseCompete.com quote to a consumer interested in an Alaskan cruise.
"CruiseCompete is an ideal source for seasoned cruisers looking for the best deal on their vacation,"
said Ellington, whose own preferred cruise lines are Princess and Celebrity. A true cruise enthusiast
(as most CruiseCompete member-agents are), Ellington's favorite destination is "the cruise ship itself,"
for all of the onboard entertainment and amenities these ships offer.
"Our relationship with CruiseCompete.com has been a real win for us," added Todd Elliott, President
of Cruise Vacation Outlet. "Mike and our entire staff have watched it grow exponentially over the past
couple of years and take pride in the many happy clients CruiseCompete.com has produced for us."
Levinstein credits the service provided to clients by its member agents as the key to the Web site's success.
"Our roster of member agents is very responsive to providing CruiseCompete.com customers the best deals
available," Levinstein said. "Packages offered often include special extras like cabin upgrades, shipboard
credits and other value-added features to that help make cruises truly memorable vacations."
The system is easy for consumers to use. A cruiser selects a ship and a sail date, and their request
appears instantly in agent accounts. The agents focus on the types of cruises they specialize in and
respond with their best offers. Consumers then compare the quotes received, contacting agencies directly
by phone or by e-mail for more information or to book. Users remain anonymous until they contact an agent.
"We think CruiseCompete.com is the best resource available to find the greatest value on any cruise," said
veteran cruiser Catherine Taylor-Rios of California. "The Web site features great service, immediate quotes
and help from courteous agents."
CruiseCompete.com saves consumers time and money by enabling them to secure quotes for cruise deals from
multiple travel agencies without having to contact each one separately. To date, more than 275,000 customers
have accessed CruiseCompete.com to request cruise prices from more than 200 member travel agencies around the
country. CruiseCompete, LLC, is an independent company not owned by or affiliated with any travel agency.
For more information, visit www.cruisecompete.com.
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