News

FMWRC Brings Affordable Cruises and Rewards Program to Military
Date Posted: 10/29/2008

By Rob McIlvaine
FMWRC Public Affairs

If a cruise to “nowhere” or the best “somewhere” has been on your horizon of luxurious vacations for a long time, now’s the time to act.

- Photo by Theresa Bondurant - © 2008

Thanks to an agreement between the Army’s Family and MWR Command and International Cruise & Excursions, one of the country’s top cruise wholesalers with 46 cruise lines originating in ports of call around the world, it’s now made cheaper and easier for members of the military to take to the seas and sail towards the setting sun.

The program, “Government Vacation Rewards,” became effective September 8, 2008 and offers discounted prices, rewards points, and the ease of online booking.

According to Col. (Ret.) John R. Cully, I.C.E. vice president, this program enables National Guardsmen, reservists, and retirees who do not live near an installation to take part in discounted travel traditionally available to the active military only through ticket agencies.

“We want members of the military and their families to be recognized for the stress they’ve been put under during this persistent conflict,” Cully said, “and we want to reward them.”

Five thousand reward points may be instantly redeemed on www.govvacationrewards.com and applied towards lowering the price of the first booking. With each successive booking, more points are awarded.

Through this agreement, Family and MWR programs on installations benefit, as well.

For several years, cruise vacations have been offered at most Army, Navy and Marine Corps Garrisons through the on-base ITR/ITT offices.

“Now, with the new I.C.E. Vacation products agreement with MWR, the value and ease of booking great travel deals will be further enhanced,” said Dan Yount, Director of Army Leisure and Travel at FMWRC.
“A portion of proceeds will be used to benefit military personnel and their families at your installation,” said Cully.

“We’re looking to offer other exciting products over the next year,” Cully said, “and we’ll make sure everyone knows as they become available.”

Link for more info: http://www.govvacationrewards.com