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Caribbean Exchanges

gannab

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The first few years we joined rci (weeks ownership) we had no trouble getting into the Caribbean....for the past 3-4 years many times we have had to settle for Mexico because nothing available in Caribbean. I always put in close to a year ahead of time and have many months to exchange for.....Last year we actually went thru a travel agency just to get into aruba after trying to exchange for many years. also we have a red week 2 bedroom and have had to settle for studios 99% of the time...what is wrong with this picture...???? Do not read anything very good about RCI any more and the exchanges going up and what happened to the $299 + extra weeks...this is not fair to us who have been members for years...whats going on???
 

tashamen

TUG Review Crew: Expert
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Maybe it's time for you to try II, since your resort is dual-affiliated. Or an independent. (Sorry Madge, nothing personal - just trying to offer options.)
 

anteween

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I have found the same thing for II in the last couple of years. Limited exchanges to the sunny beach resorts. I have been an II member for approximately 17 years and have noticed a big decline in inventory.
 

Aldo

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Go to Skyauction or RCI rentals, and you will see ALL those weeks that they won't let you trade for.

This is said to be a part of the improved customer service.
 

gannab

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Improved ????? for who, certainly not for RCI members.....thanks for all of your input.....just venting here and don/t expect it will get any better......:wave:
 

wilmark

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Caribbean Inventory

I totally agree with the OP. This problem with Caribbean Inventory started about a year ago. You used to be able to get great deals in last call and instant exchanges. Barbados, Aruba, St Marteen, Tobago, Curacao, Antigua etc used to available in Last Call. Overnight it stopped. They have pulled it all. WHY IS THERE NO CARIBBEAN LAST CALL OVER THE PAST 9 MONTHS - NONE - I check every week. You used to get almost everywhere. You could find alot of the places you might be looking for here:

http://www.getravelop.com

http://www.holidaynetwork.com/hn/default.asp

http://www.armymwr.com/

http://www.realtimerental.com/rrv10/default.asp

http://orbitz.com (they own orbitz)

There are many other sites affiliated in some way with Cendant (look for websites that say travelport). They have created this network of web distribution where you find websites that look similar but its not clear who owns and/or is partnering with whom. You will see timeshare weeks available for sale.

I think RCI reselling member deposited intervals should be investigated.

I may discontinue my RCI membership and try to obtain an II membership. What is your experience with II?
 

Madge

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gannab,

In my 14 years with RCI, Aruba has always been in extremely short supply as compared with the demand. It's a tall order. I'm concerned that you have had a tough time getting matches in other Caribbean destinations.

Since you indicate that you are fairly flexible with the dates, please send an e-mail to feedback@rci.com with TUG in the subject line. The Communications Team can check your account to be sure we've offered you the best strategies and tell you if VEP or Trading Power may be an issue for you.
 
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