As the financial backbone of the travel industry, ARC enables commerce among travel agencies, airlines, and travel suppliers, and offers them secure and accurate financial settlement services. More than 16,000 travel agencies and 190 airlines use the company's transaction settlement services which, in 2010, totaled more than $77 billion in value. ARC also supplies transactional data to organizations, facilitating better business decisions through fact-based market analyses. Established in 1984, ARC is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

ARC announced that Miami-based Oceania Cruises has become an ARC Helix preferred supplier. As the world's only upper-premium cruise line, Oceania Cruises will provide Helix member agencies with an upscale cruise option including four ships sailing to more than 300 ports globally. 

"Oceania Cruises is excited to be a preferred supplier with Helix," said Nathan Hickman, Oceania Cruises' vice president, national accounts. "We're pleased with the strategy Helix takes with its members, and we look forward to working with Helix agencies to provide their clients a memorable cruising experience."

Oceania Cruises' new ship, Marina, entered service in January, joining the Regatta, Insignia, and Nautica. Riviera, a sister ship to Marina, will be christened in April 2012.

"We're delighted to welcome Oceania Cruises to our portfolio," said Christopher Flores, Helix program director. "Their award-winning product is second to none in the marketplace, and with the debut of the ships Marina in 2011 and Riviera in 2012, Helix members have a lot to be excited about."

ARC Helix is an exclusive members-only program for home-based and retail travel agencies. It offers preferred supplier portfolio covering all segments of travel, multiple business services, and the professional education and training opportunities to assist agencies in operating more efficiently and becoming more profitable. Helix currently features more than 30 preferred suppliers in its portfolio.