It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. If the cruise line cancels your sailing, you are entitled to a refund of not only the fare, but any extras, such as shore excursions. We value your privacy. But it refuses to refund his money. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Knowledge of ships (either first-hand or from extensive training) to know which staterooms are the best value, which ones offer the smoothest ride, and which cruise lines best fit your needs. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. What's going on? BEWARE of Grand Circle Travel SCAMS!!! - Fodor's I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. Oceania further cements itself as a cruise line for foodies, bestowing the honor of Vista godmother on the celebrity chef and Norway entices visitors with new places to stay and things to do, Travel agency consortium Ensemble makes several hires, Delta and KLM sue Dutch government over Schiphol flight cuts, Virgin Atlantic joins SkyTeam airline alliance, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will reduce marketing spend, Destination America names Kirsten Bain CEO after Launder's retirement, Examining sub-IC issues from a host agency's point of view, Nayarit has a lot to offer luxury travelers, Nevada's congressional delegation reacts to Biden's 'Junk Fee' proposal, Giada De Laurentiis and Oceania Cruises, a delicious combination, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Trends in Travel Advisor Loyalty in the Airline Industry, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opens on Kauai's North Shore, Viking says January was a record-breaking month, River cruise lines sail into Egypt with new ships and itineraries, Bad behavior prompts Carnival Cruise Line to beef up onboard security, Where weed is legal, hotels roll out new marijuana amenities, The party is pumping at Virgin Voyages' beach club. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). Not only did GCT require vaccination, including a booster, paperwork sent to me in my final packet, one week before departure, stated GCT policy "G.C.C.L requires all travelers wear facemasks when in public spaces while on board the ship and/or while traveling in a coach bus." On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . Our help is free. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. 35% of job seekers rate their interview experience at Grand Circle Travel as positive. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. If you test positive, cruise lines will confine you to quarters or to a special section on the cruise ship for infected passengers, usually for the duration of the voyage. How can I reach them?? He provided us with so much information. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full, My wife and I were excited to take our first river cruise with Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure Travel (GCT/OAT) in The Netherlands in spring 2021 to see the flowers. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? OAT is non-accredited per the BBB, had a C- rating by them and per 23 customer reviews had 1 * out of 5. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. But even when individual consumers know their rights, they have few options at their immediate disposal when a customer-service representative usually the only public-facing proxy for a companys official or unofficial policies refuses to relent on refunds. Harriet Lewis will But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. Dont let this be you. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. Alternatively, you could have filed a case in small claims court, although you would have had to limit your . The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. A human travel agent who can take the time to sit down with you and talk about your cruise options is a tried-and-true way to buy a cruise. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? The cabin is for sleeping. Want a welcome drink? Support. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week youll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world. 1Is cruising safe?What kind of cruise should I take?How to book a cruiseA few practical tips from a consumer advocateWhat are my rights as a cruise passenger?Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights?If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund?Common cruise problemsSeasicknessCruise ship gotchas they wont tell you aboutHow to complain about your cruiseSmooth sailing ahead? If you leave the country, you must have a passport. But we need to cancel. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). To They canceled my flight. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. O.A.T. Anyone can read what you share. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. Cookie Policy - Its gonna cost you. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. This company must not have enough staffing. Exploring the Basics, Benefits, and Policies, How to Contact Tesla: Customer Service Phone Number, Website, Social Media, Email & Live Chat, Bruce Willis Health Condition: Understanding the Actors Diet and Exercise Regimen, Exploring the Impact of Greg Gutfelds Vacation from Fox News. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. was no longer offering refunds. . Were looking for dynamic, high-performing, accommodating individuals interested in joining our upcoming training classes for Sales and Customer Service. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. And cruise lines dont like to do that. Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). NBC10 Boston Responds reached out to Grand Circle Travel on their behalf and the company issued refunds for all six couples, returning more than $71,000 to them. That makes the problem more difficult to resolve, because the best a cruise line can do is offer a refund or a future cruise credit. Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? 4x. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. The right to have included on each cruise lines website a toll-free phone line that can be used for questions or information concerning any aspect of shipboard operations. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. Beware Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure Travel - Fodor's A fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they misunderstood or ignored their passport or visa requirements. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. The office environment is really casual. General Air Questions. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. (Thats just asking for trouble.) 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. In Illinois, the Travel Promotion Consumer Protection Act was created in the 1980s to safeguard against travel scams that promise too-good-to-be-true deals. It is the nature of the industry - whether it be hotels, air, packages, tours - that there are a wide variety of cancellation policies out there. Were always here to help. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! Come on! When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. How Can I Get $$ back?? Always check before booking.). as its customer service. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. Industry: Travel Agencies. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. Even though people cant travel right now, many of us are continuing to dream about our next trip and that means making conscious and subconscious decisions about which companies to spend money with once the pandemic has passed. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. What should I do? Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. Grand Circle canceled my tour twice. How about a refund? They dont have any way to contact them. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. Special access to agent-only discounts. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject. Airlines are sidestepping refund regulations established by the United States Transportation Department and the European Union, betting that negative press (and even class-action lawsuits) are still preferable to negative-balance bank accounts. What is paid time off like at Grand Circle Travel? Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. Tasteless food. Furthermore, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. Contact Us - Don't do business with these people. Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) | ConsumerAffairs The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. We value your privacy. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. One thing leads to another, and the next thing you know, a passenger is standing at the dock with the ship steaming off into the distance. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. Help! One Company Refused to Refund Travelers More Than $100,000 Grand Circle Corp., a Boston-based travel agency, has weathered many events since it was founded in 1958 by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) creator Ethel Andrus. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. GRAND CIRCLE - 60 Reviews - 347 Congress St, Boston, MA - Yelp The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. No. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I respected allan lewis and spoke highly of him till i saw that he is not a man of his word and terminated loyal people and hire stupid ones he fooled us and i think this company is toxic ,he knew about sexual harassment for women and didn't do anything about itRead More. Theyre not. Type: Company - Private. Uh-uh. And most passengers accepted the credit. Sometimes it can feel like college at times. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Answer: Yes. Grand Circle Travel has been bounced out of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine & Vermont because of a slew of complaints regards the company's cancellation policy -. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? Quite frankly, I don't know if I was infected by other passengers (there were others on the same cruise that came down with Covid before I did) or if I infected others. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Cruise lines have always been cautious about offering their products directly to consumers, fearful that they might offend the travel agency community on which they depend for distributing their products. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. The Grand Circle Family | About Us | Grand Circle Travel See all activities, themes, and interests >, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. You can request a roommate if you travel solo to save on the s We had a great tour guide in Ivan, was very knowledgable, friendly and very considerate of peoples concerns. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. They are completely incompetent at this point. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. A. T.: In a follow-up note a few weeks ago, you said that you feel the company provides a good travel service. But, you wrote, pushing all the risk of uncertainty onto the client by refusing a refund makes me fearful to ever do business with O.A.T. service hurdle, when the company announced the sale last week, it Theres a one-year limitation period to file a claim, and a six-month period to write a letter to the cruise line when a passenger has been injured. Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who acquired Boston-based Grand Working at Grand Circle Travel has to be one of the best jobs I've worked at. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. The best they do is send a canned letter saying how sorry they are that they are behind in correspondence because of having to frequently change airline reservations for various tours. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. Grand Circle Travel Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. The cruise line wont let them board the ship. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Avoid like the plague! Its been eight months. The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. A porter will deliver it to your room. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. Despite the customer Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. That can get a little noisy. again.. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. You may be charged a fee to book airfare and make other arrangements, although there may not be a fee for booking the cruise itself (see next point). As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. I am still pursuing my refund. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. This company policy was the reason I booked with them in the first place, because, as we all know, vaccinations may keep one out of the hospital but does NOT keep one from contracting COVID. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Is it just your server? chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. Why? If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. 1958. You should read it before you leave. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. Grand Circle Travel Profile [2023] - 35 reviews, 13 trips - Travelstride Lunch was provided in the cost. Why? If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Lunch in one of our specialty restaurants? complain to the Federal Maritime Commission, HERE'S WHAT ID IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE, HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE, How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, Help! Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. Thats because you are a number. How many can you get right in 1 minute? An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. Preparing for Your Trip. Its Grand Circle Travel division offers all-inclusive package tours at a leisurely pace while its Overseas Adventure subsidiary organizes small groups for land, canal barge, and small ship journeys of the more. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. So should you take a cruise this year? Its their terms. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. acquired by Travelport earlier this year. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. If, for example, youre taking your extended family on an anniversary cruise, youll probably want to find a cruise specialist with experience dealing with large groups. Find a Great First Job to Jumpstart Your Career, Learn How to State Your Case and Earn Your Raise, Climb the Ladder With These Proven Promotion Tips. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. Claim your Free Employer Profile. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. Capital portfolio company. Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. This is based on anonymous employee reviews submitted on Glassdoor. They refuse to accept their responsibility to inform me, in order to allow me to make the decision regarding my exposure. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. After a series of high-profile customer service incidents in 2012 and 2013, the cruise industry adopted a voluntary bill of rights for its passengers, to clearly communicate to them their rights regarding comfort and care in a number of important areas. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. operator. Working At Grand Circle Travel: Employee Reviews and Culture Grand Circle's 40-plus offices are located in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific . Manager in development of Restaurant, Restaurant & Bar operations with outstanding record and experience in top award winning companies, Apollo Group, Celebrity Cruises, Valamar Hotels & Resorts and Grand Circle Travel. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. This is definitely a travel experience well suited to older American travelers in the 60+ range, seeking a degree of comfort, in their travel experience, within a mid to high budget range. Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high . Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. Check out our directory. also step down from her role as co-chair at Grand Circle and as Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. First and foremost, an ethical agent will make sure the cruise is the right one for you, but some agents, sadly, go straight for the highest commission. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. One Company Refused to Refund Travelers More Than $100,000, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/25/travel/coronavirus-refunds-overseas-adventure-travel.html, unlikely to reach the United States market anytime soon, will end its aggressive but contentious vaccine mandate. Thriving in Change: In these times of rapid change, global competition, and high volatility in the travel industry, we must be prepared to change course and move forward. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well Read More rugged variety. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. One-on-one service and attention to detail. Agents are often incentivized by commissions and bonuses called overrides from cruise lines that reward them for booking a lot of itineraries with the same company. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. But which one is right for you? But stay off the phone. Temperatures of travelers were NEVER taken on the cruise, and, although ship was approximately 1/2 full, only approximately 1/2 of the tables were being utilized.
God Has A Solution For Every Problem Bible Verse,
Articles I