Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. One-on-one service and attention to detail. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. Were always here to help. Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Book directly with the operator. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. Per the Holland Ministry of Tourism, Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid May, but the flowers are usually at their best halfway through April. On the 22nd of April 2020 we received an unsolicited call from James, a representative of GCT/OAT informing us that our reservation for Holland and Belgium in Springtime, originally departing April 17, 2021, had been unilaterally cancelled and that we had been arbitrarily and without our permission or knowledge rebooked for the same tour departing March 17, 2021. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. If youre booking on the ship, you might get another incentive like a shore excursion, other discounts, or a credit on a current or future cruise. Unsubscribe at any time. ), Back to O. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. Alternatively, you could have filed a case in small claims court, although you would have had to limit your . Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. I told them that I had a medical condition and did not know when or if I would be able to travel, and asked whether they were just going to keep my $17,500 if I couldnt travel by the end of 2021. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. Check out our directory. Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? In response, Grand #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. It is impossible to reach this company. Even though this place offers a month-long training class, I think it would be best if newer agents get taught more basics before they are put on the floor to deal with customers. Thats not entirely true. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. $7000 in their pocket. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. 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. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. Advertising - Have a look at Princess passage contract: Doctors, nurses or other medical or service personnel work directly for the Passenger and shall not be considered to be acting under the control or supervision of Carrier, since Carrier is not a medical provider. In other words, when a doctors negligence leads to the death of a family member, the cruise line is off the hook. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. Its gonna cost you. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. No longer. There are mice in my vacation rental! And most passengers accepted the credit. 35% of job seekers rate their interview experience at Grand Circle Travel as positive. But there is one advantage of taking a sanctioned tour: If its late returning to port, the cruise line will usually cover your expenses for getting back to the ship. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. 1. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. 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. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. When you try to contact someone by phone. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Without adequate funding, the company may be unable to invest in new technologies or hire the best talent to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Dont let this be you. We value your privacy. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. They sent me an unitemized bill for $650 for a trip I'd been notified had been completely paid for. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. I read that the company is being sold to some type of Holding Company--that may explain it. Unsubscribe easily. Good luck. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? Established in 1958 by Ethel Andrus, educator and founder of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), we view world travel as a powerful lever for lifelong learning. That can get a little noisy. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. They also operate overseas travel adventures. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. 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! CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. It appears that the main cause of Grand Circle Travel's financial issues is attributed to a decrease in demand for the company's services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. 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. Americas +1 212 318 2000. Learn the word no, and use it often. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. For example, Royal Caribbean says it may, for any reason at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing, port of call, destination, lodging or any activity on or off the vessel, or substitute another vessel or port of call, destination, lodging or activity. If it does, it owes you nothing for the inconvenience. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures. Grand Circle CEO Alan FAQ. Even email or call back. Thats because you are a number. I could not have asked for a better experience! So should you take a cruise this year? By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. When will cruising feel safe again to you? That's not entirely true. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. What are my rights as a cruise passenger? It doesnt have to. Traveler Reviews. The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, as well as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanical failures. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Contact Us - The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. We value your privacy. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. My cruise line requires a vaccination and now my credits are expiring, Take that back: The ultimate guide to a product return, The ultimate guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund for your broken appliance, Cell phone customer service: How to get virtually any problem fixed now, The ultimate passenger guide to Lyft, Uber and ridesharing. 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. General Air Questions. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. Virtually zero. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. 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. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Ill make it simple. No answer. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. Two stars ONLY because of the excellent treatment we were given by our program directors both during the cruise and after I contracted Covid. Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. (How generous of you!) Discover the worldin comforton Viking ocean cruises to Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the Americas or around https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Grand-Circle-to-be-sold-to-private-equity-firm. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). What if you miss your deadline? Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Archive - A porter will deliver it to your room. operator. We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? Any amount of compensatory. No. All rights reserved. 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. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. But not for cruises. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. O.A.T. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Its been eight months. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. undisclosed amount. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. As Adam Anolik, a San Francisco- based travel-industry lawyer, explained over email, thats why oversight forcing a company to comply with state laws can feel like an uphill battle. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. A link has directed you to this review. But, if the extraordinary number of reader complaints I have received more than a dozen and counting are any indication, they have been doing so anyway. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. Do they distribute it among the staff? Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Now it wont refund my $3,606. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. 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. 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. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. 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. Is it just your server? Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour However, if Grand Circle Travel fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could lead to layoffs, reduced wages, office closures, and a decrease in the quality of its services. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. Grand Circle is hosting an Open House for our Traveler Relations Center on 6/3/21 4-6pm! My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. Support. 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. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. 4x. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. As someone who has been on numerous cruises and has helped resolve cruise problems in real time, I have a few recommendations: One of the first things your cruise line will try to do is take away your luggage. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Our help is free. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. Trips are mostly all-inclusive, focusing on comfortable accommodations, informative and easy paced guided walking tours, cultural encounters, learning experiences, and special events that they call their Discovery Series. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Most importantly, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuations (if you have any doubts, get a membership in Medjet). You raise an important point. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn.