Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? Overseas Adventure Travel: Reviews, Complaints, Customer Claims How many can you get right in 1 minute? You are on hold for 2-3 hours. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. Watch for food-borne illnesses. Furthermore, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. 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. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. Were looking for dynamic, high-performing, accommodating individuals interested in joining our upcoming training classes for Sales and Customer Service. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. Solo travelers make up nearly a third of Grand Circle's customers, and they're made to feel more than welcome on group tours, including some price breaks on single supplements. Thats not entirely true. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. In early 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission fixed that loophole. (Thats just asking for trouble.) Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies. Its not just one problem, but many. First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. But which one is right for you? The cruise line wont let them board the ship. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. No answer. In response, Grand Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Grand Circle Travel Booted Out of BBB - Fodor's The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. You may feel like a number. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? Cookie Policy - You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. There are mice in my vacation rental! Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. Good luck. Overseas . When you try to contact someone by phone. Although travel has stopped and is only starting up again slowly and in only a few destinations the aftershocks of that screeching halt, brought on by the coronavirus, continue to reverberate. 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. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced What if you miss your deadline? It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. On motorcoach tours with Grand Circle you will make frequent stops to stretch your legs, and some longer stops for sightseeing. We plan to go to Iceland. Despite the customer Try to call this phone number 1-800-221-0814/1-877-220-2610, holding for 2 hours cannot get a connection, if The Cruise Company cancel the trip they should automatically refund your money, finally I have through the credit card company to dispute payment. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . Don't do business with these people. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? 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. . It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. 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. Grand Circle canceled my tour twice. How about a refund? Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong on paper. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. The right to transportation to the ships scheduled port of disembarkation, or the passengers home city, in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. GRAND CIRCLE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile - IncFact.com WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet 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. This tour was phenomenal from the beginning to the end! Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? While Grand Circle Travel has seen tremendous success over the years, the company has recently found itself in a difficult financial situation. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. 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 -. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. (Its all taken care of.) This is based on anonymous employee reviews submitted on Glassdoor. In 1993, There are many other health perils at sea. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. 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. Its extra. spokeswoman said the company is working to improve our processes and to better address the needs of each traveler whose trip was canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. 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. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. Grand Circle Travel [GCT] - Complaints Board The Lewises expanded Overseas Adventure Travel | Better Business Bureau Profile Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. 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. In order to understand the current financial situation of Grand Circle Travel, it is important to first examine the causes behind the companys financial struggles. 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. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. they would travel with the company again.". Dont let this be you. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Harriet Lewis will Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. That can get a little noisy. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. So should you take a cruise this 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. What's going on? It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Answer: Yes. How are they allowed to keep my money? And most passengers accepted the credit. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. Always check before booking.). If relaxing on the cruise with a book in hand for hours on end, gliding by quiet European shores is your idea of a grand old time then Grand Circle is for you! But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? An Analysis If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. Traveler Reviews. chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. So you couldnt review the quarantining protocols before making a booking decision and say, No, thats too much. The only way to avoid an unpleasant quarantine is to wait until the infection risk is low. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. General Air Questions. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This company must not have enough staffing. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. service hurdle, when the company announced the sale last week, it Want a welcome drink? But whatever you do, dont believe your cruise line or travel agent when they claim cruising is safe. Theres no form of travel thats safe right now. 7% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Asian. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. It doesnt have to. Why? in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a But Im not aware of anyone who has received a refund or resolution after filing a complaint to the federal government, so if you do that, it may just be to get the cruise line in trouble with the government. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. Its gonna cost you. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. But it refuses to refund his money. But we need to cancel. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. Specialties: The leader in small ship and river cruising worldwide - offering American travelers a 4-star experience at a 3-star price aboard our privately owned and chartered fleet. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? And when they do, they are often underreported. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. 1958. The right to have available, on board ships operating beyond rivers or coastal waters, full-time, professional emergency medical attention, as needed until shoreside medical care becomes available. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. 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. Often, they succeed. How do you buy a cruise, then? Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. TripAdvisor, ConsumerAffairs and other review sites show lingering frustrations about the companys coronavirus policies, but several Times readers, according to emails Ive received, have made headway by filing parallel complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the Massachusetts Attorney Generals office. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. I read that the company is being sold to some type of Holding Company--that may explain it. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. operator. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. 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. OAT is non-accredited per the BBB, had a C- rating by them and per 23 customer reviews had 1 * out of 5. Grand Circle Travel Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) | ConsumerAffairs While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Masters concern for passenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirements of the port. Onboard doctors dont have the equipment or facilities to handle a serious illness. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. Its their terms. Always arrive the day before your cruise. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. CONNECT WITH US. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. Payments. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. In order to understand the current financial situation of Grand Circle Travel, it is important to first examine the causes behind the company's financial struggles. 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. The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! 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. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. refund if a trip is canceled. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. Bad service. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. Just to name a few, we have danced the Turkey with school children in Costa Rica, climbed the Mayan Temples of Tikal, laid roses with Veteran travelers at the grave of the WWII Cemetery in Normandy and walked the ancient stone boulevards of Ephesus. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. All Rights Reserved. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. Tasteless food. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. Whether its an optional shore excursion or an onboard auction, the cruise line wants more of your money than you spent on the cruise fare. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. 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 might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Absolutely the worst travel agency in the business the service is virtually nonexistent and if you need to contact them, be prepared to spend hours listening to their recorded music after which the line will probably go dead. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. Virtually zero. Youre in control. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Unsubscribe easily. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? Grand Circle Family of Travel Companies | O.A.T. 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. While some U.S. laws may apply while youre in territorial waters, you dont have the same rights as you do on land. undisclosed amount. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. Working at Grand Circle Travel | Glassdoor Any amount of compensatory. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. My wife and I would have been able to have a table to ourselves, not because we are anti-social, but because we would have been safer. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. The cabin is for sleeping. Business Bureau had given the company an "unsatisfactory" rating. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. O.A.T. 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. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. 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. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? But there are lots of cruise options. Lunch was provided in the cost. That agency said that it has received about 275 consumer complaints so far about canceled O.A.T. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. 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. About Grand Circle Corporation 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. 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). Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. 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.
