The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. 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. 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. How Can I Get $$ back?? Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. But Massachusetts happens to be one of only a handful of states with specific laws that guarantee consumers protection against travel sellers, including requiring that tour operators offer the option of cash refunds (in addition to vouchers or credits for rebooking) when they fail to provide agreed-upon, paid-for services. That can get a little noisy. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. $7000 in their pocket. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. 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. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. Archive - Washington requires travel companies to issue cash refunds within 14 days (or 30 days when the funds are already paid to a vendor, as might be the case for a tour operator) when they cancel a service. 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. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. Cookie Policy - You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. This is the Grand Circle Travel company profile. Because Grand Circle attracts a similar age range, youre sure to meet new friends with like interests in no time. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. . Its their terms. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. Travel Protection. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. Want a welcome drink? (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. Learn the word no, and use it often. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. 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. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. They canceled my flight. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. Good luck. Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. No. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. He provided us with so much information. The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. How do you buy a cruise, then? #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. 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. Inside Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. fleet of more than 50 ships. An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. 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. Last minute changes OK, You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type, Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. About Grand Circle Corporation Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals. It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. 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. 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. To fulfill this commitment, our Members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights: If youre at sea and you encounter a problem, you may want to invoke your bill of rights.. When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. Contact Us - Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? 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. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. was no longer offering refunds. There are mice in my vacation rental! Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. And most passengers accepted the credit. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. UNACCEPTABLE!! We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. Our Mission: We strive to be the world leader in international travel, adventure, and discovery for American travelers over 50providing impactful and intercultural experiences that significantly improve the quality of their lives. 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. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. I have flights with Grand Circle. service hurdle, when the company announced the sale last week, it Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. 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. Capital portfolio company. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. 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. (Take a look at your travel insurance policy, BTW, and see if it covers financial default by the tour operator, in which case you're covered if Grand Circle goes down the drain). One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. 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. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) 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. 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. If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Credits And Savings. Overseas . And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. Payments. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. Often, they succeed. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. 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. How are they allowed to keep my money? You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? The cruise line wont let them board the ship. All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. Ill make it simple. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Recently cruised with GCT and they failed to comply with their stated regulations regarding Covid protocols. 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. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. 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. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Despite the customer Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. Its not just one problem, but many. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Here are some of the risks. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? There are many other health perils at sea. 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. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. 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. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full Ive seen young, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their quarters for days. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: no money, mo problems. To Come on! It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. Two stars ONLY because of the excellent treatment we were given by our program directors both during the cruise and after I contracted Covid. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). According to the Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. 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. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. You must be very efficient at email with On Call. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. Working at Grand Circle Travel has to be one of the best jobs I've worked at. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Is it just your server? 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. They are completely incompetent at this point. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. And then it took them over 3 months to give us back our money which they did only after numerous phone call attempts and letters to management. Youre one of a million, literally. Any amount of compensatory. 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 -. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Do they distribute it among the staff? FAQ. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. 166,000 travelers in 2007. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. 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. I read that the company is being sold to some type of Holding Company--that may explain it. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. They also dont work. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. 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 whats this $452 bill? They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. But which one is right for you? Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. So should you take a cruise this year? Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. They have a bad reputation and that reputation is very on point, To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse, Overall, 55% of employees would recommend, Get started with your Free Employer Profile, Work Here? The activities, lectures, and easy pace are all designed for older travelers. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Grand Circle CEO Alan Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. A link has directed you to this review. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Youre on vacation. 2023 Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210 We use cookies to improve your experience, by using our site you accept such use. Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. 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. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Teamwork: We believe in groups of people who work together to create excellent results, solve difficult problems, support each other personally and professionally, and recognize their success. But stay off the phone. And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? No answer. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. Claim your Free Employer Profile. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Check out our directory. Sometimes it can feel like college at times. Its gonna cost you. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and How much of a cut does the cruise line take? | Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. 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.
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