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. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. 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. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. 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 the latest travel requirements for your trip. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. 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. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. Were always here to help. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. Grand Circle Travel (GCT) seems to play a few nasty games, and cheating its customers!!! Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. The office environment is really casual. What if you miss your deadline? What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. How can I reach them?? Youre out of luck. Youre on vacation. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Travel Protection. 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. Vrbo took my $1,270! I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. We are only a month out. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. How many can you get right in 1 minute? Claim your Free Employer Profile. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. Onboard doctors dont have the equipment or facilities to handle a serious illness. Today, Grand Circle Excellent service on ship, considerate of their clients, wonderful discovery trips. The company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. This is based on anonymous employee reviews submitted on Glassdoor. 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. Grand Circle's three travel brands are Grand Circle Travel. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. 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. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. How Much Does Grand Circle Travel Pay in 2023? (403 Salaries) It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Most importantly, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuations (if you have any doubts, get a membership in Medjet). Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. I read that the company is being sold to some type of Holding Company--that may explain it. 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 -. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. 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. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. However, if you miss a port of call, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. How do you buy a cruise, then? Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet 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 Grand Circle Family | About Us | Grand Circle Travel The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Grand Circle Travel Warning - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums While Grand Circle Travel has seen tremendous success over the years, the company has recently found itself in a difficult financial situation. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Itineraries are designed for American travelers, with an aim towards immersive experiences such as visiting local homes, interesting walking tours, in-depth cultural interactions and culinary experiences. Dont let that happen to you. Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. Not a week goes by that my advocates dont receive a case from someone who didnt have enough travel insurance and faced a large bill at the end of a cruise. Unsubscribe easily. 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.. Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. 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. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Overseas Adventure Travel By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. Come on! Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. It is impossible to reach this company. also step down from her role as co-chair at Grand Circle and as Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Working At Grand Circle Travel: Employee Reviews and Culture I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. Even email or call back. 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. 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. If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. Our values shape our decisions, give direction to our growth, and allow us to measure our progress. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. Grand Circle is hosting an Open House for our Traveler Relations Center on 6/3/21 4-6pm! It has. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. 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. When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. Dont let this be you. 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. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? But which one is right for you? You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. 1. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We value your privacy. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. I am still pursuing my refund. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. Here are some of the risks. Any amount of compensatory. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. 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? If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Harriet Lewis will A fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they misunderstood or ignored their passport or visa requirements. Avoid like the plague! Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? 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. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Privacy Statement - Grand Circle Foundation Giving back to the world we travel Upload Your Photos, Videos & Slideshows Share your trips with fellow travelers Special Offers The Seine: Paris to Normandy Average Group Size: 38-45 Travelers Traveler Reviews (611) 84% Traveler Excellence Rating If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. This profile has not been claimed by the company. 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. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. 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. Its an online travel agency. Often, they succeed. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. 4x. General Air Questions. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. 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. 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. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). Recently cruised with GCT and they failed to comply with their stated regulations regarding Covid protocols. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. Were always here to help. : Tanzania/Kilimanjaro Tour Company, Any recommendations for Grand Circle Tours and/or Overseas Adventure Tours, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Despite the customer Grand Circle Corp - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. CONNECT WITH US. One-on-one service and attention to detail. chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. According to the 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! I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. Is it just your server? What is paid time off like at Grand Circle Travel? Get guided help to find the right trip for you, Travel tips, stories, top 10 lists and more, Get yours before you leave, easier, cheaper. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. 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. BEWARE of Grand Circle Travel SCAMS!!! - Fodor's The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. California, with some of the strongest consumer protections in the country, requires cash refunds for undelivered services within 30 days from whichever date is earliest: the scheduled departure date, the date the refund is requested or the date the service was canceled by the travel company. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. 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. 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. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. as its customer service. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. Its been eight months. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. 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. They do plenty of one on ones. 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. Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Youre in control. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 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. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our Advertising - It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. Agents are not free. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. We receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships. About Grand Circle Corporation Overseas Adventure Travel: Reviews, Complaints, Customer Claims They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Book directly with the operator. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high . It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. Tasteless food. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Virtually zero. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. Industry: Travel Agencies. It appears that the main cause of Grand Circle Travels financial issues is attributed to a decrease in demand for the companys services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. Good luck. Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. operator. Would take take this tour all over again! Check out our directory. They are completely incompetent at this point. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. ), Back to O. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. 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.
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