Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. But why cant I get a refund? There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. 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. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. Nevertheless, Grand Despite the customer Even email or call back. : the realization that issuing refunds en masse would bleed the company dry. We value your privacy. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. 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. Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. 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.
Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? An Analysis In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. The view of the mountains and Grand Canyon was breathtaking! 4x. It is impossible to reach this company. Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who acquired Boston-based Grand
Grand Circle Travel Booted Out of BBB - Fodor's Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. 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. They also operate overseas travel adventures. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
GRAND CIRCLE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile - IncFact.com We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. As Preferred Sir Edmund Hillary Club / Inner Circle Customers, having made five previous trips with this company (customer number 962737), we pre-reserved our trip for mid-April 2021, and paid in full before the end of February 2020, over a year in advance. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. 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. I would not recommend the company. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. 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. How can I reach them?? These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. All rights reserved. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! First and foremost, an ethical agent will make sure the cruise is the right one for you, but some agents, sadly, go straight for the highest commission. Where is it? If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. Grand Circle Travel (GCT) seems to play a few nasty games, and cheating its customers!!! Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour
Aleksandar Norsic - Manager, Beverage Development & Operations - The If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. 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. 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 -. Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals. 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. We value your privacy. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Here are some of the risks. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. 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. So should you take a cruise this year? They also foster a community of dedicated travelers, encouraging you to share your memories, images, and stories with them and the friends you meet along the way. All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). 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. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. 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. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston.
Coronavirus: Massachusetts unemployment claims spike amid travel Its an online travel agency. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. All Rights Reserved. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. 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. Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. It doesnt have to. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. As a thank you for being such outstanding employees, they were sent on a week long Recognition Journey Trip to Peru! Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. You could pay tens of thousands of dollars to a cruise line. Is it just your server? The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Youll probably get the deepest discounts, and in some cases, a price protection that assures you that if the fare drops, youll get a refund. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. would not recommend extremely long for no reason, multiple interviews just for entry level, low paying roles you will work weekends rude staff They do not respect your time. Book directly with the operator. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. Dont let this be you. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? 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. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Were always here to help. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. No answer. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. operator. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. Contact Us -
Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet Youre out of luck. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. Always check before booking.). Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? Uh-uh. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. 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. For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. Read More rugged variety. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. again.. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Youre in control. 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. Grand Circle is hosting an Open House for our Traveler Relations Center on 6/3/21 4-6pm! A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. 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. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. 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. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high .
We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. Its their terms. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full
Refund for a trip cancelled by Grand Circle tTours - Senior Travel The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. 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. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. 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. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. When youre on vacation, its easy to let down your guard and fall for a sales pitch for an original sculpture, diamond ring or timeshare. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. 1Is cruising safe?What kind of cruise should I take?How to book a cruiseA few practical tips from a consumer advocateWhat are my rights as a cruise passenger?Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights?If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund?Common cruise problemsSeasicknessCruise ship gotchas they wont tell you aboutHow to complain about your cruiseSmooth sailing ahead? Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. I could not have asked for a better experience! However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. Grand Circle's annual revenues are $10-$50 million (see exact revenue data) and has 100-500 employees. Why? Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. General Air Questions. The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. Our help is free. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our What should I do?
Grand Circle Travel Profile [2023] - 35 reviews, 13 trips - Travelstride 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). Type: Company - Private. That agency said that it has received about 275 consumer complaints so far about canceled O.A.T. Industry: Travel Agencies. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. You may feel like a number. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It?
Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. Because Grand Circle attracts a similar age range, youre sure to meet new friends with like interests in no time. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site.
Is Grand Circle Travel Still In Business - Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. Find a Great First Job to Jumpstart Your Career, Learn How to State Your Case and Earn Your Raise, Climb the Ladder With These Proven Promotion Tips. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure Travel only offered a $250 credit per person to be applied to a future trip, and the option of booking another trip altogether. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. 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. Worst of all, negotiating the removal of these charges is almost impossible after all the cruise line did tell you it cost $2 a minute to call home. Tasteless food. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. Credits And Savings. Advertising - Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. Furthermore, Grand Circle Travel has also experienced a decrease in revenue due to the cancellation of numerous trips and the refund of deposits to customers. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. But whats this $452 bill? Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). 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. Preparing for Your Trip. Alternatively, you could have filed a case in small claims court, although you would have had to limit your . Often, they succeed. What's going on? But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. Unsubscribe easily. CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. Thats not entirely true. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. Bad service. 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.
BEWARE of Grand Circle Travel SCAMS!!! - Fodor's .
Grand Circle canceled my tour twice. How about a refund? 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. This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? According to the $7000 in their pocket. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. 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.