undisclosed amount. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. Over the years they have. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and 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. Watch for food-borne illnesses. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. But which one is right for you? I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. One way that Grand Circle Travel can overcome its financial difficulties is by diversifying its offerings. We value your privacy. But, if the extraordinary number of reader complaints I have received more than a dozen and counting are any indication, they have been doing so anyway. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. Don't do business with these people. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. 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. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! The main thing I have to say to others is: There are many tour Companies out there, now is the time to dismiss GCT and try someone else. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can focus on expanding its marketing efforts and building relationships with new partners to reach a larger customer base. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Lunch was provided in the cost. Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. But there are lots of cruise options. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. Its their terms. When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. Virtually zero. View travel requirements for countries around the world. The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. A link has directed you to this review. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. UNACCEPTABLE!! Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprisecomprised of a family of travel companiescommitted to changing people's lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. 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! While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. Find your private company bowl on Fishbowl, join the hottest conversation with your colleagues anonymously. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. Here are some of the risks. (How generous of you!) This is based on anonymous employee reviews submitted on Glassdoor. Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. No, no, no. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. 1958. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. Youre out of luck. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. Roz. 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. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. 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. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. 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. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. 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? If youd rather have a bit more action, or are after a "see a lot, do a lot" city and country hopping pace, this style of travel is probably not going to hit the right note for you. 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. Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! You could pay tens of thousands of dollars to a cruise line. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. | If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. I have flights with Grand Circle. Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. To Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. But stay off the phone. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. Youre on vacation. 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. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. Be the first one to find this review helpful. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. How are they allowed to keep my money? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! 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. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Its gonna cost you. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. There are many other health perils at sea. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. 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. Oceania further cements itself as a cruise line for foodies, bestowing the honor of Vista godmother on the celebrity chef and Norway entices visitors with new places to stay and things to do, Travel agency consortium Ensemble makes several hires, Delta and KLM sue Dutch government over Schiphol flight cuts, Virgin Atlantic joins SkyTeam airline alliance, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will reduce marketing spend, Destination America names Kirsten Bain CEO after Launder's retirement, Examining sub-IC issues from a host agency's point of view, Nayarit has a lot to offer luxury travelers, Nevada's congressional delegation reacts to Biden's 'Junk Fee' proposal, Giada De Laurentiis and Oceania Cruises, a delicious combination, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Trends in Travel Advisor Loyalty in the Airline Industry, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opens on Kauai's North Shore, Viking says January was a record-breaking month, River cruise lines sail into Egypt with new ships and itineraries, Bad behavior prompts Carnival Cruise Line to beef up onboard security, Where weed is legal, hotels roll out new marijuana amenities, The party is pumping at Virgin Voyages' beach club. Learn the word no, and use it often. 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. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. O.A.T. Your email address will not be published. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. It is impossible to reach this company. The cruise line wont let them board the ship. <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. However, if Grand Circle Travel fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could lead to layoffs, reduced wages, office closures, and a decrease in the quality of its services. No answer. Were always here to help. Tasteless food. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Any amount of compensatory. Ill make it simple. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? 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. In 1993, Here are some of the risks. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. They canceled my flight. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. Contact Us - Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. 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. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. The company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. As Adam Anolik, a San Francisco- based travel-industry lawyer, explained over email, thats why oversight forcing a company to comply with state laws can feel like an uphill battle. Anyone can read what you share. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. But why cant I get a refund? When you try to contact someone by phone. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. 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. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for 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. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. 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. 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. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. 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. Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. Answer: Yes. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Would take take this tour all over again! that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. Its Grand Circle Travel division offers all-inclusive package tours at a leisurely pace while its Overseas Adventure subsidiary organizes small groups for land, canal barge, and small ship journeys of the more. 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. And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. 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 -. No longer. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Not only did GCT require vaccination, including a booster, paperwork sent to me in my final packet, one week before departure, stated GCT policy "G.C.C.L requires all travelers wear facemasks when in public spaces while on board the ship and/or while traveling in a coach bus." Per the Holland Ministry of Tourism, Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid May, but the flowers are usually at their best halfway through April. On the 22nd of April 2020 we received an unsolicited call from James, a representative of GCT/OAT informing us that our reservation for Holland and Belgium in Springtime, originally departing April 17, 2021, had been unilaterally cancelled and that we had been arbitrarily and without our permission or knowledge rebooked for the same tour departing March 17, 2021. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Is it just your server? Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. Candidates give an average difficulty score of 3.1 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) for their job interview at Grand Circle Travel. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. Grand Circle Travel This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. Established in 1958. How Can I Get $$ back?? Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. Want a welcome drink? Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. Avoid like the plague! But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. I would not recommend the company. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. Business Bureau had given the company an "unsatisfactory" rating. Why? But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). No answer to emails or snail mail. Help! Where is it? Its an online travel agency. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. Care for a soda? ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. 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. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. . The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. Youre in control. 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.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Will this be the busiest spring break ever? contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. 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. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. operator. Unsubscribe easily. It has. All Rights Reserved. The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. There are mice in my vacation rental! Sometimes it can feel like college at times. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. complain to the Federal Maritime Commission, HERE'S WHAT ID IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE, HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE, How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, Help! Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . 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. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. 35% of job seekers rate their interview experience at Grand Circle Travel as positive. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! They do plenty of one on ones. Privacy Statement - 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. Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: no money, mo problems. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. The "older sibling" of Grand Circle Cruise Line, Grand Circle Travel specializes in land tours for Americans of baby boomer age and above (fifty-plus, but leaning toward the plus). Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. He provided us with so much information. They also dont work. Bad service. It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. 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. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. 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. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. About Grand Circle Corporation
You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. See all activities, themes, and interests >, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. Credits And Savings. Book directly with the operator. If its a small shop, you may not have 24/7 support. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto.
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