Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. Quite frankly, I don't know if I was infected by other passengers (there were others on the same cruise that came down with Covid before I did) or if I infected others. 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. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. This company must not have enough staffing. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. One-on-one service and attention to detail. acquired by Travelport earlier this year. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who acquired Boston-based Grand Vrbo took my $1,270! 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. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. Lunch was provided in the cost. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. Over the years they have. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Cookie Policy - Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. Be the first one to find this review helpful. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. : Tanzania/Kilimanjaro Tour Company, Any recommendations for Grand Circle Tours and/or Overseas Adventure Tours, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. What is paid time off like at Grand Circle Travel? But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. How are they allowed to keep my money? All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Despite the customer Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. 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. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). 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. 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 test positive, cruise lines will confine you to quarters or to a special section on the cruise ship for infected passengers, usually for the duration of the voyage. I was told last year I could not cancel the trip and they rescheduled it but now I cannot even reach them to find out if I can change the trip. Its their terms. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). FAQ. 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. In response, Grand When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. No. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals. Working at Grand Circle Travel has to be one of the best jobs I've worked at. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. So should you take a cruise this year? 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 -. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. While Grand Circle Travel has seen tremendous success over the years, the company has recently found itself in a difficult financial situation. Its not just one problem, but many. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. Any amount of compensatory. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. How many can you get right in 1 minute? Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? Overseas . The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. Thats not entirely true. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Learn the word no, and use it often. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. O.A.T. What if you miss your deadline? The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily 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. But why cant I get a refund? In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. You raise an important point. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. I have flights with Grand Circle. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . Here are my strategies for advocating your case. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. Find your private company bowl on Fishbowl, join the hottest conversation with your colleagues anonymously. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. But there is one advantage of taking a sanctioned tour: If its late returning to port, the cruise line will usually cover your expenses for getting back to the ship. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. Bad service. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. Gangwal left Worldspan when it was UNACCEPTABLE!! The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. Did we mention it's free? contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. On motorcoach tours with Grand Circle you will make frequent stops to stretch your legs, and some longer stops for sightseeing. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. Unsubscribe at any time. 2 hour wait for phone contact. If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. All Rights Reserved. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Without adequate funding, the company may be unable to invest in new technologies or hire the best talent to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. Read More rugged variety. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? . I purchased my own flights. You must be very efficient at email with On Call. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. 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. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. 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. 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." When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong on paper. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well A fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they misunderstood or ignored their passport or visa requirements. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? 7% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Asian. 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. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. But not for cruises. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. Come on! 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. He paid Vantage $18,536. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. To Avoid like the plague! Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? Grand Circle Travel (GCT) seems to play a few nasty games, and cheating its customers!!!
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