He tried to justify the change as one of a country change but I read him the GCT policy which I received in writing as part of my final trip documents. The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. Nevertheless, Grand Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. 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. Even email or call back. 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. 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." Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. (Thats just asking for trouble.) We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. 2023 Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210 We use cookies to improve your experience, by using our site you accept such use. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. 1. UNACCEPTABLE!! Grand Circle's three travel brands are Grand Circle Travel. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. I have flights with Grand Circle. Archive - If the cruise line cancels your sailing, you are entitled to a refund of not only the fare, but any extras, such as shore excursions. Privacy Statement - Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. Every member must be fully accountable for the teams and ones own personal results. Now it wont refund my $3,606. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. Today, Grand Circle Overseas Adventure Travel | Better Business Bureau Profile NBC10 Boston Responds Recovers Over $71K for Viewers on Canceled Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? Capital portfolio company. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) The activities, lectures, and easy pace are all designed for older travelers. Come on! Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Grand Circle CEO Alan 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. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. 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. No. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Check out our directory. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. They refuse to accept their responsibility to inform me, in order to allow me to make the decision regarding my exposure. Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who acquired Boston-based Grand GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. Were always here to help. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. Youre out of luck. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . All rights reserved. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. How do you buy a cruise, then? O.A.T. Why? They dont have any way to contact them. 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. Working at Grand Circle Travel has to be one of the best jobs I've worked at. Get travel insurance. . Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. Here are some of the risks. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Grand Circle Travel Warning - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Because Grand Circle attracts a similar age range, youre sure to meet new friends with like interests in no time. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. 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. Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. Your email address will not be published. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. Industry: Travel Agencies. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. 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. But which one is right for you? 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. 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. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. And when they do, they are often underreported. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. 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 porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. Learn the word no, and use it often. ), Back to O. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? 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. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. That agency said that it has received about 275 consumer complaints so far about canceled O.A.T. By offering more diverse experiences, such as virtual tours and staycations, Grand Circle Travel can draw in more customers and increase its revenue. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that Virtually zero. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. 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? 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. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject. Discover the worldin comforton Viking ocean cruises to Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the Americas or around https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Grand-Circle-to-be-sold-to-private-equity-firm. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. But it refuses to refund his money. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. 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. For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) - ConsumerAffairs Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. Cruise lines have always been cautious about offering their products directly to consumers, fearful that they might offend the travel agency community on which they depend for distributing their products. Business Bureau had given the company an "unsatisfactory" rating. No longer. Ill make it simple. Absolutely the worst travel agency in the business the service is virtually nonexistent and if you need to contact them, be prepared to spend hours listening to their recorded music after which the line will probably go dead. 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. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. Were always here to help. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Support. Youre in control. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. 2 hour wait for phone contact. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. The Lewises expanded Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). One-on-one service and attention to detail. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? I purchased my own flights. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. It appears that the main cause of Grand Circle Travel's financial issues is attributed to a decrease in demand for the company's services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. Always arrive the day before your cruise. : the realization that issuing refunds en masse would bleed the company dry. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. A human travel agent who can take the time to sit down with you and talk about your cruise options is a tried-and-true way to buy a cruise. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Read More rugged variety. The cabin is for sleeping. 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. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. 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. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Established in 1958. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. they would travel with the company again.". Help! Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Ive seen young, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their quarters for days. 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. Advertising - Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Grand Circle canceled my tour twice. How about a refund? There are mice in my vacation rental! Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. Join us on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 4-6PM at our corporate headquarters located at 347 Congress Street in Boston and see if we can change yours, Happy Monday! Alternatively, you could have filed a case in small claims court, although you would have had to limit your . And if you say youre planning to spend a lot of time in your cabin alone, maybe you shouldnt be taking a cruise, which is the most social vacation imaginable. 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. CONNECT WITH US. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. 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. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. You may feel like a number. No answer to emails or snail mail. 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. operator. Uh-uh. How are they allowed to keep my money? acquired by Travelport earlier this year. Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. 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. Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. According to the Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. 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. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. But why cant I get a refund? Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? An Analysis As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Most importantly, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuations (if you have any doubts, get a membership in Medjet). That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. 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. It doesnt have to. 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. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . But whats this $452 bill? The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. 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. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. What is paid time off like at Grand Circle Travel? 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. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. Unsubscribe easily. What if you miss your deadline? Unsubscribe at any time. Grand Circle Family of Travel Companies | O.A.T. Teamwork: We believe in groups of people who work together to create excellent results, solve difficult problems, support each other personally and professionally, and recognize their success. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. My cruise line requires a vaccination and now my credits are expiring, Take that back: The ultimate guide to a product return, The ultimate guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund for your broken appliance, Cell phone customer service: How to get virtually any problem fixed now, The ultimate passenger guide to Lyft, Uber and ridesharing.