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As a thank you for being such outstanding employees, they were sent on a week long Recognition Journey Trip to Peru! You can also appeal your case to a company executive. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) | ConsumerAffairs If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. 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. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. Its not just one problem, but many. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. 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. 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. 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. Travel Trouble: A $30K Overseas Adventure Travel refund goes awol Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. Just to name a few, we have danced the Turkey with school children in Costa Rica, climbed the Mayan Temples of Tikal, laid roses with Veteran travelers at the grave of the WWII Cemetery in Normandy and walked the ancient stone boulevards of Ephesus. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. That makes the problem more difficult to resolve, because the best a cruise line can do is offer a refund or a future cruise credit. Were looking for dynamic, high-performing, accommodating individuals interested in joining our upcoming training classes for Sales and Customer Service. 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. Thriving in Change: In these times of rapid change, global competition, and high volatility in the travel industry, we must be prepared to change course and move forward. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet This profile has not been claimed by the company. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. 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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. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. Despite the customer Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. I have flights with Grand Circle. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Type: Company - Private. Is Grand Circle Travel Still In Business - Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins Heres how to spot it, Expert advice for booking the best hotel and finding the lowest rate, Here it is: The complete guide to holiday travel. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? 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. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and I respected allan lewis and spoke highly of him till i saw that he is not a man of his word and terminated loyal people and hire stupid ones he fooled us and i think this company is toxic ,he knew about sexual harassment for women and didn't do anything about itRead More. But not for cruises. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. While Grand Circle Travel has seen tremendous success over the years, the company has recently found itself in a difficult financial situation. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? 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. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. GRAND CIRCLE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile - IncFact.com as CEO by Rakesh Gangwal, former CEO of Worldspan, a Court Square Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. 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. This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. Get travel insurance. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. Check out our directory. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. NBC10 Boston Responds Recovers Over $71K for Viewers on Canceled Credits And Savings. Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. Youre one of a million, literally. Last minute changes OK, You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type, Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. 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. The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. 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 there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. 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. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. 7% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Asian. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. There are mice in my vacation rental! travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and 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. service hurdle, when the company announced the sale last week, it When will cruising feel safe again to you? What should I do? Lunch was provided in the cost. 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. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. The worst fee Ive seen is for the end cut of a roast served at dinner. But there are lots of cruise options. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Roz. Working At Grand Circle Travel: Employee Reviews and Culture Now it wont refund my $3,606. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. Theyre not. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. Unsubscribe at any time. Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). Harriet Lewis will chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. again.. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. We value your privacy. 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. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. Grand Circle Foundation Giving back to the world we travel Upload Your Photos, Videos & Slideshows Share your trips with fellow travelers Special Offers The Seine: Paris to Normandy Average Group Size: 38-45 Travelers Traveler Reviews (611) 84% Traveler Excellence Rating A link has directed you to this review. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? 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. (Take a look at your travel insurance policy, BTW, and see if it covers financial default by the tour operator, in which case you're covered if Grand Circle goes down the drain). What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? Not a week goes by that my advocates dont receive a case from someone who didnt have enough travel insurance and faced a large bill at the end of a cruise. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. Archive - They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. 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. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. 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. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Would take take this tour all over again! For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. 166,000 travelers in 2007. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. 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. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress But whats this $452 bill? 1. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. Do they distribute it among the staff? Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. It is impossible to reach this company. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). And most passengers accepted the credit. All rights reserved. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? Claim your Free Employer Profile. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. Its extra. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Why? Over the years they have. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. 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. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? Sometimes it can feel like college at times. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. ), Back to O. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Care for a soda? Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. 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. So should you take a cruise this year? Youre on vacation. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Be the first one to find this review helpful. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? For some types of trips, insurance is optional. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. OAT is non-accredited per the BBB, had a C- rating by them and per 23 customer reviews had 1 * out of 5. We value your privacy. 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. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. 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. Trips are mostly all-inclusive, focusing on comfortable accommodations, informative and easy paced guided walking tours, cultural encounters, learning experiences, and special events that they call their Discovery Series. Travel Protection. Help! Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. Is it just your server? If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Grand Circle Travel? Grand Circle Travel Warning - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. He provided us with so much information. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. How can I reach them?? Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Ill make it simple. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. In response, Grand One thing leads to another, and the next thing you know, a passenger is standing at the dock with the ship steaming off into the distance. According to the was no longer offering refunds. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. 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. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. Excellent service on ship, considerate of their clients, wonderful discovery trips. Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. Grand Circle's 40-plus offices are located in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific . 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. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) Every member must be fully accountable for the teams and ones own personal results. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. They also dont work. 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 ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York Temperatures of travelers were NEVER taken on the cruise, and, although ship was approximately 1/2 full, only approximately 1/2 of the tables were being utilized. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. There are many other health perils at sea. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. 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 view of the mountains and Grand Canyon was breathtaking! was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject. 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. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. Manager in development of Restaurant, Restaurant & Bar operations with outstanding record and experience in top award winning companies, Apollo Group, Celebrity Cruises, Valamar Hotels & Resorts and Grand Circle Travel. 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. (Its all taken care of.) Grand Circle Travel (GCT) seems to play a few nasty games, and cheating its customers!!! But why cant I get a refund? Read More rugged variety. It has. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. What if you miss your deadline? 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.