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. 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. First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. also step down from her role as co-chair at Grand Circle and as (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. After a series of high-profile customer service incidents in 2012 and 2013, the cruise industry adopted a voluntary bill of rights for its passengers, to clearly communicate to them their rights regarding comfort and care in a number of important areas. Read More rugged variety. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. 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. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 Grand Circles motto is We Change Peoples Lives; it has certainly changed ours. I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. But not for cruises. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Tasteless food. Why? A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Archive - The right to transportation to the ships scheduled port of disembarkation, or the passengers home city, in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. The cruise line wont let them board the ship. 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. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Overseas Adventure Travel And then it took them over 3 months to give us back our money which they did only after numerous phone call attempts and letters to management. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. 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. 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. Industry: Travel Agencies. A link has directed you to this review. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. Contact Us - Learn the word no, and use it often. Most importantly, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuations (if you have any doubts, get a membership in Medjet). Watch for food-borne illnesses. Would take take this tour all over again! Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. About Grand Circle Corporation Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. Advertising - Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. 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. 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. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. Credits And Savings. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. But whats this $452 bill? About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. He provided us with so much information. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. Overseas Adventure Travel | Better Business Bureau Profile Often, they succeed. I am still pursuing my refund. All Rights Reserved. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. You are on hold for 2-3 hours. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. And cruise lines dont like to do that. The worst fee Ive seen is for the end cut of a roast served at dinner. 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. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. Grand Circle Travel [GCT] - Complaints Board Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. When you try to contact someone by phone. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Specialties: The leader in small ship and river cruising worldwide - offering American travelers a 4-star experience at a 3-star price aboard our privately owned and chartered fleet. What should I do? It appears that the main cause of Grand Circle Travels financial issues is attributed to a decrease in demand for the companys services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some of the risks. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full 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. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. as its customer service. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. This profile has not been claimed by the company. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. But which one is right for you? Always check before booking.). By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. 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. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and There are many other health perils at sea. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. Try to call this phone number 1-800-221-0814/1-877-220-2610, holding for 2 hours cannot get a connection, if The Cruise Company cancel the trip they should automatically refund your money, finally I have through the credit card company to dispute payment. Payments. They also dont work. Grand Circle Travel (GCT) seems to play a few nasty games, and cheating its customers!!! Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) - ConsumerAffairs 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. Virtually zero. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. Good luck. Want a welcome drink? No longer. 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. 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. According to the Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. However, if you miss a port of call, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees. Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. What's going on? 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Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. Help! One Company Refused to Refund Travelers More Than $100,000 We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. Cookie Policy - If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. 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. 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 are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. 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. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. The cabin is for sleeping. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? If you leave the country, you must have a passport. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. Washington requires travel companies to issue cash refunds within 14 days (or 30 days when the funds are already paid to a vendor, as might be the case for a tour operator) when they cancel a service. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. A fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they misunderstood or ignored their passport or visa requirements. CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. : the realization that issuing refunds en masse would bleed the company dry. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. Help! that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet General Air Questions. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. 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). Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. 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. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. : Tanzania/Kilimanjaro Tour Company, Any recommendations for Grand Circle Tours and/or Overseas Adventure Tours, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. He paid Vantage $18,536. 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. 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. Americas +1 212 318 2000. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. Type: Company - Private. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. Even email or call back. 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. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. 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. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. Where is it? Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Its an online travel agency. It is impossible to reach this company. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. Recently cruised with GCT and they failed to comply with their stated regulations regarding Covid protocols. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. 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. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). That's not entirely true. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that Book directly with the operator. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour Uh-uh. On motorcoach tours with Grand Circle you will make frequent stops to stretch your legs, and some longer stops for sightseeing. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. Aleksandar Norsic - Manager, Beverage Development & Operations - The Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. The right to have available, on board ships operating beyond rivers or coastal waters, full-time, professional emergency medical attention, as needed until shoreside medical care becomes available. Working At Grand Circle Travel: Employee Reviews and Culture It doesnt have to. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. Our values shape our decisions, give direction to our growth, and allow us to measure our progress. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. Grand Circle's 40-plus offices are located in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific . Despite the customer Traveler Reviews. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. We plan to go to Iceland. 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. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. FAQ. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). 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. Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who acquired Boston-based Grand Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . Its gonna cost you. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. Now it wont refund my $3,606. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. 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. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. 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. 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. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. TripAdvisor, ConsumerAffairs and other review sites show lingering frustrations about the companys coronavirus policies, but several Times readers, according to emails Ive received, have made headway by filing parallel complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the Massachusetts Attorney Generals office. For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and