established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: no money, mo problems. Grand Circles motto is We Change Peoples Lives; it has certainly changed ours. 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. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! 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. In Illinois, the Travel Promotion Consumer Protection Act was created in the 1980s to safeguard against travel scams that promise too-good-to-be-true deals. Airlines are sidestepping refund regulations established by the United States Transportation Department and the European Union, betting that negative press (and even class-action lawsuits) are still preferable to negative-balance bank accounts. But it refuses to refund his money. 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! 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. 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. Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). Grand Circle CEO Alan Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! Overseas Adventure Travel: Reviews, Complaints, Customer Claims For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). 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. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. 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. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? The office environment is really casual. Theyre not. No. Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. According to the Onboard doctors dont have the equipment or facilities to handle a serious illness. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. (Its all taken care of.) All Rights Reserved. GRAND CIRCLE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile - IncFact.com Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. 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. All Rights Reserved. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? 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. All rights reserved. Contact Us - Sometimes it can feel like college at times. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better Its extra. How Can I Get $$ back?? GRAND CIRCLE - 60 Reviews - 347 Congress St, Boston, MA - Yelp The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. They also operate overseas travel adventures. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. 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. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . How many can you get right in 1 minute? Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. Why? Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. And cruise lines dont like to do that. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. Here are some of the risks. In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. (How generous of you!) You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. Did we mention it's free? Aleksandar Norsic - Manager, Beverage Development & Operations - The 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. Furthermore, Grand Circle Travel has also experienced a decrease in revenue due to the cancellation of numerous trips and the refund of deposits to customers. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. 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. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. But which one is right for you? The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. 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. Were always here to help. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). 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? Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. It is impossible to reach this company. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. Any amount of compensatory. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. That's not entirely true. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Grand Circle Travel? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. 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. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. . FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Overseas Adventure Travel Today, Grand Circle The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. What if you miss your deadline? This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. We plan to go to Iceland. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. I purchased my own flights. The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! Preparing for Your Trip. 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. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. 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. Is it just your server? Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? They canceled my flight. We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. Grand Circle Travel [GCT] - Complaints Board The cruise line wont let them board the ship. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. 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. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. 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. I am still pursuing my refund. as its customer service. Unsubscribe easily. Its their terms. 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. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. Do they distribute it among the staff? To fulfill this commitment, our Members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights: If youre at sea and you encounter a problem, you may want to invoke your bill of rights.. What should I do? 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 When you try to contact someone by phone. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? Always arrive the day before your cruise. 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! Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Learn the word no, and use it often. Nevertheless, Grand Youre one of a million, literally. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. Over the years they have. Dont let this be you. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. UNACCEPTABLE!! G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. They dont have any way to contact them. Now it wont refund my $3,606. You should read it before you leave. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. Inside Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. 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. The right to have included on each cruise lines website a toll-free phone line that can be used for questions or information concerning any aspect of shipboard operations. Unsubscribe at any time. 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. Lunch was provided in the cost. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. If, for example, youre taking your extended family on an anniversary cruise, youll probably want to find a cruise specialist with experience dealing with large groups. Travel Protection. Grand Circle Corp., a Boston-based travel agency, has weathered many events since it was founded in 1958 by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) creator Ethel Andrus. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. No answer to emails or snail mail. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. was no longer offering refunds. Grand Circle to be sold to private equity firm - Travel Weekly Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. Its not just one problem, but many. Dont let that happen to you. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. 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. Coronavirus: Massachusetts unemployment claims spike amid travel The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. 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. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. 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. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. To Worst of all, negotiating the removal of these charges is almost impossible after all the cruise line did tell you it cost $2 a minute to call home. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Help! The main thing I have to say to others is: There are many tour Companies out there, now is the time to dismiss GCT and try someone else. 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. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. He provided us with so much information. 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. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Youll probably get the deepest discounts, and in some cases, a price protection that assures you that if the fare drops, youll get a refund. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. As a thank you for being such outstanding employees, they were sent on a week long Recognition Journey Trip to Peru! We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. also step down from her role as co-chair at Grand Circle and as Credits And Savings. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. A porter will deliver it to your room. Despite the customer Its an online travel agency. Avoid like the plague! As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. CONNECT WITH US. Thats not entirely true. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Read More rugged variety. Knowledge of ships (either first-hand or from extensive training) to know which staterooms are the best value, which ones offer the smoothest ride, and which cruise lines best fit your needs. Harriet Lewis will It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. Every member must be fully accountable for the teams and ones own personal results. We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a I could not have asked for a better experience! Special access to agent-only discounts. In addition, a local restaurant lunch was packed full of passengers with food being served right under their noses. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers.