, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. Travel Protection. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. All Rights Reserved. Where is it? Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Youre one of a million, literally. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. Bad service. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? 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. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. 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! Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. 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. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. They dont have any way to contact them. 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. The Lewises expanded As Adam Anolik, a San Francisco- based travel-industry lawyer, explained over email, thats why oversight forcing a company to comply with state laws can feel like an uphill battle. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York A link has directed you to this review. First and foremost, an ethical agent will make sure the cruise is the right one for you, but some agents, sadly, go straight for the highest commission. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. Its not just one problem, but many. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Over the years they have. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. they would travel with the company again.". With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. But there are lots of cruise options. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Overseas . Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. But why cant I get a refund? Required fields are marked *. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. He paid Vantage $18,536. Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. Even email or call back. Uh-uh. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. 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. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. 2 hour wait for phone contact. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? They also dont work. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. Your email address will not be published. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? So should you take a cruise this year? If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. 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. Is it just your server? OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. Be the first one to find this review helpful. This is my first experience with them. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. Unsubscribe at any time. 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. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. 1958. refund if a trip is canceled. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. I read that the company is being sold to some type of Holding Company--that may explain it. 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. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. You can request a roommate if you travel solo to save on the s We had a great tour guide in Ivan, was very knowledgable, friendly and very considerate of peoples concerns. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Lunch was provided in the cost. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. It has. 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. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. 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. It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. This is the Grand Circle Travel company profile. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. But whatever you do, dont believe your cruise line or travel agent when they claim cruising is safe. Theres no form of travel thats safe right now. And most passengers accepted the credit. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. It doesnt have to. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? Unsubscribe easily. 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. Claim your Free Employer Profile. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? 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. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . Grand Circle CEO Alan Harriet Lewis will <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. was no longer offering refunds. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. You may feel like a number. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. And when they do, they are often underreported. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Per the Holland Ministry of Tourism, Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid May, but the flowers are usually at their best halfway through April. On the 22nd of April 2020 we received an unsolicited call from James, a representative of GCT/OAT informing us that our reservation for Holland and Belgium in Springtime, originally departing April 17, 2021, had been unilaterally cancelled and that we had been arbitrarily and without our permission or knowledge rebooked for the same tour departing March 17, 2021. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. We are only a month out. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. 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. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. 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. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Read More rugged variety. 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. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! You are on hold for 2-3 hours. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour 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. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. 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, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. 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. Get travel insurance. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. 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. Youre out of luck. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. 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. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? Youre in control. Sometimes it can feel like college at times. What if you miss your deadline? A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. I told them that I had a medical condition and did not know when or if I would be able to travel, and asked whether they were just going to keep my $17,500 if I couldnt travel by the end of 2021. Ive seen young, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their quarters for days. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. 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. 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is grand circle travel in financial trouble

is grand circle travel in financial trouble

Business Bureau had given the company an "unsatisfactory" rating. When you try to contact someone by phone. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. There are many other health perils at sea. Cookie Policy - See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. 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. Were always here to help. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. 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. Don't do business with these people. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. 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. 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. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. Virtually zero. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Grand Circle Travel? We value your privacy. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. I purchased my own flights. An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. Roz. The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. Now it wont refund my $3,606. 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.. See all activities, themes, and interests >, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. Travel Protection. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. All Rights Reserved. Where is it? Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Youre one of a million, literally. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. Bad service. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? 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. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. 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! Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. 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. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. They dont have any way to contact them. 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. The Lewises expanded As Adam Anolik, a San Francisco- based travel-industry lawyer, explained over email, thats why oversight forcing a company to comply with state laws can feel like an uphill battle. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York A link has directed you to this review. First and foremost, an ethical agent will make sure the cruise is the right one for you, but some agents, sadly, go straight for the highest commission. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. Its not just one problem, but many. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Over the years they have. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. they would travel with the company again.". With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. But there are lots of cruise options. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Overseas . Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. But why cant I get a refund? Required fields are marked *. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. He paid Vantage $18,536. Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. Even email or call back. Uh-uh. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. 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. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. 2 hour wait for phone contact. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? They also dont work. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. Your email address will not be published. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? So should you take a cruise this year? If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. 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. Is it just your server? OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. Be the first one to find this review helpful. This is my first experience with them. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. Unsubscribe at any time. 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. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. 1958. refund if a trip is canceled. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. I read that the company is being sold to some type of Holding Company--that may explain it. 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. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. You can request a roommate if you travel solo to save on the s We had a great tour guide in Ivan, was very knowledgable, friendly and very considerate of peoples concerns. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Lunch was provided in the cost. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. It has. 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. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. 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. It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. This is the Grand Circle Travel company profile. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. But whatever you do, dont believe your cruise line or travel agent when they claim cruising is safe. Theres no form of travel thats safe right now. And most passengers accepted the credit. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. It doesnt have to. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? Unsubscribe easily. 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. Claim your Free Employer Profile. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? 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. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . Grand Circle CEO Alan Harriet Lewis will <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. was no longer offering refunds. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. You may feel like a number. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. And when they do, they are often underreported. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Per the Holland Ministry of Tourism, Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid May, but the flowers are usually at their best halfway through April. On the 22nd of April 2020 we received an unsolicited call from James, a representative of GCT/OAT informing us that our reservation for Holland and Belgium in Springtime, originally departing April 17, 2021, had been unilaterally cancelled and that we had been arbitrarily and without our permission or knowledge rebooked for the same tour departing March 17, 2021. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. We are only a month out. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. 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. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. 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. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Read More rugged variety. 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. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! You are on hold for 2-3 hours. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour 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. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. 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, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. 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. Get travel insurance. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. 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. Youre out of luck. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. 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. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? Youre in control. Sometimes it can feel like college at times. What if you miss your deadline? A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. I told them that I had a medical condition and did not know when or if I would be able to travel, and asked whether they were just going to keep my $17,500 if I couldnt travel by the end of 2021. Ive seen young, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their quarters for days. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. 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.

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