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301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. All rights reserved. Answer: Yes. The activities, lectures, and easy pace are all designed for older travelers. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. Grand Circle Corp - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets No answer. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. Not only did GCT require vaccination, including a booster, paperwork sent to me in my final packet, one week before departure, stated GCT policy "G.C.C.L requires all travelers wear facemasks when in public spaces while on board the ship and/or while traveling in a coach bus." And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. But Massachusetts happens to be one of only a handful of states with specific laws that guarantee consumers protection against travel sellers, including requiring that tour operators offer the option of cash refunds (in addition to vouchers or credits for rebooking) when they fail to provide agreed-upon, paid-for services. 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. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. One way that Grand Circle Travel can overcome its financial difficulties is by diversifying its offerings. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprisecomprised of a family of travel companiescommitted to changing people's lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism. 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. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. 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. Where is it? Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? In 1993, Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. OAT is non-accredited per the BBB, had a C- rating by them and per 23 customer reviews had 1 * out of 5. However, if Grand Circle Travel fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could lead to layoffs, reduced wages, office closures, and a decrease in the quality of its services. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. Contact Us - Furthermore, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. Privacy Statement - In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. He paid Vantage $18,536. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. Book directly with the operator. Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. This profile has not been claimed by the company. You may feel like a number. | We are only a month out. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and 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. Our Mission: We strive to be the world leader in international travel, adventure, and discovery for American travelers over 50providing impactful and intercultural experiences that significantly improve the quality of their lives. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. About Grand Circle Corporation Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. The office environment is really casual. 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Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Travel Protection. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! acquired by Travelport earlier this year. Onboard doctors dont have the equipment or facilities to handle a serious illness. 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. Industry: Travel Agencies. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. 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? The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. What are my rights as a cruise passenger? The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. How can I reach them?? Youre on vacation. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. Lunch was provided in the cost. 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. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. Youre one of a million, literally. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Archive - There are many other health perils at sea. Cookie Policy - You could pay tens of thousands of dollars to a cruise line. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. If you test positive, cruise lines will confine you to quarters or to a special section on the cruise ship for infected passengers, usually for the duration of the voyage. If its a small shop, you may not have 24/7 support. 35% of job seekers rate their interview experience at Grand Circle Travel as positive. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. 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. 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. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. That can get a little noisy. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? Will this be the busiest spring break ever? If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. Care for a soda? Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. Bad service. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Were always here to help. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. Gangwal left Worldspan when it was And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. How do you buy a cruise, then? A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. Even email or call back. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. 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. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. And when they do, they are often underreported. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full 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. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. 1Is cruising safe?What kind of cruise should I take?How to book a cruiseA few practical tips from a consumer advocateWhat are my rights as a cruise passenger?Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights?If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund?Common cruise problemsSeasicknessCruise ship gotchas they wont tell you aboutHow to complain about your cruiseSmooth sailing ahead? They canceled my flight. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. What is paid time off like at Grand Circle Travel? Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. 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. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. The cabin is for sleeping. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? The Lewises expanded Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. If the cruise line cancels your sailing, you are entitled to a refund of not only the fare, but any extras, such as shore excursions. They are completely incompetent at this point. Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? An Analysis 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. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. 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. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. fleet of more than 50 ships. 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. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is impossible to reach this company. 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. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. Established in 1958 by Ethel Andrus, educator and founder of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), we view world travel as a powerful lever for lifelong learning. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! A fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they misunderstood or ignored their passport or visa requirements. 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. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high . Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. 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. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can focus on expanding its marketing efforts and building relationships with new partners to reach a larger customer base. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. Harriet Lewis will Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. They also operate overseas travel adventures. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. Virtually zero. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. Grand Circle CEO Alan Youre out of luck. CONNECT WITH US. I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong on paper. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. 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. Traveler Reviews. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. Manager in development of Restaurant, Restaurant & Bar operations with outstanding record and experience in top award winning companies, Apollo Group, Celebrity Cruises, Valamar Hotels & Resorts and Grand Circle Travel. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? Help! 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. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Credits And Savings. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. But not for cruises. What should I do? Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. as its customer service. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. 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. 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. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. I could not have asked for a better experience! NBC10 Boston Responds Recovers Over $71K for Viewers on Canceled As a thank you for being such outstanding employees, they were sent on a week long Recognition Journey Trip to Peru! An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. Don't do business with these people. Grand Circle to be sold to private equity firm - Travel Weekly (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). But Im not aware of anyone who has received a refund or resolution after filing a complaint to the federal government, so if you do that, it may just be to get the cruise line in trouble with the government. Anyone can read what you share. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. What if you miss your deadline? We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. Grand Circle canceled my tour twice. How about a refund? It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. Special access to agent-only discounts. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. 1958. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? I purchased my own flights. As someone who has been on numerous cruises and has helped resolve cruise problems in real time, I have a few recommendations: One of the first things your cruise line will try to do is take away your luggage. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form.