We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. 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. In response, Grand The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Here are some of the risks. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! 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. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. Is cruising really safe now? Youre in control. Its extra. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full Youre one of a million, literally. 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. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. 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. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Masters concern for passenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirements of the port. Archive - The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. 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. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Grand Circle's annual revenues are $10-$50 million (see exact revenue data) and has 100-500 employees. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. One-on-one service and attention to detail. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. CONNECT WITH US. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. 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 You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. 1. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. Our values shape our decisions, give direction to our growth, and allow us to measure our progress. The worst fee Ive seen is for the end cut of a roast served at dinner. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Grand Circle Travel GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? The right to transportation to the ships scheduled port of disembarkation, or the passengers home city, in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. He provided us with so much information. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. 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. UNACCEPTABLE!! Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. 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. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. 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." You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. 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. Candidates give an average difficulty score of 3.1 out of 5 (where 5 is the highest level of difficulty) for their job interview at Grand Circle Travel. Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. Its not just one problem, but many. Is Grand Circle Travel Still In Business - Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. What's going on? See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals. Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. About Grand Circle Corporation Tasteless food. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! 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. 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. The Lewises expanded Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. 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. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. You must be very efficient at email with On Call. 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All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. fleet of more than 50 ships. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. It has. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Did we mention it's free? Were always here to help. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. again.. 7% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Asian. | (How generous of you!) Working at Grand Circle Travel has to be one of the best jobs I've worked at. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. When will cruising feel safe again to you? She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. It appears that the main cause of Grand Circle Travel's financial issues is attributed to a decrease in demand for the company's services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, Royal Caribbean says it may, for any reason at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing, port of call, destination, lodging or any activity on or off the vessel, or substitute another vessel or port of call, destination, lodging or activity. If it does, it owes you nothing for the inconvenience. as CEO by Rakesh Gangwal, former CEO of Worldspan, a Court Square Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. Want a welcome drink? The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. 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. Try to call this phone number 1-800-221-0814/1-877-220-2610, holding for 2 hours cannot get a connection, if The Cruise Company cancel the trip they should automatically refund your money, finally I have through the credit card company to dispute payment. In 1993, Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. The "older sibling" of Grand Circle Cruise Line, Grand Circle Travel specializes in land tours for Americans of baby boomer age and above (fifty-plus, but leaning toward the plus). Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. The office environment is really casual. Thats because you are a number. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. Its been eight months. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. We are only a month out. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. See all activities, themes, and interests >, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Now it wont refund my $3,606. Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Inside 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. 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. Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. . Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. 166,000 travelers in 2007. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Furthermore, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. Temperatures of travelers were NEVER taken on the cruise, and, although ship was approximately 1/2 full, only approximately 1/2 of the tables were being utilized. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. Working At Grand Circle Travel: Employee Reviews and Culture This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. 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. Grand Circle Corp - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Its an online travel agency. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. 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. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. Grand Circle Travel has been bounced out of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine & Vermont because of a slew of complaints regards the company's cancellation policy -. Bad service. Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. When you try to contact someone by phone. How Can I Get $$ back?? They also operate overseas travel adventures. A porter will deliver it to your room. Lunch in one of our specialty restaurants? And cruise lines dont like to do that. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. We value your privacy. Theyre not. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Aleksandar Norsic - Manager, Beverage Development & Operations - The Always check before booking.). The company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Dont let that happen to you. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. And then it took them over 3 months to give us back our money which they did only after numerous phone call attempts and letters to management. I would not recommend the company. NBC10 Boston Responds Recovers Over $71K for Viewers on Canceled A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. Its gonna cost you. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. But why cant I get a refund? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Its their terms. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. But there are lots of cruise options. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. Advertising - Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). Whether its an optional shore excursion or an onboard auction, the cruise line wants more of your money than you spent on the cruise fare. And when they do, they are often underreported. Youre on vacation. 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. 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. Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. 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. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. I have flights with Grand Circle. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. Ill make it simple. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. Always arrive the day before your cruise. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. So you couldnt review the quarantining protocols before making a booking decision and say, No, thats too much. The only way to avoid an unpleasant quarantine is to wait until the infection risk is low. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable.
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