is grand circle travel in financial trouble is grand circle travel in financial trouble

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. The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. See all activities, themes, and interests >, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. Itineraries are designed for American travelers, with an aim towards immersive experiences such as visiting local homes, interesting walking tours, in-depth cultural interactions and culinary experiences. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Thats because you are a number. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. (How generous of you!) Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. 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. 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 Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. In addition, a local restaurant lunch was packed full of passengers with food being served right under their noses. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Although travel has stopped and is only starting up again slowly and in only a few destinations the aftershocks of that screeching halt, brought on by the coronavirus, continue to reverberate. Special access to agent-only discounts. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. Type: Company - Private. Travel Protection. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an FAQ. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. There are many other health perils at sea. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? How much of a cut does the cruise line take? in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. 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. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. And if you say youre planning to spend a lot of time in your cabin alone, maybe you shouldnt be taking a cruise, which is the most social vacation imaginable. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? Required fields are marked *. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. But which one is right for you? Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. By offering more diverse experiences, such as virtual tours and staycations, Grand Circle Travel can draw in more customers and increase its revenue. 4x. ), Back to O. You raise an important point. Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. 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. The right to have available, on board ships operating beyond rivers or coastal waters, full-time, professional emergency medical attention, as needed until shoreside medical care becomes available. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. 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. 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? Youre in control. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. Answer: Yes. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. complain to the Federal Maritime Commission, HERE'S WHAT ID IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE, HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE, How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, Help! 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. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. . It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. 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. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. You should read it before you leave. One way that Grand Circle Travel can overcome its financial difficulties is by diversifying its offerings. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? Its an online travel agency. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. 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. How Can I Get $$ back?? When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . Overseas . See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. This company must not have enough staffing. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. 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. Privacy Statement - Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? 2023 Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress St. Boston, MA 02210 We use cookies to improve your experience, by using our site you accept such use. 166,000 travelers in 2007. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! 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. 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? Traveler Reviews. Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. again.. And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. We value your privacy. We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. All rights reserved. A fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they misunderstood or ignored their passport or visa requirements. Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. He tried to justify the change as one of a country change but I read him the GCT policy which I received in writing as part of my final trip documents. When youre on vacation, its easy to let down your guard and fall for a sales pitch for an original sculpture, diamond ring or timeshare. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. was no longer offering refunds. 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. Get travel insurance. In order to understand the current financial situation of Grand Circle Travel, it is important to first examine the causes behind the companys financial struggles. they would travel with the company again.". 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. All Rights Reserved. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. I could not have asked for a better experience! Anyone can read what you share. The company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. 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. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. And cruise lines dont like to do that. 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. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. General Air Questions. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. Established in 1958. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. I would not recommend the company. Credits And Savings. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. also step down from her role as co-chair at Grand Circle and as Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. And when they do, they are often underreported. I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. 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. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. I purchased my own flights. 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. Harriet Lewis will The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Its been eight months. Your email address will not be published. Theyre not. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. 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. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. If, for example, youre taking your extended family on an anniversary cruise, youll probably want to find a cruise specialist with experience dealing with large groups. 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. (Its all taken care of.) In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. What should I do? Industry: Travel Agencies. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. 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. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. They do plenty of one on ones. Recently cruised with GCT and they failed to comply with their stated regulations regarding Covid protocols. O.A.T. Be the first one to find this review helpful. You may feel like a number. Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. OAT is non-accredited per the BBB, had a C- rating by them and per 23 customer reviews had 1 * out of 5. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? We plan to go to Iceland. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. Business Bureau had given the company an "unsatisfactory" rating. Unsubscribe easily. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. He paid Vantage $18,536. Absolutely the worst travel agency in the business the service is virtually nonexistent and if you need to contact them, be prepared to spend hours listening to their recorded music after which the line will probably go dead. In response, Grand This is definitely a travel experience well suited to older American travelers in the 60+ range, seeking a degree of comfort, in their travel experience, within a mid to high budget range. Preparing for Your Trip. Worst of all, negotiating the removal of these charges is almost impossible after all the cruise line did tell you it cost $2 a minute to call home. G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. In 1993, $7000 in their pocket. I respected allan lewis and spoke highly of him till i saw that he is not a man of his word and terminated loyal people and hire stupid ones he fooled us and i think this company is toxic ,he knew about sexual harassment for women and didn't do anything about itRead More. Grand Circle Travel Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Archive - It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Vrbo took my $1,270! Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. One-on-one service and attention to detail. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? 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. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. 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 -. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). 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. But even when individual consumers know their rights, they have few options at their immediate disposal when a customer-service representative usually the only public-facing proxy for a companys official or unofficial policies refuses to relent on refunds. UNACCEPTABLE!! Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Inside If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Its not just one problem, but many. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. 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. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. Grand Circles motto is We Change Peoples Lives; it has certainly changed ours. 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.