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Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. 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. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . Help! It is impossible to reach this company. 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. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). That's not entirely true. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. That agency said that it has received about 275 consumer complaints so far about canceled O.A.T. in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. (Thats just asking for trouble.) You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. Care for a soda? Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? They canceled my flight. Gangwal left Worldspan when it was UNACCEPTABLE!! Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. Watch for food-borne illnesses. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Lunch was provided in the cost. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. Today, Grand Circle If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. Agents are not free. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. Privacy Statement - The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. refund if a trip is canceled. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. ), Back to O. 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 company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. 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. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. No. The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. I purchased my own flights. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. Youre one of a million, literally. But why cant I get a refund? 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. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. How are they allowed to keep my money? They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. 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. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. Were always here to help. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. Grand Circles motto is We Change Peoples Lives; it has certainly changed ours. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Thats because you are a number. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. Get travel insurance. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can focus on expanding its marketing efforts and building relationships with new partners to reach a larger customer base. For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. While some U.S. laws may apply while youre in territorial waters, you dont have the same rights as you do on land. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. Its extra. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. 35% of job seekers rate their interview experience at Grand Circle Travel as positive. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. $7000 in their pocket. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. Special access to agent-only discounts. Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. Travel Protection. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. 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. CONNECT WITH US. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. Grand Circle's annual revenues are $10-$50 million (see exact revenue data) and has 100-500 employees. Its Grand Circle Travel division offers all-inclusive package tours at a leisurely pace while its Overseas Adventure subsidiary organizes small groups for land, canal barge, and small ship journeys of the more. But whats this $452 bill? Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. Industry: Travel Agencies. again.. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Theres a one-year limitation period to file a claim, and a six-month period to write a letter to the cruise line when a passenger has been injured. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. Grand Circle is hosting an Open House for our Traveler Relations Center on 6/3/21 4-6pm! 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. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. 4x. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. Virtually zero. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. What if you miss your deadline? Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. acquired by Travelport earlier this year. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. In order to understand the current financial situation of Grand Circle Travel, it is important to first examine the causes behind the company's financial struggles. When will cruising feel safe again to you? Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . He provided us with so much information. undisclosed amount. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. Were always here to help. Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. Support. Ill make it simple. O.A.T. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? 1. 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. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. Want a welcome drink? And most passengers accepted the credit. The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. Read More rugged variety. Archive - These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. And when they do, they are often underreported. 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. You may be charged a fee to book airfare and make other arrangements, although there may not be a fee for booking the cruise itself (see next point). And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. Working at Grand Circle Travel has to be one of the best jobs I've worked at. I have flights with Grand Circle. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. How can I reach them?? You must be very efficient at email with On Call. That can get a little noisy. The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. But, if the extraordinary number of reader complaints I have received more than a dozen and counting are any indication, they have been doing so anyway. #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. 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. Why? One way that Grand Circle Travel can overcome its financial difficulties is by diversifying its offerings. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Quite frankly, I don't know if I was infected by other passengers (there were others on the same cruise that came down with Covid before I did) or if I infected others. It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. Even email or call back. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. 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. Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure Travel only offered a $250 credit per person to be applied to a future trip, and the option of booking another trip altogether. 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. I would not recommend the company. Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. The cabin is for sleeping. As a thank you for being such outstanding employees, they were sent on a week long Recognition Journey Trip to Peru! The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. What's going on? Inside I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong on paper. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. Always arrive the day before your cruise. spokeswoman said the company is working to improve our processes and to better address the needs of each traveler whose trip was canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. 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? If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. 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. In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. 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. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? How Can I Get $$ back?? How do you buy a cruise, then? Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. Youre out of luck. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. Cookie Policy - 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. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. No answer to emails or snail mail. They also dont work. was no longer offering refunds. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. 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. 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. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. 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. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. In early 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission fixed that loophole. Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. They also operate overseas travel adventures. 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. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. Required fields are marked *. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. fleet of more than 50 ships. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Join us on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 4-6PM at our corporate headquarters located at 347 Congress Street in Boston and see if we can change yours, Happy Monday!