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. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Claim your Free Employer Profile. No, no, no. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full, My wife and I were excited to take our first river cruise with Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure Travel (GCT/OAT) in The Netherlands in spring 2021 to see the flowers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? Its gonna cost you. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. We are only a month out. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. 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. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. That's not entirely true. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. Sometimes it can feel like college at times. Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong on paper. Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. 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). Over the years they have. 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. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998.
The Grand Circle Family | About Us | Grand Circle Travel 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. (Take a look at your travel insurance policy, BTW, and see if it covers financial default by the tour operator, in which case you're covered if Grand Circle goes down the drain). as CEO by Rakesh Gangwal, former CEO of Worldspan, a Court Square 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. If youd rather have a bit more action, or are after a "see a lot, do a lot" city and country hopping pace, this style of travel is probably not going to hit the right note for you. 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. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. UNACCEPTABLE!! In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high . Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. We value your privacy. Just to name a few, we have danced the Turkey with school children in Costa Rica, climbed the Mayan Temples of Tikal, laid roses with Veteran travelers at the grave of the WWII Cemetery in Normandy and walked the ancient stone boulevards of Ephesus. Tasteless food. Did we mention it's free? One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. When you try to contact someone by phone. You should read it before you leave. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. 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. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. 7% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Asian. How Can I Get $$ back?? Today, Grand Circle However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. Its their terms. Contact Us - There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam.
Coronavirus: Massachusetts unemployment claims spike amid travel Help! Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. 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. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Check out our directory. View travel requirements for countries around the world. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000.
Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) - ConsumerAffairs The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. 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. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. Answer: Yes. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. We value your privacy. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world.
Grand Circle Corp - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets Here are some of the risks. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . However, if you miss a port of call, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. He paid Vantage $18,536. In 1993, If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. Always arrive the day before your cruise. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Grand Circle Travel?
Grand Circle Travel Warning - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums How many can you get right in 1 minute? There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . In response, Grand Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who acquired Boston-based Grand Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. You must be very efficient at email with On Call. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. Every member must be fully accountable for the teams and ones own personal results. Youre out of luck. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and 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. When will cruising feel safe again to you? If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. In early 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission fixed that loophole. 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. He provided us with so much information. Youre on vacation. Good luck. This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. 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.
Travel Trouble: A $30K Overseas Adventure Travel refund goes awol When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Americas +1 212 318 2000. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an The Lewises expanded The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. USTOA is a nonprofit professional association representing the tour operator industry.Its members are made up of companies who provide services worldwide but who conduct business in the U.S. Travelstride helps you search and compare 50,000+ expert-planned trips from 1,000+ companies. 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. Ill make it simple. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Virtually zero. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. Preparing for Your Trip. The activities, lectures, and easy pace are all designed for older travelers. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates.
Grand Circle Travel Booted Out of BBB - Fodor's