Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. He provided us with so much information. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. All Rights Reserved. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. What if you miss your deadline? Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Thats because you are a number. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that To 2 hour wait for phone contact. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. 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. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. Today, Grand Circle Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. 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. You are on hold for 2-3 hours. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. But not for cruises. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. Grand Circle Travel (GCT) seems to play a few nasty games, and cheating its customers!!! California, with some of the strongest consumer protections in the country, requires cash refunds for undelivered services within 30 days from whichever date is earliest: the scheduled departure date, the date the refund is requested or the date the service was canceled by the travel company. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. . No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. they would travel with the company again.". I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. Nevertheless, Grand Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? Avoid like the plague! Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Bad service. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. Vrbo took my $1,270! This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. was no longer offering refunds. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. (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). Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. That can get a little noisy. 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. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject. Here are some of the risks. Its been eight months. Virtually zero. Now it wont refund my $3,606. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. Anyone can read what you share. undisclosed amount. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. In addition, a local restaurant lunch was packed full of passengers with food being served right under their noses. Preparing for Your Trip. In 1993, 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. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. The office environment is really casual. as CEO by Rakesh Gangwal, former CEO of Worldspan, a Court Square General Air Questions. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high . Harriet Lewis will Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. 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. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. ), Back to O. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. The best they do is send a canned letter saying how sorry they are that they are behind in correspondence because of having to frequently change airline reservations for various tours. Be the first one to find this review helpful. 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. Youre out of luck. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. The Lewises expanded Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). 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. Our values shape our decisions, give direction to our growth, and allow us to measure our progress. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. Always check before booking.). rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. 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. 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. Travel Protection. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? Most importantly, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuations (if you have any doubts, get a membership in Medjet). 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Youre in control. We receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. But why cant I get a refund? Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? Washington requires travel companies to issue cash refunds within 14 days (or 30 days when the funds are already paid to a vendor, as might be the case for a tour operator) when they cancel a service. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! 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. Inside contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. 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. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can focus on expanding its marketing efforts and building relationships with new partners to reach a larger customer base. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. Why? The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? Support. They refuse to accept their responsibility to inform me, in order to allow me to make the decision regarding my exposure. Here are some of the risks. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . 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. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. 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The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, as well as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanical failures. Privacy Statement - I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. They sent me an unitemized bill for $650 for a trip I'd been notified had been completely paid for. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. This profile has not been claimed by the company. Airlines are sidestepping refund regulations established by the United States Transportation Department and the European Union, betting that negative press (and even class-action lawsuits) are still preferable to negative-balance bank accounts. Youre one of a million, literally. 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. Were always here to help. We value your privacy. 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. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. All rights reserved. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. Watch for food-borne illnesses. 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. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. Despite the customer They dont have any way to contact them. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. I am still pursuing my refund. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. And cruise lines dont like to do that. There are many other health perils at sea. 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 also step down from her role as co-chair at Grand Circle and as Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. (Thats just asking for trouble.) I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. How Can I Get $$ back?? When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. What should I do? Answer: Yes. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. 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). 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. How are they allowed to keep my money? Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Lunch was provided in the cost. Where is it? Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. 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! Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour.

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