All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. as CEO by Rakesh Gangwal, former CEO of Worldspan, a Court Square COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. 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. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well Your stateroom is a place to sleep. Established in 1958 by Ethel Andrus, educator and founder of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), we view world travel as a powerful lever for lifelong learning. UNACCEPTABLE!! Our Mission: We strive to be the world leader in international travel, adventure, and discovery for American travelers over 50providing impactful and intercultural experiences that significantly improve the quality of their lives. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. 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 sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week youll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world. Want a welcome drink? To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Unsubscribe easily. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. When you try to contact someone by phone. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. And most passengers accepted the credit. How Can I Get $$ back?? There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. Check out our directory. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Even email or call back. Here are some of the risks. 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. 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. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. In early 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission fixed that loophole. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Anyone can read what you share. The cabin is for sleeping. Unsubscribe at any time. In a telephone call to GCT I was told the company policy had changed but the paperwork had not been updated. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. You could pay tens of thousands of dollars to a cruise line. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! : Tanzania/Kilimanjaro Tour Company, Any recommendations for Grand Circle Tours and/or Overseas Adventure Tours, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. Lunch in one of our specialty restaurants? At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. We value your privacy. Answer: Yes. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. Were always here to help. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. 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. $7000 in their pocket. Theyre not. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. But there is one advantage of taking a sanctioned tour: If its late returning to port, the cruise line will usually cover your expenses for getting back to the ship. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. 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. Traveler Reviews. 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. But stay off the phone. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. Unsubscribe easily. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. Its extra. The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. 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. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. Grand Circle Travel The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. 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. Today, Grand Circle Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. General Air Questions. As a thank you for being such outstanding employees, they were sent on a week long Recognition Journey Trip to Peru! How can I reach them?? I have flights with Grand Circle. . Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced Virtually zero. Gangwal left Worldspan when it was If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. But there are lots of cruise options. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! 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. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. 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. Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. 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. The cruise line wont let them board the ship. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). A human travel agent who can take the time to sit down with you and talk about your cruise options is a tried-and-true way to buy a cruise. Be the first one to find this review helpful. They sent me an unitemized bill for $650 for a trip I'd been notified had been completely paid for. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. 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. 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. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. But which one is right for you? Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. TripAdvisor, ConsumerAffairs and other review sites show lingering frustrations about the companys coronavirus policies, but several Times readers, according to emails Ive received, have made headway by filing parallel complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the Massachusetts Attorney Generals office. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. ), Back to O. Grand Circle's three travel brands are Grand Circle Travel. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. 166,000 travelers in 2007. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Because Grand Circle attracts a similar age range, youre sure to meet new friends with like interests in no time. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? 1958. You raise an important point. Youll probably get the deepest discounts, and in some cases, a price protection that assures you that if the fare drops, youll get a refund. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. Preparing for Your Trip. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. Find your private company bowl on Fishbowl, join the hottest conversation with your colleagues anonymously. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. In response, Grand I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. And cruise lines dont like to do that. They are completely incompetent at this point. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. 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. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. Inside First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. operator. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. And when they do, they are often underreported. It has. Youre one of a million, literally. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. They also dont work. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. Capital portfolio company. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. Even though this place offers a month-long training class, I think it would be best if newer agents get taught more basics before they are put on the floor to deal with customers. Despite the customer How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Our values shape our decisions, give direction to our growth, and allow us to measure our progress. This company must not have enough staffing. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. You may feel like a number. 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. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. No. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. 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. They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. Contact Us - The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. 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. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? 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. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. 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." that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. 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). When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. Why? This profile has not been claimed by the company. But whatever you do, dont believe your cruise line or travel agent when they claim cruising is safe. Theres no form of travel thats safe right now. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. There are mice in my vacation rental! (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. That's not entirely true. And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. What should I do? We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that 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. This tour was phenomenal from the beginning to the end! That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. 4x. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. 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. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. Payments. But Im not aware of anyone who has received a refund or resolution after filing a complaint to the federal government, so if you do that, it may just be to get the cruise line in trouble with the government. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and That agency said that it has received about 275 consumer complaints so far about canceled O.A.T. FAQ. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. No answer to emails or snail mail. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. 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. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. Avoid like the plague! 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. Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. Cookie Policy - Grand Circles motto is We Change Peoples Lives; it has certainly changed ours. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. 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. Why? It is impossible to reach this company. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. 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. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Credits And Savings. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Advertising - An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. There are many other health perils at sea. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. 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. The worst fee Ive seen is for the end cut of a roast served at dinner. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. See all activities, themes, and interests >, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Its their terms. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.