What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. If relaxing on the cruise with a book in hand for hours on end, gliding by quiet European shores is your idea of a grand old time then Grand Circle is for you! chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. We are only a month out. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. But which one is right for you? But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. 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. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). Unsubscribe easily. Answer: Yes. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. Exploring the Basics, Benefits, and Policies, How to Contact Tesla: Customer Service Phone Number, Website, Social Media, Email & Live Chat, Bruce Willis Health Condition: Understanding the Actors Diet and Exercise Regimen, Exploring the Impact of Greg Gutfelds Vacation from Fox News. When you try to contact someone by phone. Discover the worldin comforton Viking ocean cruises to Scandinavia, Mediterranean, Asia, Australia, the Americas or around https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Grand-Circle-to-be-sold-to-private-equity-firm. What's going on? How Can I Get $$ back?? Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. Preparing for Your Trip. 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. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. 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? Why? All Rights Reserved. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. Grand Circle's 40-plus offices are located in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific . Uh-uh. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. 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. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. Book directly with the operator. Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. You raise an important point. See all activities, themes, and interests >, Save $600 off trips to every continent on earth, Redeem anytime before 2023. We plan to go to Iceland. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. FAQ. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an It is impossible to reach this company. And cruise lines dont like to do that. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. Watch for food-borne illnesses. Were always here to help. Did we mention it's free? 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. So should you take a cruise this year? Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. Special access to agent-only discounts. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! 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. Its their terms. 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. Be the first one to find this review helpful. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. 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. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? acquired by Travelport earlier this year. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. 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. in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a Grand Circle's three travel brands are Grand Circle Travel. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. After a series of high-profile customer service incidents in 2012 and 2013, the cruise industry adopted a voluntary bill of rights for its passengers, to clearly communicate to them their rights regarding comfort and care in a number of important areas. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and 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. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Grand Circle Travel Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. To Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. Agents are not free. Its not just one problem, but many. Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . Always check before booking.). canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. 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. That's not entirely true. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. My wife and I would have been able to have a table to ourselves, not because we are anti-social, but because we would have been safer. 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. In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. 1. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. This company must not have enough staffing. Even email or call back. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. 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. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. 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. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. By offering more diverse experiences, such as virtual tours and staycations, Grand Circle Travel can draw in more customers and increase its revenue. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. 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. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. operator. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. 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. Tasteless food. It has. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. 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 can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? If you leave the country, you must have a passport. (Its all taken care of.) 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. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. 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." 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. Furthermore, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full But why cant I get a refund? Read More rugged variety. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. General Air Questions. If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. 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. Cookie Policy - Get guided help to find the right trip for you, Travel tips, stories, top 10 lists and more, Get yours before you leave, easier, cheaper. Its extra. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Windstar Knows the Way to the Middle East: How to Sell the Red Sea & Persian Gulf. It doesnt have to. 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. The state's lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency rather than criticizing the resort fees. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. Ill make it simple. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. 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. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. Is it just your server? Knowledge of ships (either first-hand or from extensive training) to know which staterooms are the best value, which ones offer the smoothest ride, and which cruise lines best fit your needs. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. 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. Do they distribute it among the staff? Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! This company policy was the reason I booked with them in the first place, because, as we all know, vaccinations may keep one out of the hospital but does NOT keep one from contracting COVID. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. Support. But not for cruises. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. Harriet Lewis will Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. 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. The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. 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. Grand Circle Corp., a Boston-based travel agency, has weathered many events since it was founded in 1958 by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) creator Ethel Andrus. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? They dont have any way to contact them. refund if a trip is canceled. Check out our directory. Often, they succeed. O.A.T. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. 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. Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. 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. Thats because you are a number. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. No answer. Advertising - How many can you get right in 1 minute? Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. They also dont work. They also operate overseas travel adventures. 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. 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). Dont let that happen to you. 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If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. Traveler Reviews. 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. Anyone can read what you share. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. They refuse to accept their responsibility to inform me, in order to allow me to make the decision regarding my exposure. 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. 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. Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Why? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? A porter will deliver it to your room. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York All Rights Reserved. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. 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. 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. It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. 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. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. However, if you miss a port of call, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. You must be very efficient at email with On Call. There are mice in my vacation rental! Every member must be fully accountable for the teams and ones own personal results. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Lunch in one of our specialty restaurants? Two stars ONLY because of the excellent treatment we were given by our program directors both during the cruise and after I contracted Covid. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. 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. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. 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. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Recently cruised with GCT and they failed to comply with their stated regulations regarding Covid protocols.
I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. How are they allowed to keep my money? Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. 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.