Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Grand Circle Corp - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. Contact Us - Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. 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. Whether its an optional shore excursion or an onboard auction, the cruise line wants more of your money than you spent on the cruise fare. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! No answer. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. 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. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . How do I know I can trust these reviews about Grand Circle Travel? In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. One way that Grand Circle Travel can overcome its financial difficulties is by diversifying its offerings. 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. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). General Air Questions. To fulfill this commitment, our Members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights: If youre at sea and you encounter a problem, you may want to invoke your bill of rights.. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. Aleksandar Norsic - Manager, Beverage Development & Operations - The Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. Now it wont refund my $3,606. 4x. This profile has not been claimed by the company. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. Even email or call back. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? To Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). 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. | When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. Overseas Adventure Travel | Better Business Bureau Profile What's going on? (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). First and foremost, an ethical agent will make sure the cruise is the right one for you, but some agents, sadly, go straight for the highest commission. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Payments. 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. Why? You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. 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. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. The company has been providing travelers with high-quality tours around the world since 1998. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Coronavirus: Massachusetts unemployment claims spike amid travel Last minute changes OK, You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type, Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. All Rights Reserved. Don't do business with these people. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. 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. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can focus on expanding its marketing efforts and building relationships with new partners to reach a larger customer base. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. 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. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. Type: Company - Private. And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. Temperatures of travelers were NEVER taken on the cruise, and, although ship was approximately 1/2 full, only approximately 1/2 of the tables were being utilized. Grand Circle's 40-plus offices are located in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific . was no longer offering refunds. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . In 1993, Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. Answer: Yes. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. Did we mention it's free? You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. 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. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. Two stars ONLY because of the excellent treatment we were given by our program directors both during the cruise and after I contracted Covid. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. 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. It has. . Its extra. Were always here to help. Its been eight months. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject. While some U.S. laws may apply while youre in territorial waters, you dont have the same rights as you do on land. 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 choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. 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 Required fields are marked *. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. GRAND CIRCLE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile - IncFact.com But we need to cancel. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. Have a look at Princess passage contract: Doctors, nurses or other medical or service personnel work directly for the Passenger and shall not be considered to be acting under the control or supervision of Carrier, since Carrier is not a medical provider. In other words, when a doctors negligence leads to the death of a family member, the cruise line is off the hook. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. When you try to contact someone by phone. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. Is Grand Circle Travel Still In Business - Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins 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. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. No. Cookie Policy - 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. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? 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. Come on! Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. undisclosed amount. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. Harriet Lewis will Why? Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. 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. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. 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. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. A porter will deliver it to your room. 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. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. They are completely incompetent at this point. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. BEWARE of Grand Circle Travel SCAMS!!! - Fodor's The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. Read More rugged variety. Want a welcome drink? When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Good luck. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. 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. He provided us with so much information. Dont let that happen to you. Seine River Cruise | Paris to Normandy | Grand Circle Cruise Line 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. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. So should you take a cruise this year? Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? In order to understand the current financial situation of Grand Circle Travel, it is important to first examine the causes behind the companys financial struggles. Theyre not. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. 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. But whats this $452 bill? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. 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. On motorcoach tours with Grand Circle you will make frequent stops to stretch your legs, and some longer stops for sightseeing. Unsubscribe easily. Check out our directory. 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. I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. 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 a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. Archive - A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. It is impossible to reach this company. They do plenty of one on ones. Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) - ConsumerAffairs Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. According to the In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. As Preferred Sir Edmund Hillary Club / Inner Circle Customers, having made five previous trips with this company (customer number 962737), we pre-reserved our trip for mid-April 2021, and paid in full before the end of February 2020, over a year in advance. Get travel insurance. 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." This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. Virtually zero. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. Business Bureau had given the company an "unsatisfactory" rating. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? Thats because you are a number. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full Ill make it simple. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . Bad service. 166,000 travelers in 2007. That agency said that it has received about 275 consumer complaints so far about canceled O.A.T. 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. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). You must be very efficient at email with On Call. Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York 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.