Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. Americas +1 212 318 2000. The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. 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. But why cant I get a refund? Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. And when they do, they are often underreported. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. 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. ), Back to O. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. 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. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Inside Overseas Adventure Travel: Reviews, Complaints, Customer Claims Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. This profile has not been claimed by the company. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. 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. The Lewises expanded If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. 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 it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. 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. Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour Teamwork: We believe in groups of people who work together to create excellent results, solve difficult problems, support each other personally and professionally, and recognize their success. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Just to name a few, we have danced the Turkey with school children in Costa Rica, climbed the Mayan Temples of Tikal, laid roses with Veteran travelers at the grave of the WWII Cemetery in Normandy and walked the ancient stone boulevards of Ephesus. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. Join us on Thursday, June 3, 2021 from 4-6PM at our corporate headquarters located at 347 Congress Street in Boston and see if we can change yours, Happy Monday! According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Its an online travel agency. The Grand Circle Family | About Us | Grand Circle Travel Agents are not free. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about belowoffers a variety of innovative trips to more than 60 countries. No answer. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Grand Circle Travel 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. 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. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? We receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. Grand Circle Travel [GCT] - Complaints Board 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. Is cruising really safe now? Its their terms. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and 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! Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. All Rights Reserved. Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. Unsubscribe easily. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our A link has directed you to this review. 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. Working at Grand Circle Travel | Glassdoor #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. 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. They also dont work. I could not have asked for a better experience! 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. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. If its a small shop, you may not have 24/7 support. How can I reach them?? Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. 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. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. Beware Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure Travel - Fodor's The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). 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. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Masters concern for passenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirements of the port. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. 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. Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress But it refuses to refund his money. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. Privacy Statement - Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. It has. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! They dont have any way to contact them. Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? Travel Trouble: A $30K Overseas Adventure Travel refund goes awol Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Gangwal left Worldspan when it was Want a welcome drink? 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. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. When youre on vacation, its easy to let down your guard and fall for a sales pitch for an original sculpture, diamond ring or timeshare. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. Grand Circle to be sold to private equity firm - Travel Weekly 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. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. 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. Often, they succeed. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. About Grand Circle Corporation But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. Grand Circle Family of Travel Companies | O.A.T. 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. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Where is it? Any amount of compensatory. Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. They also foster a community of dedicated travelers, encouraging you to share your memories, images, and stories with them and the friends you meet along the way. 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. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. This company must not have enough staffing. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. Manager in development of Restaurant, Restaurant & Bar operations with outstanding record and experience in top award winning companies, Apollo Group, Celebrity Cruises, Valamar Hotels & Resorts and Grand Circle Travel. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. Preparing for Your Trip. 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. Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. The main thing I have to say to others is: There are many tour Companies out there, now is the time to dismiss GCT and try someone else. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. Thats not entirely true. Aleksandar Norsic - Manager, Beverage Development & Operations - The Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that Its Grand Circle Travel division offers all-inclusive package tours at a leisurely pace while its Overseas Adventure subsidiary organizes small groups for land, canal barge, and small ship journeys of the more. The cabin is for sleeping. Grand Circle's annual revenues are $10-$50 million (see exact revenue data) and has 100-500 employees. The ultimate guide to taking a cruise now - Elliott Report Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. In Illinois, the Travel Promotion Consumer Protection Act was created in the 1980s to safeguard against travel scams that promise too-good-to-be-true deals. (How generous of you!) 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. Our values shape our decisions, give direction to our growth, and allow us to measure our progress. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). I respected allan lewis and spoke highly of him till i saw that he is not a man of his word and terminated loyal people and hire stupid ones he fooled us and i think this company is toxic ,he knew about sexual harassment for women and didn't do anything about itRead More. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! Get buying tips about Travel Agencies delivered to your inbox. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. 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. in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a Youre out of luck. | 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. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Grand Circle's three travel brands are Grand Circle Travel. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. No answer to emails or snail mail. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. Help! Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. 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. I would not recommend the company. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. So should you take a cruise this year? Solo travelers make up nearly a third of Grand Circle's customers, and they're made to feel more than welcome on group tours, including some price breaks on single supplements. Today, Grand Circle Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and While Grand Circle Travel has seen tremendous success over the years, the company has recently found itself in a difficult financial situation. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. Grand Circle CEO Alan 166,000 travelers in 2007. Grand Circle canceled my tour twice. How about a refund? Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. Uh-uh. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? Every member must be fully accountable for the teams and ones own personal results. An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. How Can I Get $$ back?? But not for cruises. NBC10 Boston Responds Recovers Over $71K for Viewers on Canceled All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world.