Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. The Lewises expanded Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? 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. 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. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. Virtually zero. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. We receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships. The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. I have flights with Grand Circle. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. Thats not entirely true. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. No, no, no. So should you take a cruise this year? Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. What should I do? For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). 166,000 travelers in 2007. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. 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. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. Contact Us - Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. The best they do is send a canned letter saying how sorry they are that they are behind in correspondence because of having to frequently change airline reservations for various tours. This company must not have enough staffing. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. 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. Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. Always check before booking.). Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. Credits And Savings. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. 2 hour wait for phone contact. Youre on vacation. $7000 in their pocket. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. 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. Unsubscribe easily. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? This profile has not been claimed by the company. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. 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 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. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. You can request a roommate if you travel solo to save on the s We had a great tour guide in Ivan, was very knowledgable, friendly and very considerate of peoples concerns. 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. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. You are on hold for 2-3 hours. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Grand Circle is hosting an Open House for our Traveler Relations Center on 6/3/21 4-6pm! 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. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. Anyone can read what you share. (Its all taken care of.) 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. They are completely incompetent at this point. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. They also operate overseas travel adventures. This is the Grand Circle Travel company profile. They refuse to accept their responsibility to inform me, in order to allow me to make the decision regarding my exposure. Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. It appears that the main cause of Grand Circle Travels financial issues is attributed to a decrease in demand for the companys services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Privacy Statement - Thriving in Change: In these times of rapid change, global competition, and high volatility in the travel industry, we must be prepared to change course and move forward. 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. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. 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. Do they distribute it among the staff? Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. 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. And cruise lines dont like to do that. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. was no longer offering refunds. 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. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. But we need to cancel. 1. 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. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. But even when individual consumers know their rights, they have few options at their immediate disposal when a customer-service representative usually the only public-facing proxy for a companys official or unofficial policies refuses to relent on refunds. 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. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. 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). They have a bad reputation and that reputation is very on point, To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse, Overall, 55% of employees would recommend, Get started with your Free Employer Profile, Work Here? Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. We value your privacy. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. Gangwal left Worldspan when it was Archive - There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. By Christopher Elliott Globe correspondent, Updated November 11, 2021, 12:00 p.m. Grand. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. 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. Trips are mostly all-inclusive, focusing on comfortable accommodations, informative and easy paced guided walking tours, cultural encounters, learning experiences, and special events that they call their Discovery Series. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. 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. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Preparing for Your Trip. It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! When you try to contact someone by phone. I am still pursuing my refund. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. Capital portfolio company. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. Support. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Answer: Yes. Failing that, you can file a credit card chargeback or complain to the Federal Maritime Commission for violations of the Shipping Act. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. Is it just your server? But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. 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. View travel requirements for countries around the world. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. The cruise line wont let them board the ship. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. I received no corrected, printed information, no email, no telephone call, informing me of GCT's policy change. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. 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. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. 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. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. 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. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. The company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. According to the We are only a month out. Cookie Policy - If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. Read More rugged variety. 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. Be the first one to find this review helpful. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . 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. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures. operator. Even though people cant travel right now, many of us are continuing to dream about our next trip and that means making conscious and subconscious decisions about which companies to spend money with once the pandemic has passed. 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. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. All Rights Reserved. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. Its their terms. Any amount of compensatory. Type: Company - Private. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. . 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. When Will Hawaiis Safe Travels Program End? Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. Lunch in one of our specialty restaurants? Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. It is impossible to reach this company. The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. 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." A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Don't do business with these people. (Take a look at your travel insurance policy, BTW, and see if it covers financial default by the tour operator, in which case you're covered if Grand Circle goes down the drain). Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. You can also book the cruise whenever you want 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. As a thank you for being such outstanding employees, they were sent on a week long Recognition Journey Trip to Peru! Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. That can get a little noisy. I read that the company is being sold to some type of Holding Company--that may explain it. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. It doesnt have to. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? You should read it before you leave. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. But which one is right for you? But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. But there are lots of cruise options. Quite frankly, I don't know if I was infected by other passengers (there were others on the same cruise that came down with Covid before I did) or if I infected others. 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. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. Excellent service on ship, considerate of their clients, wonderful discovery trips. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. Industry: Travel Agencies. Grand Circle's 40-plus offices are located in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific . That's not entirely true. Get travel insurance. By offering more diverse experiences, such as virtual tours and staycations, Grand Circle Travel can draw in more customers and increase its revenue. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. Would take take this tour all over again! Youre in control. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Grand Circle Travel has been bounced out of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Massachusetts, Maine & Vermont because of a slew of complaints regards the company's cancellation policy -. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. Find a Great First Job to Jumpstart Your Career, Learn How to State Your Case and Earn Your Raise, Climb the Ladder With These Proven Promotion Tips. Groups are between 24-47 people, so expect some company! Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. Youre out of luck. Even though GC advertises travel for mature adults- this is overwhelming in a foreign country. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Care for a soda? Ultimately, it is up to Grand Circle Travel to take the necessary steps to ensure its financial stability. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. We make it accessible through trips that deliver unmatched discoveries, leisurely pacing, more travel choices, and comprehensive value. Were always here to help. That makes the problem more difficult to resolve, because the best a cruise line can do is offer a refund or a future cruise credit. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep.
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