Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. Established in 1958. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Grand Circle Travel? Overseas . You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. But there are lots of cruise options. How Does PTO Work for Salaried Employees? trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. How Can I Get $$ back?? Grand Circle Travel 347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 2.0/5 (128 ratings) Are you this business? Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. Working at Grand Circle Travel | Glassdoor There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. 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. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. A. T.: In a follow-up note a few weeks ago, you said that you feel the company provides a good travel service. But, you wrote, pushing all the risk of uncertainty onto the client by refusing a refund makes me fearful to ever do business with O.A.T. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. Even though this place offers a month-long training class, I think it would be best if newer agents get taught more basics before they are put on the floor to deal with customers. When you try to contact someone by phone. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Aleksandar Norsic - Manager, Beverage Development & Operations - The Traveler Reviews. Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. You may feel like a number. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected]. How many can you get right in 1 minute? A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. Two stars ONLY because of the excellent treatment we were given by our program directors both during the cruise and after I contracted Covid. A porter will deliver it to your room. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. 1. GRAND CIRCLE - 60 Reviews - 347 Congress St, Boston, MA - Yelp Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. ), Back to O. It is impossible to reach this company. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Bad service. An Analysis, How Far Does Weed Smell Travel? Excellent service on ship, considerate of their clients, wonderful discovery trips. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. 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). As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. How can I reach them?? Onboard doctors dont have the equipment or facilities to handle a serious illness. 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. 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? 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. Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. If you test positive, cruise lines will confine you to quarters or to a special section on the cruise ship for infected passengers, usually for the duration of the voyage. 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. Youre in control. Travel Trouble: A $30K Overseas Adventure Travel refund goes awol Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. 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. In addition, a local restaurant lunch was packed full of passengers with food being served right under their noses. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. 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. Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) - ConsumerAffairs He provided us with so much information. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. Grand Circle to be sold to private equity firm - Travel Weekly Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. The Grand Circle Family | About Us | Grand Circle Travel Learn the word no, and use it often. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Archive - But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who acquired Boston-based Grand They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. 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. Cookie Policy - It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Here are some of the risks. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. Read More rugged variety. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. 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. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. 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. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Do they distribute it among the staff? Always arrive the day before your cruise. 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 you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. 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 youd rather have a bit more action, or are after a "see a lot, do a lot" city and country hopping pace, this style of travel is probably not going to hit the right note for you. Gangwal left Worldspan when it was The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. I would not recommend the company. Harriet Lewis will Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. 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. Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. again.. Lunch was provided in the cost. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: no money, mo problems. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. In 1993, Grand Circle CEO Alan And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. chairman of Grand Circle Foundation. 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. What is paid time off like at Grand Circle Travel? Revenue: $500 million to $1 billion (USD) Competitors: Unknown. We plan to go to Iceland. 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. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. 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. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. CONNECT WITH US. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. How are they allowed to keep my money? But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. (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). A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. There are mice in my vacation rental! Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. Oceania further cements itself as a cruise line for foodies, bestowing the honor of Vista godmother on the celebrity chef and Norway entices visitors with new places to stay and things to do, Travel agency consortium Ensemble makes several hires, Delta and KLM sue Dutch government over Schiphol flight cuts, Virgin Atlantic joins SkyTeam airline alliance, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will reduce marketing spend, Destination America names Kirsten Bain CEO after Launder's retirement, Examining sub-IC issues from a host agency's point of view, Nayarit has a lot to offer luxury travelers, Nevada's congressional delegation reacts to Biden's 'Junk Fee' proposal, Giada De Laurentiis and Oceania Cruises, a delicious combination, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, Trends in Travel Advisor Loyalty in the Airline Industry, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay opens on Kauai's North Shore, Viking says January was a record-breaking month, River cruise lines sail into Egypt with new ships and itineraries, Bad behavior prompts Carnival Cruise Line to beef up onboard security, Where weed is legal, hotels roll out new marijuana amenities, The party is pumping at Virgin Voyages' beach club. Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). undisclosed amount. Its extra. When the level of quality required is in question, we will operate to the high standards expected by our customers. And when they do, they are often underreported. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. 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. If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? The activities, lectures, and easy pace are all designed for older travelers. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. they would travel with the company again.". Its not just one problem, but many. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Support. acquired by Travelport earlier this year. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. Preparing for Your Trip. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Grand Circle Travel While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. Avoid like the plague! Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. The view of the mountains and Grand Canyon was breathtaking! After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. 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 article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. 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. We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. You are on hold for 2-3 hours. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. NBC10 Boston Responds Recovers Over $71K for Viewers on Canceled Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. 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. Grand Circle's annual revenues are $10-$50 million (see exact revenue data) and has 100-500 employees. I feel I was defrauded and the company has been unethical in their dealings. 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. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. No longer. Unsubscribe at any time. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. fleet of more than 50 ships. Working at Grand Circle Travel has to be one of the best jobs I've worked at. Were always here to help. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Over the years they have. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. Our help is free. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. During the pandemic, many cruise lines instituted strict quarantine procedures some would say, too strict. That can get a little noisy. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full, My wife and I were excited to take our first river cruise with Grand Circle Travel/Overseas Adventure Travel (GCT/OAT) in The Netherlands in spring 2021 to see the flowers. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. One of the cons can be coworkers taking advantage of the casual vibe of the office. That's not entirely true. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. An offer of a certificate for future travel with a company I no longer trust is unacceptable. While Grand Circle Travel has seen tremendous success over the years, the company has recently found itself in a difficult financial situation. 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.