Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. Often, they succeed. Its their terms. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high . It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. Grand Circle Travel always has great specials and last minute specials if you can go on short notice. The cabin is for sleeping. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. Youre on vacation. Vrbo took my $1,270! spokeswoman said the company is working to improve our processes and to better address the needs of each traveler whose trip was canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. Grand Circle Travel is currently facing a difficult financial situation due to decreased demand for its services, increased costs, and decreased revenue. Grand Circle Travel (GCT) seems to play a few nasty games, and cheating its customers!!! Ive seen young, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their quarters for days. 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. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. Unsubscribe at any time. in 1997 they established Grand Circle Small Ship Cruises with a If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. 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. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. 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. In 1993, They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. service hurdle, when the company announced the sale last week, it Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. Nevertheless, Grand If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. 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. The activities, lectures, and easy pace are all designed for older travelers. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Were always here to help. Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. The rating was due in part to a series of customer complaints about It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. See reviews below to learn more or submit your own review. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Cookie Policy - They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? Excellent service on ship, considerate of their clients, wonderful discovery trips. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. I purchased my own flights. fleet of more than 50 ships. Why? By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. 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. 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. Harriet Lewis will Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. The office environment is really casual. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Dont let that happen to you. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. Our help is free. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. And when they do, they are often underreported. But stay off the phone. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. again.. Its not just one problem, but many. The right to lodging if disembarkation and an overnight stay in an unscheduled port are required when a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. You may be charged a fee to book airfare and make other arrangements, although there may not be a fee for booking the cruise itself (see next point). But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. And most passengers accepted the credit. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. 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. 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. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. 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. About Grand Circle Corporation Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. 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. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel. They also dont work. Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter. 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. 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. Grand Circle Travel is a well-known international travel company based in Boston, Massachusetts. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. A Comprehensive Guide, Is Hiring a Travel Agent Worth It? Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Its gonna cost you. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. 1. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. You may feel like a number. What's going on? It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. Don't do business with these people. Despite the customer It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. 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. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. Is cruising really safe now? Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. 166,000 travelers in 2007. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. But we need to cancel. It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. They dont have any way to contact them. 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. 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. So should you take a cruise this year? established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. 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. 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. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. 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. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. Want a welcome drink? complain to the Federal Maritime Commission, HERE'S WHAT ID IS REQUIRED FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE, HOW TO AVOID PROBLEMS ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE, How to get your money back from a Zelle scam or accidental money transfer, Help! They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. We value your privacy. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. Would take take this tour all over again! However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. 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. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. The worst fee Ive seen is for the end cut of a roast served at dinner. Industry: Travel Agencies. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. Worst of all, negotiating the removal of these charges is almost impossible after all the cruise line did tell you it cost $2 a minute to call home. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. When flying on a commercial airline, booked through GCT, they negotiate a deal (to increase their. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. 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. My cruise line requires a vaccination and now my credits are expiring, Take that back: The ultimate guide to a product return, The ultimate guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund for your broken appliance, Cell phone customer service: How to get virtually any problem fixed now, The ultimate passenger guide to Lyft, Uber and ridesharing. How are they allowed to keep my money? If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? I dont want to be obligated to Grand Circle. All Rights Reserved. Grand Circle CEO Alan Avoid like the plague! acquired by Travelport earlier this year. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? 1Is cruising safe?What kind of cruise should I take?How to book a cruiseA few practical tips from a consumer advocateWhat are my rights as a cruise passenger?Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights?If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund?Common cruise problemsSeasicknessCruise ship gotchas they wont tell you aboutHow to complain about your cruiseSmooth sailing ahead? The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit.