My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Dont expect extreme luxury or especially unique accommodations however. What should I do? Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. CONTENTS Overview Reviews Updated 03/02/2023 About Grand Circle Travel This profile has. Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? And most passengers accepted the credit. A link has directed you to this review. that business to include all Americans over the age of 50. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. How Can I Get $$ back?? Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. Anyone can read what you share. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprisecomprised of a family of travel companiescommitted to changing people's lives by offering high-impact experiences to our travelers and building local communities through philanthropy, social entrepreneurship, and volunteerism. So should you take a cruise this year? Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. Grand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour Capital portfolio company. Thats not entirely true. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. It is important to consider the potential implications of Grand Circle Travels financial struggles. 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. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. According to the 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. rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars, interview experience at Grand Circle Travel, Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. How can I reach them?? We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. Answer: Yes. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject.
Grand Circle Travel Warning - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums I was told last year I could not cancel the trip and they rescheduled it but now I cannot even reach them to find out if I can change the trip. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. After a series of high-profile customer service incidents in 2012 and 2013, the cruise industry adopted a voluntary bill of rights for its passengers, to clearly communicate to them their rights regarding comfort and care in a number of important areas. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. 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? (How generous of you!) 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. Payments. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. While Grand Circle Travel has seen tremendous success over the years, the company has recently found itself in a difficult financial situation. Virtually zero. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? Read More rugged variety.
Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. 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. But stay off the phone. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. 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. Its extra. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. as its customer service. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. Check out our directory. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. The original Grand Circle Travel was founded by retired high . It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel can look into ways to reduce overhead expenses, such as cutting down on staff or renegotiating contracts with vendors. They do plenty of one on ones. The company has seen increased costs due to safety protocols and additional staffing needed to ensure the health and safety of their guests. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only.
Grand Circle LLC Company Profile | Boston, MA - Dun & Bradstreet They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. They canceled my flight. 1958. Its not just one problem, but many. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. Why? 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. 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. 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. In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. While there are several included activities, you have many options for personalization through optional extensions and plenty of free time in each destination. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries. 35% of job seekers rate their interview experience at Grand Circle Travel as positive. Here are some of the risks. 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. Established in 1958. It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. Even email or call back.
BEWARE of Grand Circle Travel SCAMS!!! - Fodor's You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. As Adam Anolik, a San Francisco- based travel-industry lawyer, explained over email, thats why oversight forcing a company to comply with state laws can feel like an uphill battle. Avoid like the plague! Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. But whats this $452 bill? 166,000 travelers in 2007. Excellent service on ship, considerate of their clients, wonderful discovery trips. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. 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. Dont let that happen to you. Be the first one to find this review helpful. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. One Company Refused to Refund Travelers More Than $100,000, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/25/travel/coronavirus-refunds-overseas-adventure-travel.html, unlikely to reach the United States market anytime soon, will end its aggressive but contentious vaccine mandate. 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. Preparing for Your Trip. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Completely different, and highly disappointing, from previous trips. 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. Help! You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. Plenty of free time is included in the itineraries, and there is a lot of choice among optional tours. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) Its their terms. 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. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. 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? 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. Any amount of compensatory. Over the years they have established a solid reputation for tours and river cruises that offer good value to destinations around the world. In early 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission fixed that loophole. This tour was phenomenal from the beginning to the end! 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. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. View travel requirements for countries around the world. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. Harriet Lewis will private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Finally, Grand Circle Travels financial struggles could lead to an overall decrease in the quality of its services. Find your private company bowl on Fishbowl, join the hottest conversation with your colleagues anonymously. 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 -. 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. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad.
Refund for a trip cancelled by Grand Circle tTours - Senior Travel All rights reserved. You should read it before you leave. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. 4x. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. 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. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). Overseas . Grand Circle is hosting an Open House for our Traveler Relations Center on 6/3/21 4-6pm! 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. Overseas Adventure Travel/Grand Circle Travel used to be a good company, but they got too large. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). 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. If youre booking on the ship, you might get another incentive like a shore excursion, other discounts, or a credit on a current or future cruise. 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. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Bad service. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. Most importantly, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuations (if you have any doubts, get a membership in Medjet). Will this be the busiest spring break ever? Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. 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. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. Get the real picture with both traveler and expert reviews to ensure the trip you book is the right one for you. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. And cruise lines dont like to do that. Grand Circle's annual revenues are $10-$50 million (see exact revenue data) and has 100-500 employees. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Traveler Reviews. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. Well start sending you the news you need delivered straight to you. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Onboard doctors dont have the equipment or facilities to handle a serious illness.
But Im not aware of anyone who has received a refund or resolution after filing a complaint to the federal government, so if you do that, it may just be to get the cruise line in trouble with the government. No. EMEA +44 20 7330 7500.
Coronavirus: Massachusetts unemployment claims spike amid travel After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. 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. All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. Grand Circle Travel Here are some of the risks. This is my first experience with them.
Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. In response, Grand Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. In 2018, The Excellence in Service Award was presented to 7 different GCC associates. Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. All Rights Reserved. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. Airlines are sidestepping refund regulations established by the United States Transportation Department and the European Union, betting that negative press (and even class-action lawsuits) are still preferable to negative-balance bank accounts.
Grand Circle Family of Travel Companies | O.A.T. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. again.. 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. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about?
Seine River Cruise | Paris to Normandy | Grand Circle Cruise Line Yes, my wife and I had to leave mid-way through the cruise and were quarantined for 8 days at a hotel. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour.
Grand Circle Corp - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets Alternatively, you could have filed a case in small claims court, although you would have had to limit your .
Grand Circle Travel Reviews (Updated May 2023) - ConsumerAffairs For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. Ill make it simple. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong on paper. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. But not for cruises. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. While some U.S. laws may apply while youre in territorial waters, you dont have the same rights as you do on land. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. 2 hour wait for phone contact. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. How are they allowed to keep my money? I purchased my own flights. 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. 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. One way that Grand Circle Travel can overcome its financial difficulties is by diversifying its offerings. 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.
The Grand Circle Family | About Us | Grand Circle Travel Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions | Overseas Adventure Travel Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. All of these factors have led to a difficult financial situation for Grand Circle Travel.
Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? An Analysis First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. This is based on anonymous employee reviews submitted on Glassdoor. Surely taking temperatures and separating tables would have helped tremendously. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. Grand Circles motto is We Change Peoples Lives; it has certainly changed ours. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. 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. Vrbo took my $1,270! Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. Youre on 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. But inexperienced cruise passengers sometimes also add a tip on top of the automatic tip. Furthermore, the companys reputation could be negatively impacted if customers do not feel confident in their ability to provide quality services. This company must not have enough staffing.
GRAND CIRCLE Revenue, Growth & Competitor Profile - IncFact.com Grand Circle cancels two of Ernest Belzil's tours. I am disappointed, disgruntled and dissatisfied; I didnt spend money to get this treatment; I could have done better on my own! Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. 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. And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. Sometimes it can feel like college at times. Watch for food-borne illnesses. Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: no money, mo problems. 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. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. 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. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? Cruise lines don't have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. What is paid time off like at Grand Circle Travel? My trip to Egypt with Overseas Adventure Travel was scheduled to depart in late March. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you.