is grand circle travel in financial trouble is grand circle travel in financial trouble

The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. If you leave the country, you must have a passport. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. But stay off the phone. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. 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. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. How Can I Get $$ back?? Get travel insurance. If you are injured with Grand Circle, be prepared to handle all medical necessities and communication yourself including pushing a wheel chair. 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. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Overseas Adventure Travel is part of Grand Circle Corporation, a family of travel companies based in Boston. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. 4x. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. But there are lots of cruise options. They refuse to accept their responsibility to inform me, in order to allow me to make the decision regarding my exposure. 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. Salaries posted anonymously by Grand Circle Travel employees. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Don't sweat the logistics travel providers plan for you. All Rights Reserved. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. Itineraries are designed to give you more time in each stop, allowing for a more balanced combination of included activities and independent time. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. Agents are not free. Ill make it simple. Alan Lewis will remain on the board but will be replaced When you try to contact someone by phone. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ California, with some of the strongest consumer protections in the country, requires cash refunds for undelivered services within 30 days from whichever date is earliest: the scheduled departure date, the date the refund is requested or the date the service was canceled by the travel company. The goal is for each of us to maximize our effectiveness, and ultimately our success, in an unpredictable and ever-changing environment. If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. However, if you miss a port of call, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees. Quality can be subjective, and in our business quality often involves a compromise between speed and perfection. It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. Circle in 1985, will retain a 30% stake in the direct-market tour Who Will Enjoy Traveling with Grand Circle Travel? But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. 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). Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Claim your Free Employer Profile. 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. Thats not entirely true. 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. Learn the word no, and use it often. About Grand Circle Corporation 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. You raise an important point. This article will explore the causes, implications, and possible solutions to Grand Circle Travels financial troubles. Here is a photo of them enjoying the breathtaking view of Machu Picchu. In order to overcome these financial struggles, the company must find ways to diversify its offerings, increase efficiency, and reduce overhead expenses. 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. as CEO by Rakesh Gangwal, former CEO of Worldspan, a Court Square Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. Your email address will not be published. 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. In addition, a local restaurant lunch was packed full of passengers with food being served right under their noses. They sent me an unitemized bill for $650 for a trip I'd been notified had been completely paid for. Book directly with the operator. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. By entering your email, you agree to sign up for consumer news, tips and giveaways from ConsumerAffairs. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Over the years they have. We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. If the company fails to find a solution to its financial woes, it could mean layoffs and reduced wages for employees. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. Where is it? 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. The fix: Turn off your cell phone or set it to airplane mode. No longer. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Tasteless food. 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." Dont let this be you. (Its all taken care of.) Glassdoor gives you an inside look at what it's like to work at Grand Circle Travel, including salaries, reviews, office photos, and more. 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 62% of employees think that Grand Circle Travel has a positive business outlook. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. Grand Circle is hosting an Open House for our Traveler Relations Center on 6/3/21 4-6pm! Employees rate Grand Circle Travel 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 429 anonymous reviews on Glassdoor. <br>Expertise in leadership coaching and mentoring, training and development, financial management in a constantly changing environment, public speaking and total guest . 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. You should read it before you leave. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. This profile has not been claimed by the company. Sharing Your Travel Videos, Slideshows & Photos. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. ), Back to O. Uh-uh. 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. Grand Circle's 40-plus offices are located in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific . Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Business Bureau had given the company an "unsatisfactory" rating. Credits And Savings. All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. Here are some of the risks. Unsubscribe at any time. Nevertheless, Grand Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Grand Circle Travel | EMEA +44 20 7330 7500. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. 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. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. 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. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. Supervisors and managers want everyone to succeed. The right to have available, on board ships operating beyond rivers or coastal waters, full-time, professional emergency medical attention, as needed until shoreside medical care becomes available. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. One-on-one service and attention to detail. 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. 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. NBC10 Boston Responds reached out to Grand Circle Travel on their behalf and the company issued refunds for all six couples, returning more than $71,000 to them. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. Always arrive the day before your cruise. Two days before departure, it was a call from the Program Director in Romania who informed me that masks were no longer required. Its gonna cost you. So you couldnt review the quarantining protocols before making a booking decision and say, No, thats too much. The only way to avoid an unpleasant quarantine is to wait until the infection risk is low. But 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. Exploring the Extent of Its Reach, Do Travel Adapters Change Voltage? This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. as its customer service. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. This is my first experience with them. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. 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. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. 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. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. That agency said that it has received about 275 consumer complaints so far about canceled O.A.T. The company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? But we need to cancel. We booked a river cruise, including airfare, and documented every detail. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. First and foremost, an ethical agent will make sure the cruise is the right one for you, but some agents, sadly, go straight for the highest commission. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! The most common ethnicity at Grand Circle Travel is White (70%). But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Were looking for dynamic, high-performing, accommodating individuals interested in joining our upcoming training classes for Sales and Customer Service. Cookie Policy - For the flexibility and comfort aspects, combined with unique experiences at every turn. In Illinois, the Travel Promotion Consumer Protection Act was created in the 1980s to safeguard against travel scams that promise too-good-to-be-true deals. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. 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. undisclosed amount. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. And this information was only transmitted because I raised the subject. In 1993, I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. When will cruising feel safe again to you? 166,000 travelers in 2007. Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 Its Grand Circle Travel division offers all-inclusive package tours at a leisurely pace while its Overseas Adventure subsidiary organizes small groups for land, canal barge, and small ship journeys of the more. Excellence in our quality will continually enhance our repeat business and ultimately our financial performance. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. They are what our beliefs and actions are derived from. How many can you get right in 1 minute? In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. 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. This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. Were always here to help. That's not entirely true. For example, Royal Caribbean says it may, for any reason at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing, port of call, destination, lodging or any activity on or off the vessel, or substitute another vessel or port of call, destination, lodging or activity. If it does, it owes you nothing for the inconvenience. again.. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. refund if a trip is canceled. : the realization that issuing refunds en masse would bleed the company dry. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. No, no, no. View travel requirements for countries around the world. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. . We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. It has. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. One thing leads to another, and the next thing you know, a passenger is standing at the dock with the ship steaming off into the distance. Help! Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Being well organized may sometimes be less important than moving quickly. Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. We receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships. In addition to decreased demand, Grand Circle Travel has also had to face other financial challenges. Today, Grand Circle Discriminated against in room assignments - I took the Grand Circle tour, The Best of Eastern Europe on May 9, 2012. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. 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? Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. was no longer offering refunds. Anyone can read what you share. You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. Avoid like the plague! Our help is free. Traveler Reviews. Grand Circle Foundation Call our Regional Adventure Counselors 1-800-955-1925. He paid Vantage $18,536. 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. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. According to the Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? Harriet Lewis will There are many other health perils at sea. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. How are they allowed to keep my money? But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. 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. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. they acquired Cambridge, Mass.-based Overseas Adventure Travel and Sometimes it can feel like college at times. Any amount of compensatory. : Tanzania/Kilimanjaro Tour Company, Any recommendations for Grand Circle Tours and/or Overseas Adventure Tours, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. Grand Circles motto is We Change Peoples Lives; it has certainly changed ours. This tour was phenomenal from the beginning to the end! contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. O.A.T. The worst fee Ive seen is for the end cut of a roast served at dinner. Good luck. 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. The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. UNACCEPTABLE!! This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. A porter will deliver it to your room. You are on hold for 2-3 hours. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. 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. Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. Cruise lines are sometimes creative with their offers. 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. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced she reached an agreement with a tour company, securing further refunds for canceled trips. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. What are my rights as a cruise passenger? Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. And cruise lines dont like to do that. Hotels are comfortable and centrally located. 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. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. Why Choose a Tour with Grand Circle Travel? First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. Two stars ONLY because of the excellent treatment we were given by our program directors both during the cruise and after I contracted Covid.