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. Soon we discovered they had changed our cabin without notifying us and that one of the flights had disappeared . . Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Check out our directory. In response, Grand And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. : Tanzania/Kilimanjaro Tour Company, Any recommendations for Grand Circle Tours and/or Overseas Adventure Tours, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Here are some key provisions: The 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. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. 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. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing peoples lives through international travel. The view of the mountains and Grand Canyon was breathtaking! With GCC, our associates have the unique opportunity to travel numerous countries and experience once in a life time events. The right to transportation to the ships scheduled port of disembarkation, or the passengers home city, in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. Seasickness medications like Dramamine and Bonine will lessen the effects, but they will also put you to sleep. Circle Corp. ran into some challenges last year after the Better Nevertheless, Grand Instead, look it up on the State Department website or on the International Air Transport Associations Timatic database. What if you miss your deadline? Over the years they have. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . In theory, a host agency is not liable to clients of a sub-IC for their acts or omissions. I cannot force any reason they would improve from this point. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. (Its all taken care of.) You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. 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. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Everything from non-refundable airfares to auto. Required fields are marked *. They sent me an unitemized bill for $650 for a trip I'd been notified had been completely paid for. Youre in control. They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. But there are lots of cruise options. This tour was phenomenal from the beginning to the end! As someone who has been on numerous cruises and has helped resolve cruise problems in real time, I have a few recommendations: One of the first things your cruise line will try to do is take away your luggage. 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. If relaxing on the cruise with a book in hand for hours on end, gliding by quiet European shores is your idea of a grand old time then Grand Circle is for you! If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. To Despite the customer Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. Tours & Operators on Travelstride Awarded and Featured by: 2023 Travelstride. Don't do business with these people. (How generous of you!) If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset. We value your privacy. 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. You are on hold for 2-3 hours. 1958. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. 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. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. (Thats just asking for trouble.) Is Grand Circle Travel in Financial Trouble? Answer: Yes. 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. I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong on paper. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/boston/proavel-0021-3848, Beware of Grand Circle Travel and Overseas Adventure Travel, Beware, Beware, Beware, Beware!!! Tasteless food. These Britrail England Flexi Passes are taking forever to refund. Unsubscribe easily. Our Mission: We strive to be the world leader in international travel, adventure, and discovery for American travelers over 50providing impactful and intercultural experiences that significantly improve the quality of their lives. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. Quality: Our decisions must be made and actions taken in accordance with high standards of quality and service. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. And most passengers accepted the 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. 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. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. 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. 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. contact reporter Michelle Baran, send e-mail to mbaran@travelweekly.com. Here are some of the risks. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. This company must not have enough staffing. Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. This profile has not been claimed by the company. The Grand Circle Travel Style is comfortable, standard river cruises and motorcoaches. 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. Recently cruised with GCT and they failed to comply with their stated regulations regarding Covid protocols. After taking 12 tours with them, they treated us terribly. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Grand Circle Corporation provides 85+ international small group adventures by land and sea for Americans 50 and older. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. When you try to contact someone by phone. 2 hour wait for phone contact. By streamlining processes, such as booking and customer service, Grand Circle Travel can reduce costs and increase profitability. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. The office environment is really casual. But we need to cancel. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. I have flights with Grand Circle. private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an If you are on a slim budget try the " last minute" opportunities. Travel Protection. Often, they succeed. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. Our values are the foundation upon which our company is built. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Preparing for Your Trip. The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. All answers shown come directly from Grand Circle Travel Reviews and are not edited or altered. What are my rights as a cruise passenger? Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 But stay off the phone. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . Copyright 2023 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. We receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. No answer to emails or snail mail. Archive - Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! About Grand Circle Corporation Grand Circle Corporation is a global enterprise committed to changing people's lives through international travel. 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). In addition, there is the worry that many travel companies may go out of business due to the loss of business from this pandemic. To get a job at Grand Circle Travel, browse currently open positions and apply for a job near you. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. Copyright 2022 Consumers Unified LLC. If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Whats more, its not always entirely clear who gets the tip. service hurdle, when the company announced the sale last week, it 4x. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. In early 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission fixed that loophole. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. It is impossible to reach this company. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? You can also appeal your case to a company executive. How are they allowed to keep my money? The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! CONNECT WITH US. What's going on? You raise an important point. Corp. has 44 offices and employs 3,000 people. 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. 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. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. All Rights Reserved. While some U.S. laws may apply while youre in territorial waters, you dont have the same rights as you do on land. Grand Circle's annual revenues are $10-$50 million (see exact revenue data) and has 100-500 employees. Thats because you are a number. This could ultimately lead to a decline in customer loyalty and revenue for Grand Circle Travel. It's equivalent to changing a flight schedule and not informing the ticketed passenger. G rand Circle Corp. is being sold to New York private equity firm Court Square Capital Partners for an undisclosed amount. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. On motorcoach tours with Grand Circle you will make frequent stops to stretch your legs, and some longer stops for sightseeing. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). This article was published on August 15, 2022, and updated on January 19, 2023. They also have limited departures in Africa, South America, the Middle East, South Pacific, North America, Central America, and even Antarctica. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company. UNACCEPTABLE!! The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. Overall, 55% of employees would recommend working at Grand Circle Travel to a friend. In 1993, Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! Although travel has stopped and is only starting up again slowly and in only a few destinations the aftershocks of that screeching halt, brought on by the coronavirus, continue to reverberate. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. 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. Find your private company bowl on Fishbowl, join the hottest conversation with your colleagues anonymously. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. It has. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. (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). For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our 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. Vrbo took my $1,270! General Air Questions. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. No. We got an inc Have taken 12 trips overseas with this company and each one has been wonderful. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. Always arrive the day before your cruise. In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. Additionally, Grand Circle Travel may be forced to close some of its offices and cut back on its operations. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. Infectious disease COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. 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. I feel like I was duped by a bait and switch and wonder how many others were caught in the same scheme. 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 -. Sarah Firshein is a Brooklyn-based travel writer. 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. The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. 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. Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. No, no, no. There have been some reports that the company is in financial trouble, and may be shutting down soon . refund if a trip is canceled. What Makes Grand Circle Travel Stand Out? How many can you get right in 1 minute? Roz. Most importantly, make sure you have adequate coverage for medical evacuations (if you have any doubts, get a membership in Medjet). I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. | Thank you, you have successfully subscribed to our newsletter! All content is posted anonymously by employees working at Grand Circle Travel. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. But it refuses to refund his money. The average employee at Grand Circle Travel makes $62,003 per year. 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. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. Its not just one problem, but many. Washington requires travel companies to issue cash refunds within 14 days (or 30 days when the funds are already paid to a vendor, as might be the case for a tour operator) when they cancel a service. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Youre out of luck. 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! Grandparents & grandchildren (ages 13 and up are welcome to join). Vrbo offered a refund after my husband lost his job. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. You can request a roommate if you travel solo to save on the s We had a great tour guide in Ivan, was very knowledgable, friendly and very considerate of peoples concerns. First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. Grand Circle CEO Alan You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. said in a statement that "97% of Grand Circle travelers say that It doesnt have to. Windstars 2023/24 Middle East program kicks off in November. Your email address will not be published. Traveler Reviews. They also dont work. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. I am still pursuing my refund. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. Anyone can read what you share. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Circle changed its cancellation policy to give customers a full Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. I've traveled with this company 4 times and find the value and service outstanding. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Even email or call back. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. 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? The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. 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. Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. Every member must be fully accountable for the teams and ones own personal results. The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. Site Map|Global Site Map|Terms of Use|Privacy Policy, Save this trip to your favorites or other list. The worst fee Ive seen is for the end cut of a roast served at dinner. as CEO by Rakesh Gangwal, former CEO of Worldspan, a Court Square Grand Circle's Annual Report & Profile shows critical firmographic facts: What is the company's size? was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. About Grand Circle Corporation
Per the Holland Ministry of Tourism, Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid May, but the flowers are usually at their best halfway through April. On the 22nd of April 2020 we received an unsolicited call from James, a representative of GCT/OAT informing us that our reservation for Holland and Belgium in Springtime, originally departing April 17, 2021, had been unilaterally cancelled and that we had been arbitrarily and without our permission or knowledge rebooked for the same tour departing March 17, 2021. Most trips with Grand Circle are, unfortunately, not wheelchair accessible. Enjoy reading our tips and recommendations. He provided us with so much information. ), Back to O. Its been eight months. Another solution to Grand Circle Travels financial woes is to increase efficiency. You will probably do a fair amount of walking throughout the tour - Grand Circle suggests that travelers be relatively physically fit. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? No longer. Empowered teams are committed to taking the necessary actions to ensure that the team will reach its goals.