We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. operator. Watch for food-borne illnesses. First trip with Grand Circle Tours, liked the tour. 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. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. Grand Circle CEO Alan WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. also step down from her role as co-chair at Grand Circle and as Absolutely the worst travel agency in the business the service is virtually nonexistent and if you need to contact them, be prepared to spend hours listening to their recorded music after which the line will probably go dead. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. We are only a month out. 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. He tried to justify the change as one of a country change but I read him the GCT policy which I received in writing as part of my final trip documents. Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. 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. An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Their itineraries are designed with individuals in mind. Will this be the busiest spring break ever? 13% of Grand Circle Travel employees are Hispanic or Latino. As a result of the pandemic, many people have become hesitant to travel, resulting in a significant drop in bookings for Grand Circle Travel. 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. 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. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. And cruise lines dont like to do that. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. 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. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. they would travel with the company again.". 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. In exchange we provide great benefits, generous PTO, discounts on travel, and a strong, supportive training environment to learn and grow. 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. 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? Quite frankly, I don't know if I was infected by other passengers (there were others on the same cruise that came down with Covid before I did) or if I infected others. Sign into see which companies give additional savings to Travelstride Members (its free). Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. Solo travelers make up nearly a third of Grand Circle's customers, and they're made to feel more than welcome on group tours, including some price breaks on single supplements. If its a small shop, you may not have 24/7 support. Copyright 2008-2023, Glassdoor, Inc. "Glassdoor" and logo are registered trademarks of Glassdoor, Inc. I could not have asked for a better experience! The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. 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. Is cruising really safe now? Archive - But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. Grand Circle Travel is a company that offers guided tours and river cruises to destinations all over the world. Grand Circle's cancellation, refund and exchange policies as well 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. On our River Cruise Vacations and Land Vacations, you'll enjoy unmatched discoveries . Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. OAT's email offering a refund would have made your credit-card dispute an easy win. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Bad service. To Compare your travel trivia knowledge with friends. 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. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE SOME INFO ABOUT THIS COMPANY TREATING HIGH QUALITY EMPLOYEES , AS I WITNESSED, Your email address will not be published. (Annual sales and employees) What industry is the company in? In a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment each member of the team is critical for success. Required fields are marked *. And when they do, they are often underreported. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. Find the latest travel requirements for your trip. A free inside look at Grand Circle Travel salary trends based on 462 salaries wages for 222 jobs at Grand Circle Travel. Younger couples or families will probably feel out of place among the crowd on a Grand Circle tour. No, no, no. Unsubscribe easily. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. This employer has claimed their Employer Profile and is engaged in the Glassdoor community. Since 1958, Grand Circle has been the leader in international discovery for mature American travelers. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Cruise lines dont include premium restaurants in your fare. The state was in the spotlight recently when it hosted the annual Gala Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta. ), Back to O. Unsubscribe easily. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. Now that we have explored the causes behind Grand Circle Travels financial struggles, it is important to look at potential solutions. The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures. And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Grand Circle Travel offers distinctive international vacations for older Americans. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. For more information about reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com please visit our A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. 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 you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. 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. By offering more diverse experiences, such as virtual tours and staycations, Grand Circle Travel can draw in more customers and increase its revenue. This company must not have enough staffing. Good luck. If you like the idea of joining a tight knit travel community, with frequent cost cutting options, then Grand Circle could be for you. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. Once you get a positive response, make sure to find out about the interview process at Grand Circle Travel and prepare for tough questions. General Air Questions. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? Two stars ONLY because of the excellent treatment we were given by our program directors both during the cruise and after I contracted Covid. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Benefits of Utilizing Professional Vacation Planning Services. 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. It is classified as operating in the Transportation & Warehousing industry. . Were looking for dynamic, high-performing, accommodating individuals interested in joining our upcoming training classes for Sales and Customer Service. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Our family of travel companieswhich you can read more about below . You might find yourself sharing dinner at the home of a local family or visiting local schools. No. They also dont work. You may feel like a number. Get travel insurance. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. 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. Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Grand Circle Travel? Grand Circle Travel employees are most likely to be members of the democratic party. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. The office environment is really casual. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Travel Protection. #traveljobs #peru #excellenceaward. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. Harriet Lewis will I purchased my own flights. Asia Pacific +65 6212 1000. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. travelers in 1985 to approximately $760 million in sales and 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. Here are some of the risks. Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. 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. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. When you try to contact someone by phone. Dont let that happen to you. This is based on 391 anonymously submitted reviews on Glassdoor. 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. I am still pursuing my refund. acquired by Travelport earlier this year. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. Grand Circle Travel was started by the founder of AARP, and as such know their demographic extremely well. We receive many requests for help from foreign nationals with residency permits. Type: Company - Private. How Can I Get $$ back?? (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). The Members of the Cruise Lines International Association are dedicated to the comfort and care of all passengers on oceangoing cruises throughout the world. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Grand Circle travels all over the world, with a strong focus in Europe, Aisa and Southeast Asia. Translation: When they cancel your trip, they are legally required to offer you the money back. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). This is my first experience with them. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. Teamwork: We believe in groups of people who work together to create excellent results, solve difficult problems, support each other personally and professionally, and recognize their success. 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. Youre on vacation. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ We plan to go to Iceland. 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. 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. (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). was created in 1958 to serve AARP members. According to the 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! A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. Lewises, the company has grown from $27 million in sales and 5,000 166,000 travelers in 2007. 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. Our help is free. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Grand Circle CEO Alan Lewis and his wife, Harriet Lewis, who. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. The company has been in business since the 1980s, and has grown to become one of the largest tour operators in the world. Sometimes it can feel like college at times. I respected allan lewis and spoke highly of him till i saw that he is not a man of his word and terminated loyal people and hire stupid ones he fooled us and i think this company is toxic ,he knew about sexual harassment for women and didn't do anything about itRead More.