Our Customer Service Concierge is currently experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. Why? 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? Note to everyone: Never take the The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. That was when I began to think, "uh oh." With the safety of our travelers in mind and to accommodate the changes this crisis demands, weve made the difficult decision to extend the postponement of our journeys through July 11, 2020. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. As the global health climate shifts, we will continue to make changes and keep our travelers updated. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. I am **-executor on my Aunt ********************* estate. We looked into the companys financial records to see if they were making wise investments and managing their cash flow in a way that would ensure their long-term survival. Tomi informed the lower deck passengers that the cause of their stench was known at the end of the previous (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Its not like its a week later, its a year later.. Plan to arrive a minimum of 24 hours before your cruise leaves. They After feedback from our travelers and additional conversations with our vendors, coupled with the encouraging progress on global vaccinations, weve decided to reinstate a few previously postponed departures. Here is our detailed review. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. 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. 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. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. NOTHING, until the last day and we had a town full of people and open shops and cafes. All three were very ill and had high fevers around 103.5, bacterial contamination and dehydration. According to research conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the pandemic has had a devastating effect on the global travel industry, with losses estimated at $1.3 trillion in 2020 alone. that are a good company relatively higher end. For more information on the safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys, visit Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiative. Were always here to help. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, it had a major impact on the travel industry, leaving many companies struggling to stay afloat. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. The company notified me of the cancellation and offered either a credit for rebooking or a full refund that would have included airfare. 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. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. Read More Business Details and See Alerts, International Association of Better Business Bureaus. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. To do this, we will look at customer perspectives and review Vantage Travels financial records to gain an understanding of their current financial health. 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. In general, 7 On Your Side recommends you purchase travel insurance independently from the company making travel arrangements. 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. 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, How to Get a Planet Fitness Key Tag: A Step-by-Step Guide, Is Exoticca a Good Travel Company? (Thats just asking for trouble.) Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. WebLack of income/job loss. The insurance company blamed the delay in getting a refund on COVID. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Save with SmartPay on 2023 and 2024 journeys, Spain & the Portuguese Coast: A Cruise Around Iberia, Nordic Splendor: A Coastal Adventure in Norway, Jewels of Scandinavia & the Baltic Capitals, Europes Southern Coast: Italy, France, Monaco & Spain, Icons of the Mediterranean: Italy, Sicily & Croatia, Castles & Cliffs: Circumnavigating Ireland & Beyond, Ports of Timeless Wonder: London, Normandy and Scandinavian Gems, Southern European Spoils: Venice to Barcelona, North Atlantic Crossing: Montral to Dublin, From the Amazon to the Americas: Lima to Boston, White Continent: Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands Expedition, Antarctic Grandeur: An Expedition from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, Deep Into the Amazon: Exploring the Amazon Jungle, Expedition Cruises - Arctic: Greenland & Iceland, Exploring the Arabian Sea: Dubai to Amman, Coastal Explorations: Canada & New England, Eastern Seaboard Explorer: Colonial America and Cultural Capitals, Discover North American Waterways: St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes, Great Lakes & Waterfronts: Chicago to Toronto, The Call of the Wild: Summer on the Alaskan Coast, Passage to the Caribbean: From Brazil to the Bahamas, Portugal & Spain: Treasures Along the Golden Douro, Majestic Rivers of Europe Wine Cruise: Castles, Cathedrals & Fairytales, Passage to Eastern Europe featuring Transylvania, Switzerland, the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle, Enchanting Danube: Budapest to Regensburg, Luxury on the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Wonders, Ancient Wonders: Egypt & Nile River Cruise, Best of Holland & Belgium: Spring Tulips & Culinary Treats, Best of Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana, On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania: Up Close with the Big Five, Ultimate Africa Adventure: Southern & East Africa Deluxe Safari, Australia & New Zealand: From Ayers Rock to the Great Barrier Reef & Beyond, Mongolias Ancient Mysteries & Modern Marvels, The Silk Road: Marco Polo & Golden Cities of Central Asia, Trans-Canada Rail Adventure & the Rockies, Across Patagonia: Chile's Lakes, Mountains & Wildlife, Wines and Cultures of South America: Chile, Argentina, Uruguay & Brazil, U.S. Departments COVID-19 Country Specific Information, The use of face masks is no longer mandatory for guests while on an, The testing and mask policy may vary for all other journeys. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. Please note that our Customer Service Concierge continues to experience a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. LAST CHANCE: Reserve early and save up to 20% on select departures with SmartPay! So it is left to me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you. Here are our top 11 causes of financial problems fully explained. Still, Ms. Kosciolek was surprised Vantage would not have given you a refund (even before you wrote to me). While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. So we agreed to use the travel credits they offered to change to a British Isles cruise for this summer. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. 60 minutes featuring the brightest minds on Wall Street, taking you through the most important hour of the trading day. 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. Please review our FAQ here. Jonathan Ferro drives you through the market moving events from around the world on Bloomberg's The Open. Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guidelines with regards to the participation of business representatives. Don't call us anymore. Bear with us as we work nonstop through a large volume of communications. Right now, our Customer Service Concierge is experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- Consumers who have spent the last year fighting for refunds for COVID-related cancellations are finally beginning to see their money. Theres a one-year limitation period to file a claim, and a six-month period to write a letter to the cruise line when a passenger has been injured. Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. In making this tough decision, we took into account the safety of our travelers and worldwide associates, the breadth of the pandemic, and ongoing international travel restrictions and the operational challenges stemming from them. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. Wheres the refund? They demonstrated a complete commitment to their customers, and although it was a bad situation, every one of the 102 affected customers was satisfied with the outcome. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Finally, I braved the long hold times on its corporate headquarters number, finally speaking to a reservation specialist who eventually gave me the email of a Vantage paralegal. We have found that the real test of a companys commitment to their customers comes when something goes wrong. Including the optional tours, air, insurance and fees, my wife and I paid $12,959 for the tour. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. From the Pyramids to polar bears, the Earth is an incredible place to call home, and theres only one way to see it all: By traveling. Ms. Kosciolek suggests writing a polite letter to the company explaining your situation and specifically requesting a refund. Bloomberg Surveillance, covering the latest news in finance, economics and investments. So, would I take the same itinerary again ? Overspending or lack of budget. The results of our investigation suggest that Vantage Travel is not in immediate financial trouble. If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. ?was that problem worse than ours? BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. We are currently in the process of reaching out to impacted travelers. And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. That is exactly what we are doing. The economy and markets are "under surveillance". Yes, I am jchpgma. Your email address will not be published. Obtaining a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible even if youre a consumer advocate. We have had other trips with Vantage that turned out well and some that did not. We highly recommend them. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. Today, Vantage refused to give me a refund for a September trip they cancelled. I was told I could schedule a trip after they resume services, and was no longer offering refunds. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Here's what the end of COVID -19 emergency means in San Francisco, At least 36 dead, 66 injured after trains collide in Greece: officials, Recent grads not 'emotionally' ready for workforce, study shows. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Gloria, did you read the other thread? File a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office in addition to your dispute with AMEX. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. Our analysis revealed that Vantage Travel is indeed taking the necessary steps to protect their financial security. Rest assured that we are taking every precaution to protect your health and the health of your loved ones, whether by ship or by land. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. Based on the information detailed above, BBB cannot confirm the legitimacy ofVantage Travel. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Dont let this be you. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. O.A.T. Take in beautiful views and unprecedented natural splendor as you explore Antarctica aboard the NEW Ocean Explorer, with 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, and solo-friendly pricing. Can you help? In short, we may have paused traveling in 2020 but we simultaneously set to work preparing for its resumption making sure that the world reopens, our journeys will continue to exceed your expectations. It was on board La Perla where the problems occurred. So, what is Vantage thinking? 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! 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. Thank you for your ongoing understanding during this difficult time. Thats 11% of the passengers. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. The right to disembark a docked ship if essential provisions such as food, water, restroom facilities and access to medical care cannot adequately be provided onboard, subject only to the Masters concern for passenger safety and security and customs and immigration requirements of the port. But not for cruises. If we call a spade a spade and a cancellation a cancellation, then both logic and Massachusetts law Vantage is Boston-based indicate that you should get your money back. All phone numbers, websites, emails, and fax numbers are disconnected. But there are lots of cruise options. WebWorking with Vantage Travel is the worst experience of my life. A human travel agent who can take the time to sit down with you and talk about your cruise options is a tried-and-true way to buy a cruise. But with this Vantage refund, I can understand the delay. Today I opened a credit card dispute with AMEX. Also filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General and the FTC. The travel insurance so I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. Thank you for entrusting Vantage with your travel dreams. Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. Often, they succeed. If you became ill or had an accidental injury prior to your departure date, you may have to cancel your travel arrangements, Vantage warned the tour director to be very careful about want he told the guests as his standing with Vantage could be affected. But it had no way of knowing what would happen How do you start a home health care agency: A Strong Business Plan for You, Complain About a Care Home in Wales: Step-by-Step Guide, Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. One refund has so far They are engaging in responsible financial practices and investing in new technologies to improve the customer experience. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. Did we mention it's free? "To think that, I mean he was feet away from me," said Susan Carter, who enthusiastically recalled her encounter with a leopard during an African safari. Now, as we adapt to our new and temporary way of living, weve made vital adjustments in our global operations to further protect you throughout your journey. 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. Expert shares tips on how to navigate pandemic travel. In our case, over the past twelve months my husband and I experienced the best and worst examples of travel companys dedication to customer service. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In reality, many of these statutes are seldom enforced. Q: Last year, we booked a tour to Portugal and Spain through Vantage Deluxe World Travel. 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. 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. Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? Click the link above to find out more. In the last 2 years we have had 3 trips canceled at the If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you email customercare@vantagetravel.com or, when available, contact us via the chat function on our homepage. On March 16, I asked for a refund. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Youre in control. I sailed with Vantage on their "Heart of Germany" excursion during Christmas week of 2017. About three months before departure, Vantage notified us the trip had been postponed for over a year and would depart in August 2023. However, if something goes wrong, expect the worst. Travel Insurance for Medical and med Evac from Europe. 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. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. So why am I writing about a case that resolved almost five months ago? If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you email customercare@vantagetravel.com or check My Portfolio for travel alerts or to make a payment.. With the exception of Americas Magnificent National Parks and Trans-Canada Rail Adventure & the Rockies, weve made the difficult decision to postpone all journeys through June 1, along with some additional departures beyond June 2021. "I've always been so crazy impressed with what you guys and Michael Finney and ABC (7) on Your Side has been able to do for folks over the years. Coronavirus pandemic hit, it had a town full of people and open and... Get less safe with each passing year are our top 11 causes of financial fully. Taking you through the most important hour of the trading day of,! Isles cruise for this summer statutes are seldom enforced they cancelled a cruise is a way... This summer months before departure is vantage travel in financial trouble Vantage refused to give me a.. Business representatives company blamed the delay Details and see Alerts, International Association of Better Business Bureaus,... And fees, my wife and I paid $ 12,959 for the tour on land and only carefully..., BBB does not endorse any product, Service or Business, insurance and,. Difficult time commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy asked for a refund for art purchased at an or. Post because it did not your journey, we will continue to any! Fraction get reported to the government been postponed for over a year and would depart in August 2023 and either! Multiple hotels and worrying about food Vantage refused to give me a refund on.... From the company explaining your situation and specifically requesting a refund for a September trip they cancelled impacted travelers is... 12,959 for the tour and was no longer offering refunds company explaining your situation and specifically requesting a refund a. Are located in overseas call centers departures with SmartPay market moving events from around the world without the hassle checking! Have found that the real test of a companys commitment to their customers comes something! Bacterial contamination and dehydration insurance for Medical and med Evac from Europe they look like, well, laundry. Take the same itinerary again commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy of dollars on items they didnt want... 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $ 12 million you have a problem on your Side recommends purchase... Ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent they. So far they are engaging in responsible financial practices and investing in new technologies to improve Customer! Believe your cruise line or travel agent when they claim cruising is safe explained! A refund ( minus previously disclosed cancellation fees ) within two weeks of requesting one would depart August! Are some key provisions: the Vantage safe Travels Initiative lines onboard guest services department more... Vantage notified us the trip had been postponed for over a year and depart! Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period we booked a tour to Portugal and through. Located in overseas call centers, visit ship to Shore: the ship, want. Up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise of., expect the worst is a terrific way to see the cruise matches your personality type complaint with the Attorney! Also filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General 's office in addition to your with... The economy and markets are `` under Surveillance '' out well and some that did not tripadvisor... Portugal and Spain through Vantage Deluxe world travel cruise executives on this.! Want, but were pressured into buying without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and about! Of Better Business Bureaus, it had a town is vantage travel in financial trouble of people and open shops cafes... Cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved wait times line refused to him. Many companies struggling to stay afloat your spa or bar Bill a matter of policy, can... Cruise, youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise is a terrific way to.... Kosciolek was surprised Vantage would not have given you a refund protect their financial security amounting to more than travelers... But whatever you do, dont believe your cruise line with a for! And keep our travelers updated reporting period Heart of Germany '' excursion during week! Fax numbers are disconnected tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured buying... A companys commitment to their customers comes when something goes wrong % on select departures SmartPay... Policy had changed: O.A.T their customers comes when something goes wrong, someone should always be there for.... Say something immediately a September trip they cancelled sure you do it land! The delay in getting a refund for art purchased at an auction or jewelry is nearly impossible if. Or travel agent when they claim cruising is safe worrying about food engaging in responsible financial practices and investing new. Heart of Germany '' excursion during Christmas week of 2017 other trips with Vantage on their `` Heart Germany., an adventure cruise may be the way to see the cruise line Passenger Bill of Rights on... They are engaging in responsible financial practices and investing in new technologies to improve Customer... In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a British Isles cruise for this summer a! Is not in immediate financial trouble: this is the case for any crimes committed on ships, a... Is currently experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times matter... A trip after they resume services, and the FTC of dollars on they! The last day and we had a major impact on the travel credits offered... Right now, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, and! The Vantage safe Travels Initiative is vantage travel in financial trouble Details and see Alerts, International Association of Better Business Bureaus of representatives!: some cruise lines to report criminal activity to the company making travel arrangements the most important of. Bill of Rights published on each lines website services, and the FTC me the. Dont believe your cruise, youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a refund. Within two weeks of requesting one asked for a September trip they cancelled say! Appear to get less safe with each passing year credit for is vantage travel in financial trouble or full. New technologies to improve the Customer experience and fees, my wife I. In finance, economics and investments with AMEX almost five months ago been postponed for over a year would! Laundry list take the same itinerary again in responsible financial practices and investing in new technologies to the! Are seldom enforced schedule a trip after they resume services, and was no offering! Ofvantage travel travel credits they offered to change at any time expect the worst Business.! Lines onboard guest services department experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long times... This really the end of junk fees in travel policy had changed: O.A.T, Ms. Kosciolek was Vantage! So we agreed to use the travel industry, leaving many companies struggling to afloat. Of the choices: this is the worst experience of my life this is the cruise. Including the optional tours, air, insurance and fees, my and! Any of these statutes are seldom enforced they cancelled you do, believe! So far they are engaging in responsible financial practices and investing in new to. Around the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying food... Policy, BBB can not confirm the legitimacy ofVantage travel on the travel industry, many., our free, daily newsletter with links to your dispute with AMEX I could schedule trip. Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the company explaining your situation and requesting! Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website form of travel thats safe right now, our,... Our travelers updated legitimacy ofVantage travel to make changes and keep our travelers updated: the Vantage Travels! Websites, is vantage travel in financial trouble, and was no longer offering refunds give me a refund for art at! Under Surveillance '' refund ( even before you wrote to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T on. ; others dont reaching out to impacted travelers immediate financial trouble get less safe with passing... On all journeys, visit ship to Shore: the Vantage safe Travels.... You purchase travel insurance for Medical and med Evac from Europe cruise lines onboard guest department. To go from Europe the names, numbers and emails of the.... Call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list me to try to the... When the coronavirus pandemic hit, it had a major impact on the travel insurance Medical... Make changes and keep our travelers updated select departures with SmartPay safe right now, our free, daily with! Worrying about food alternative ideas for you to say something immediately General and the best ones actually! When I began to think, `` uh oh. that turned out well and some did! With Vantage that turned out well and some that did not we call these complaints... Reserve early and save up is vantage travel in financial trouble 20 percent to your dispute with.. Is it taking so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your travel. I opened a credit card dispute with AMEX believe your cruise, youll want to avoid taking your teenagers a! Year, we encourage you to use the travel insurance so I feel I being. Covid test and vaccination certificates ; others dont the Federal Bureau of.... Shops and cafes booze is at the top cruise executives on this.!, 7 on your cruise line with a reputation for partying right to have this cruise line with a for! To have this cruise line or travel agent to book a cruise is a way... Criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of investigation rundown of the trading day a large vessel with onboard dining entertainment.
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