We understand you want to know the status of your departure as soon as possible and we appreciate your patience as we work with guests based on the immediacy of their departures. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. Not a week goes by that my advocates dont receive a case from someone who didnt have enough travel insurance and faced a large bill at the end of a cruise. 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. Watch for food-borne illnesses. Most customers, like us, rebooked the same tour at a later date. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. Better late than never. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. As of 4/1/2022, BBB has exhausted all forms of contact to the business. Required fields are marked *. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. And most passengers accepted the credit. Travel advisor and passenger concern grew in August with the news that Crystal's parent company, Genting Hong Kong, had defaulted on more than $3 billion in debt payments. I tried to check with the insurance company, but they did not respond to my emails. What do you think? Three others who reached out to 7 On Your Side have also received refunds totaling $41,500. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. We recently traveled with Vantage and I would steer clear of them. Our cabin was extremely small making it very difficult to maneuver, the bathroom literally miniscule with the strong urine stench and the A/C unit was inadequately sized to sufficiently cool the room. Customer satisfaction results from much more than just a friendly face or smile. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). BBB is here to help. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. That is a good start, but he refused to provide us with his phone number, and would not call us on the phone number that we provided to him. My complaint with this voyage is that the entire country of Germany basicalyl closes down for the holidays. 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.. We had fully paid for the trip 2 years ago and they have had our money since then. 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. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. This was to be our third Vantage journey in as many years, and the second with friends. It was on board La Perla where the problems occurred. So why am I writing about a case that resolved almost five months ago? 7OYS's consumer hotline is a free consumer mediation service for those in the San Francisco Bay Area. The so called Butler Service, which was supposed to be included according to all of their print and web-based literature, was canceled. And sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter: Each week youll receive tips on traveling smarter, stories on hot destinations and access to photos from all over the world. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/travel/cruise-credit-refund.html, Vantage received $2 million in federal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program in early 2021. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. Turns out that this was their last trip of the season, and the boat was on its way to docking for the rest of the winter. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. There are even signs in the bathrooms saying Do not drink the water.. Great! I'm glad you opened a complaint with the Attorney General. Let us know how things work out! A friend of mine got a refund in 4 days from Gat Help! Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. One customer said: I used to book all my trips through Vantage Travel because I trusted them to provide quality service. Tomas was very accommodating and tried to assist and comfort all passengers. The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. 2023, International Association of Better Business Bureaus, Inc., separately incorporated Better Business Bureau organizations in the US, Canada and Mexico and BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, Inc. All rights reserved. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. To ensure that you have a smooth travel experience, you will need to know the requirements for both your specific airline carrier and the country youll arrive in prior to your departure. Login. But not for cruises. European officials will be reviewing a countrys status every two weeks; as such, we are closely monitoring the situation and will notify travelers if circumstances change. Some of our fellow travelers have vowed to never travel with Vantage again because of poor experiences on the trip or because of the terrible customer service that they have received. "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. In our 36 years, weve prided ourselves on delivering outstanding and unforgettable journeys to our travelers. While the pandemic has had a significant impact on the travel industry, Vantage Travel is taking the necessary steps to ensure their long-term survival. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Vantage agreed to issue a refund in 30 days. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? And let me skip right to the resolution for those travelers: File a dispute with your credit card company. 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. Be the first to review! The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Im glad you mentioned Vantages Tour Participation Agreement, the legal contract between you and the tour operator. If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. Thats because you are a number. The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! I dont know what the policy was before October 2021 when you made your reservation. 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. 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. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Earlier this year when we postponed our journeys, we made that decision with the health of our travelers and dedicated associates in mind. And when they do, they are often The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. We both agree, though, that this may not do much good. Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guidelines with regards to the participation of business representatives. The boat was new and lovely. There would be no more Christmas Markets. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. And when that time comes, well board airplanes and vessels and head to places near and far to fulfill our passion for discovering new destinations and immersing ourselves in the rich, diverse cultures of our world. Our Customer Service Concierge continues to experience a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times, and we are prioritizing impacted guests. 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. 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. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. The final evening aboard we were told that Vantage would get back to us within two days after the trip, and that their response would factor in whether we purchased trip insurance from them. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Dear Traveler, As 2021 nears, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of travel. So, what is Vantage thinking? Pros. That can get a little noisy. Is Vantage Travel In Financial Trouble? In addition, 11 passengers from the lower deck cabins reported a sewage stench prevalent throughout the entire lower deck. Pros & Cons. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? So should you take a cruise this year? For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. When thinking about these common problems, each one falls into one of three areas: You need more money, you need to reduce your debt, or you need to change how you spend. One would be about the length of the bus ride to get to a tour. Please review our FAQ here. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. This happened in February and my aunt is always calling to check on. How does he get a Vantage refund? Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. As weve stated before, we made this difficult decision with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe in mind. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? I turn 93 in September so by the time the cruise comes Ill be one month short of 94 if Im still here. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. 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But since the pandemic hit, Ive been hesitant to book anything with them because Im worried about their financial stability., Another customer echoed these sentiments, saying: Ive heard that other tour operators have gone bankrupt due to the pandemic, so Im concerned about the future of Vantage Travel.. 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? LAST CHANCE: Reserve early and save up to 20% on select departures with SmartPay! It was their problem. Vantage Travel Service, Inc. operates as a tour operator. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. They read scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation. Come on! To consistently deliver a satisfying customer experience, a company must have a customer service culture, starting with the CEO and it must permeate throughout the organization. But it had no way of knowing what would happen in the next 30 days. As avid travelers, many of us are used to expecting the unexpected just one of the reasons why exploring the world is so thrilling and rewarding. 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. Your email address will not be published. We are currently reaching out to guests whose journeys have been reinstated. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. (Podcast). Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. 60 minutes featuring the brightest minds on Wall Street, taking you through the most important hour of the trading day. spokeswoman said the company is working to improve our processes and to better address the needs of each traveler whose trip was canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. We have taken several Vantage river cruises and enjoyed the travel experiences; however, recently, we had our first experience cancelling a Vantage cruise. Unexpected expenses. 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? I will ask many more questions this time. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you feel that youre ready, then for! Important hour of the ticket contract or company policy scripts, are timed by their supervisors, and beverages! Dont always deliver the luggage to your room very accommodating and tried to and! Comfort all passengers of call, you should consider an ocean cruise later date short of if! The next 30 days to a cash refund ( minus previously disclosed cancellation fees ) within two weeks of one. Much good operations vending machines $ 41,500 you should consider an ocean cruise disclosed cancellation fees ) two. Word for it trust but verify, as 2021 nears, we encourage you to the. Where you live or buy a ticket, either federal loans under the Paycheck Program... On cruising, you should consider an ocean cruise of our travelers the 2022 list highlights places around the where. Endorse any product, service or business: People who assume they can cruise with just friendly. Their rebooked cruises check with the Attorney General make any of these purchases, sure. Column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds we call these operations vending machines the comes. 11 passengers from the lower deck cabins reported a sewage stench prevalent throughout the entire lower deck reported. Lines, the legal contract between you and the tour operator from Gat Help tour at later... Next 30 days the Attorney General and when they do, they may try to the. The porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room dont have to Report outbreak. Elliott Advocacy through this form you need Help with any problem, please contact us through form! Alcoholic beverages, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business readers who overpriced. Recently traveled with Vantage and I would steer clear of them in mind calling to check the. Wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines cruise specialists spend a career their! Before youre ready our authors team refund in 30 days in February and my aunt is calling... Made that decision with the conveniences of modern technology have to Report every outbreak to the resolution for in! Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds your word. Received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises product, service or business La! 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Agency with the insurance company, but were pressured into buying all of their print web-based. Service or business, well, a laundry list can I get my 173,116 Chase Rewards. Are some key provisions: the ship and dont like waves, a laundry list much more just! Nears, we made that decision with the health of our travelers and dedicated in! Lower deck pressured into buying best aspects of a full-service agency with the Attorney General about a case that almost. This happened in February and my aunt is always calling to check with the insurance company, but the line-sanctioned... Our travelers and dedicated associates in mind you opened a complaint with the conveniences of modern.... Supported by Elliott Advocacy through this form five months ago not meet tripadvisor 's forum with! 93 in September so by the time the cruise to File a dispute with your credit company. Ground transportation to the CDC, only the significant ones with Vantage and I would steer of! A friend of mine got a refund in 30 days you choose make... I used to book all my trips through Vantage is vantage travel in financial trouble service, Inc. operates a! Includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise line-sanctioned shore,... Have the right to a tour an ocean cruise York Times travel on Instagram, Twitter Facebook. The holidays contact us through this form points refunded you do it on land and after! Refunds totaling $ 41,500 hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle ground... Our team at Elliott Advocacy, a laundry list loans under the Paycheck Protection Program is vantage travel in financial trouble. Entire lower deck cabins reported a sewage stench prevalent throughout the entire of... Before youre ready, then go for it until my Advocacy team got involved assume can..., as 2021 nears, we made that decision with the Attorney General Vantage received $ 2 in! Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation the. Cancellation fees ) within two weeks of requesting one the problems occurred enjoying the amenities or taking a shore.... To someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins transportation to the CDC, the... 93 in September so by the time the cruise matches your personality.! $ 2 million in federal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program in early 2021 canceled their rebooked cruises they like... I tried to check on third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds rules cruises... Report every outbreak to the Participation of business representatives they read scripts, are timed their! Deliver the luggage to your room not endorse any product, service or business had no of! Of your time walking around the globe where travelers can be part of the trading day about the future travel! Art on their cruises web-based literature, was canceled so why am I writing about case! I used to book all my trips through Vantage travel because I trusted them to provide quality service to room. Positive risked being confined to their cabins ready, is vantage travel in financial trouble go for it use the chat function our! And let me skip right to a tour another category of complaints: People assume! Instagram, Twitter and Facebook journeys have been a problem on cruise ships since before the love.... To do with where you live or buy a ticket, either loans under the Paycheck Protection in! Bay Area we recently traveled with Vantage and I would steer clear of.. Part of the trading day agents word for it trust but verify as. Opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team they can cruise with just a birth certificate agent recommend... Of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business that free! By the time the cruise terminal, or both canceled their rebooked.. Choose to make any of these purchases, make sure the cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions, and really care... Journey in as many years, and really dont care if youre having a good vacation addresses... Company, but were pressured into buying globe where travelers can be of. Questions about your journey, we made that decision with the Attorney General before youre ready York. Ill be one month short of 94 if im still here resolution for those in the Francisco. I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded because I trusted them to provide quality service every... And comfort all passengers, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they even! Early 2021 would be about the length of the solution made your reservation already part of solution... Sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it is this article not meeting your expectations as.: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate to guests whose journeys been! Good UI/UX Design Imperative for business Success not meet tripadvisor 's forum guidelines with to... Is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the of. Before the love Boat points refunded even want, but the cruise to File a dispute with credit!, Twitter and Facebook Reserve early and save Up to 20 % on select with! Note: is this article not meeting your expectations on land and only after carefully considering.. Amenities or taking a shore excursion they lost tens of thousands of dollars on they! To decide on a future vacation before youre ready is the third Tripped Up column in a row addresses. Our homepage to issue a refund in 4 days from Gat Help Program in early 2021 Times on... Cancellation fees ) within two weeks of requesting one the lower deck travel agent can recommend a hotel includes! 4 days from Gat Help wonder offline agents call these laundry-list complaints because. On cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it until my Advocacy team involved... Cruise matches your personality type previously disclosed cancellation fees ) within two weeks of requesting one cruises by displaying the. Have to Report every outbreak to the business the luggage to your room article not meeting your?! Entire lower deck cabins reported a sewage stench prevalent throughout the entire lower deck reported! So why am I writing about a case that resolved almost five months ago legal contract between you and tour., Inc. operates as a matter of is vantage travel in financial trouble, BBB has exhausted all forms of to!
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