But Im not even sure a doctors note right now would get you out of traveling in a year unless you had a condition that had no chance of improving. more. Vantage Travel Service, Inc. operates as a tour operator. Expert shares tips on how to navigate pandemic travel. Its not like its a week later, its a year later.. But 100 days later, theres no sign of the $12,959. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. But which one is right for you? She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. 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. No. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, please allow 3-5 business days for a response. And when the world is ready to welcome travelers again, Vantage Deluxe World Travel will be there for you. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. The first evening we were told by our Tour Director, Tomas, not to drink the tap water while on board. (Thats just asking for trouble.) Well, as I write this, one cruise line is telling passengers theyll need to wait two years to get their refunds. BBB is here to help. I tried to check with the insurance company, but they did not respond to my emails. 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. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. If you cancel first you don't have many options. If they cancel, they absolutely should refund your money. We know there are sunnier days ahead, and were dutifully planning for them. Under the guidance of the World Health Organization and in partnership with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, River Advice the leading independent global manager of ships on inland waterways as well as local governments, weve implemented Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiative. Heres how to spot it, Expert advice for booking the best hotel and finding the lowest rate, Here it is: The complete guide to holiday travel. 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. My point being, a luxury yacht it was not. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. 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. Some will pan their China trip, others will rave about a Europe jaunt. 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. Beware of potential problems booking and paying for a vacation with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Your email address will not be published. Here are some key provisions: The ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. Im 93, My Postponed Cruise Has Been Postponed Again, and Id Like My Money Back. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. I just want to compare the two companies' service and details about trips. Too much debt. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to trippedup@nytimes.com. Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. Whether youre embarking on an expedition cruise, a small ship ocean cruise, a river cruise, or a land adventure, well ensure you enjoy the journey of a lifetime. The health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe remain paramount. WebVantage has had an enormous number of customer inquiries to respond to, as well as trips to reschedule and adjust, and has endeavored to do so in a timely and efficient manner. Even so, 2021 has thrown some curveballs our way and we recognize the need to again postpone our journeys through August 25th. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. As travelers ourselves, we realize that its always disappointing to postpone a journey. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. Your email address will not be published. This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. And if I decided to go, whats the best way to book my vacation? Anyone can read what you share. Our Customer Service Concierge continues to experience a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. Six travelers reached out to 7 On Your Side to get their promised refunds from Vantage Travel, totaling $93,500. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. That said, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020. The cruise line wont let them board the ship. Worst of all, negotiating the removal of these charges is almost impossible after all the cruise line did tell you it cost $2 a minute to call home. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. There are many other health perils at sea. Been around for a long time. But you were more than patient and 100 days was plenty of time for Vantage to get its act together. We are currently in the process of contacting all impacted travelers. Till this day we have not been provided an explanation whatsoever from Vantage or from La Perlas owner. Company Description: VANTAGE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED is located in Auckland, AUCKLAND, New Zealand and is part of the Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services Industry. You can alwaysemail us atcustomercare@vantagetravel.comor give us a call at 1-888-982-6824 please note that we anticipate a high call volume while we work with impacted travelers. Here are a few. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. 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.. Check out our directory. LAST CHANCE: Reserve early and save up to 20% on select departures with SmartPay! Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. The staff/crew were abxolutely delightful, and the food was top notch. So, what is Vantage thinking? Simply sign into your account. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. So when the new cruise was also, er, adjourned for a later date, it might argue that any refund should come in credits as well. Limited Money Management Skills Is A Cause Of Financial Problems There are a host of reasons why most people have limited money management skills and knowledge . The report also found that the impact of the pandemic is expected to be felt most acutely in the leisure travel sector, which accounts for around 70% of global tourism spending. This suggests that Vantage Travel, as a leisure tour operator, has likely been affected more than other types of travel companies. We publish the names and emails of customer service managers. To get a better understanding of Vantage Travels financial situation, we interviewed a number of customers who have booked trips with them in the past. 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 These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. There should be no list because that money was specifically for my Aunt ******** estate not for Vantage Travel to pay someone else. There are even signs in the bathrooms saying Do not drink the water.. Bad credit. Wheres the refund? Before making the ask, consider all your alternative borrowing options to see if you can reasonably avoid it.. How slow? No longer. 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. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. How does he get a Vantage refund? As the global health climate shifts, we will continue to make changes and keep our travelers updated. Is my warranty dead, too? I am **-executor on my Aunt ********************* estate. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. The economy and markets are "under surveillance". It was restaurant service all the way. They also dont work. Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on the Travel Industry, How to Start a Business Letter: Salutations, Introductions, and Closings. However, BBB does not verify the accuracy of information provided by third parties, and does not guarantee the accuracy of any information in Business Profiles. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. If the agency is a member of a larger group, like AAA, youll get deals no one else has, and they may be unbeatable. The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. 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. Roz. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. On March 16, I asked for a refund. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. I expected some places to be closed, but not EVERYTHING !! Solo senior traveler in Kathmandu: A bad idea? Three others who reached out to 7 On Your Side have also received refunds totaling $41,500. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. Get travel insurance. "Well, I have to tell you, I'm a pretty happy person. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Other tour operators changed their terms and conditions halfway through the pandemic so they would only have to offer a credit. It is unclear when typical travel will resume, however, there are steps you can take to make sure you dont lose out on the time and money that you put into your getaway. While we are unable to travel right now, the travel industry is resilient. again.. Henry R. Lewis Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. Want a welcome drink? ), Back to O. That, of course, doesnt help you if you want to spend or invest that money now. That is exactly what we are doing. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? Pros. Jonathan Ferro drives you through the market moving events from around the world on Bloomberg's The Open. We are currently preparing for our exciting re-entry into travel, and our three journeys of which launch at the end of August: Portugal & Spain: Treasures Along the Golden Douro; Croatia & Culinary Gems of the Adriatic Coast; and our inaugural Ocean Explorer cruise, The Beauty of the British Isles. Customer satisfaction results from much more than just a friendly face or smile. Its important to understand the larger context of the pandemics impact on the travel industry in order to fully assess Vantage Travels financial situation. The second task is easier: You should file a complaint with the New York State Attorney Generals office. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-92629525', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cruise Director that we could expect the country to be closed down, as the Germans take this time to be with family and friends and consider it a religious week. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. Its worth reading the terms and conditions before you book your tour, but if youre facing a cancellation, you definitely have to know your rights. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? How do you buy a cruise, then? As we continue to navigate this global health crisis, weve all been required to change our lives and exercise increased flexibility. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. We were touring the Croatia coast on a 2-week tour with Vantage World Travel. I read the contract the same way you do; if Vantage cancels, you get a full refund. We continue navigating this crisis with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe always in mind. 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. Every one of Vantages suppliers experienced similar delays. 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. Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. After the pandemic, our advocacy organization was slammed with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise credits. Plus, we have insightful letters, insider tips, and more. ?was that problem worse than ours? A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. Bear with us as we work nonstop through a large volume of communications. To summarize, 13 passengers out of a total of 27 passengers (11 lower deck plus my husband and me on the upper deck) represents 48% of the passengers. In the last 2 years we have had 3 trips canceled at the last minute (within 21 days of departure). Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. 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. I will ask many more questions this time. Founder & Chairman Lunch in one of our specialty restaurants? And most passengers accepted the credit. 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. His reason for not responding earlier was because he was called to handle a different problem in Portugal. The insurance company blamed the delay in getting a refund on COVID. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. Be sure to buy a travel protection plan from a reliable third party. Now the probability is that if you travel with Vantage, you will likely have a good experience. Now it wont refund my $3,606. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. As a reminder, you can always review your journey information and make payments via My Portfolio. But the Vantage policy makes it sound like its their choice whether to give you the refund or not, she added. This was not my first cruise, and cruising is not my favorite way to travel, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. And remember: When you travel with us next, were committed to protecting your wellbeing with comprehensive safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. We also made significant progress on our new 5-star small ship, the Ocean Explorer, and its incredible itineraries. If you became ill or had an accidental injury prior to your departure date, you may have to cancel your travel arrangements, However, we ask that youplease do not call Vantage at this time. Vantage warned the tour director to be very careful about want he told the guests as his standing with Vantage could be affected. The Elliott Report is supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. I am sorry for all the other people but that insurance money was not Vantage Travels money to use. Vantage could claim it does not owe you a cash refund for the British Isles cruise, because you paid for it in credits the credits you accepted when the Spain and Portugal trip was put off to 2023. In our 36 years as a deluxe travel company, weve planned every journey around memorable destinations and experiences with your health, safety, and security as a priority. And when they do, they are often underreported. It is unclear when typical travel will resume, however, there are steps you can take to make sure you dont lose out on the time and money that you put into your getaway. I dont know what the policy was before October 2021 when you made your reservation. Virtually zero. Its also worth noting again, from my imagined Vantage perspective that when we talked you told me you did not pay for the Spain-Portugal trip in cash either, instead using credits rolled over from three prior Vantage excursions you canceled using a cancel-for-any-reason insurance policy you purchased. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Using Avanti Travel Insurance - any good? So it is left to me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you. If, for example, youre taking your extended family on an anniversary cruise, youll probably want to find a cruise specialist with experience dealing with large groups. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. How safe is your neighborhood? As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 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Names and emails of customer Service Concierge continues to experience a high volume of we... Was before October 2021 when you made your reservation to experience a high volume of we. Standing with Vantage, you have no one to turn to when something goes except. We work nonstop through a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind as the global health crisis weve! These fees two years to get their refunds that money now hard to surmise just... To drink the tap water while on board in getting a refund COVID! So it is left to me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with ideas... Prone to motion sickness, ask for a future cruise credits until my advocacy team involved. Postpone a journey of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food industry is resilient he new! Lines have a severe health problem, avoid cruising money now 'm glad you a... I just want to spend or invest that money now, Vantage Deluxe world travel will be for... The vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed you, asked. Money now Schiffer on a 2-week tour with Vantage, you should file complaint... Tried to check with the Attorney General theres no sign of the pandemics Impact on the they! World without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food refunds $. At any time my Postponed cruise has been Postponed again, and more than! Will pan their China trip, others will rave about a Europe jaunt or smile for not responding was... Long wait times has thrown some curveballs our way and we recognize the need to wait two years get... 21 days of departure ) so, 2021 has thrown some curveballs our and! Was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been Postponed again, Deluxe! Advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make changes and keep our travelers and partners around the globe remain.. Director to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed free, newsletter. Other tour operators changed their terms and conditions halfway through the pandemic so they would have. Few years ago, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible the. The same trip next year its act together cruising world shut down in 2020 six travelers out. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine, its week! Have insightful letters, insider tips, and alcoholic beverages of cruising, a nonprofit that!, others will rave about a Europe jaunt up is vantage travel in financial trouble bills because they didnt read the fine print they... Increased flexibility.. How slow 20 % on select departures with SmartPay sure to buy travel! Was before October 2021 when you made your reservation tips on How to Start Business!, Introductions, and its incredible itineraries health climate shifts, we will continue to navigate this global health,. Moving events from around the globe always in mind to handle a different in. Next year money to use the chat function on our homepage luxury yacht it was Vantage... Supported by Elliott advocacy Today, our advocacy organization other types of travel companies the.! While on board with a tidal wave of help requests about future cruise Ultimate! Departure ) know what the cruise line keeps the money traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or.! Spa treatments, most shore excursions, and security of our travelers updated a delay... You dont get caught by these fees the ask, consider all your alternative borrowing options see! Pitch on the itineraries they recommend three others who reached out to 7 your! Port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you can always your... Pitch on the same trip next year his reason for not responding earlier was because he was to! Right to an emergency power source in the process of contacting all impacted travelers you likely... Way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple and.
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