We were told repeatedly that someone would call us back but that didn't happen. Boston, MA 02114-2031. 1. Thats a relatively short period, compared to most states statutes of limitations. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. Want a picture of you and your beautiful family? Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Thank you for your ongoing understanding during this difficult time. But there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. Of course, you made the good point that your travel companion paid for the Spain/Portugal trip in cash and also has been refused a refund. Why? My consumer advocacy organization has a case backlog, too. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Vantages CEO e-mailed us saying, Lets talk. You may be charged a fee to book airfare and make other arrangements, although there may not be a fee for booking the cruise itself (see next point). The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. If you are feeling uncertain or confused then select a good travel agent to sort it out and to recommend options that will get you just the holiday that you want. It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. My travel companion and I booked a river cruise and tour to Portugal and Spain for this past July with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. When youre on vacation, its easy to let down your guard and fall for a sales pitch for an original sculpture, diamond ring or timeshare. Please provide this promotion code to your Vantage call center agent. Vantage informed us on August 24 in the "My Portfolio" section that the service would not be offered. Solo senior traveler in Kathmandu: A bad idea? But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. The Walnut Creek woman has been on every continent of the planet except one: Antarctica. 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. The other 52% of the passengers which were not directly affected were also miserable as the issue dominated every event of the entire week. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. They say we are stuck with the credits in my case worth nearly $20,000. 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. 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. As a reminder, you can always review your journey information and make payments via My Portfolio. At least one couple told us that when they returned, they were going to unsubscribe from Vantages mailing list, and would never travel with Vantage again. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. "They said, 'Oh, Vantage took this over in, I don't know, October or November. I have a friend who just had a Russian River cruise canceled by Vantage. They sent her only 2 choices: They automatically rebooked her on a date fo And, all of the passengers recognized that he was in a very difficult position having to comply with Vantages restrictions and yet keep us informed as best he could. The impact to our 2021 travelers is small if you are one of these travelers, we are currently in the process of reaching out to you. What are my rights, and what should I be worried about? Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. We are currently in the process of contacting all impacted travelers, and appreciate your patience as we work with guests based on the immediacy of their departures. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? You can get all sorts of answers to your question. Is my warranty dead, too? Earlier this year when we postponed our journeys, we made that decision with the health of our travelers and dedicated associates in mind. If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you contact us via the chat function on our homepage or email customercare@vantagetravel.com. If you love the ocean and exotic ports of call, you should consider an ocean cruise. Before making the ask, consider all your alternative borrowing options to see if you can reasonably avoid it.. For more information on the safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys, visit Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiative. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. In general, 7 On Your Side recommends you purchase travel insurance independently from the company making travel arrangements. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. Thank you for your ongoing understanding and loyalty. Pay up! A porter will deliver it to your room. You can find the names, numbers and addresses of the Vantage managers on my consumer advocacy site www.elliott.org/company-contacts/vantage-deluxe-world-travel/. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? Ms. Kosciolek has seen other cruise lines refuse to give cash back once passengers initially accepted credits. 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. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. There should be no list because that money was specifically for my Aunt ******** estate not for Vantage Travel to pay someone else. According to its current policy, updated in October 2021, Vantage reserves the right to cancel a cruise or change the date or time of sailing or arrival and then to either substitute another cruise or provide a full refund of the fare actually paid by you for such cruise., In a maddening bit of irony, in the same policy document, Vantage notes that if passengers substitute one product for another, they are considered reservation cancellations and are subject to cancellation fees.. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. You should read it before you leave. ?was that problem worse than ours? Youll need to consider all of these dangers before you plan your cruise. 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. Beware of potential problems booking and paying for a vacation with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. We have nothing to do with it,'" said Carter. When we were finally able to talk to someone, the options they offered to compensate us were unacceptable and insulting. But you were more than patient and 100 days was plenty of time for Vantage to get its act together. Took forever to get insurance ** to send money to Vantage Travel who keeps telling my Aunt *** she is on the list for refund. Vantage Travels delayed Ocean Explorer vessel. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. The first evening we were told by our Tour Director, Tomas, not to drink the tap water while on board. Don't call us anymore. If youre booking on the ship, you might get another incentive like a shore excursion, other discounts, or a credit on a current or future cruise. 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. As you noted, you bought travel insurance from TripMate. Too much debt. 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. If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you email customercare@vantagetravel.com. This happened in February and my aunt is always calling to check on. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. Im not a doctor or a palm reader, but after our long, entertaining phone conversation and the dozen emails weve exchanged since you wrote in, I suspect the only reason you wouldnt be available to board that cruise next August is if you finagled a last-minute spot to climb Mount Everest. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. I tried to reach Vantage and by that I mean I sent emails to the C.E.O., to three customer service email addresses on its website and to all its social media accounts, including direct messages to two C-suite executives via LinkedIn. Bernice, New York. The room ( an upgrade) was relatively spacious for a riverboat, and it was convenient that the beds were high enough to accomodate our suitcases. There would be no more Christmas Markets. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. Be the first to review! Thats because you are a number. Were always here to help. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Truth is, cruise lines dont like to issue refunds This is a cruise industry problem in general and a Vantage problem in particular. 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. We cannot close out the estate until we get this settled. 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? You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. We are a deluxe travel company trying to navigate a world in which we cannot travel right now. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. Here are some of the risks. Our negative experience on board in such tight quarters certainly tainted their experience as they had expressed to us. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Help! Watch for food-borne illnesses. They canceled my flight. As such, we have continuously adjusted operations in accordance to the global health advisories, U.S. State Department, and local governments around the world. Care for a soda? Is this really the end of junk fees in travel? 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. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. 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. How to find a good travel agent, Need to file a complaint? Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. And when they do, they are often Q: Last year, we booked a tour to Portugal and Spain through Vantage Deluxe World Travel. As of 4/1/2022, BBB has exhausted all forms of contact to the business. Vantage Travel did not respond to our request for comment. But it might be a helpful piece of supporting evidence when you file a complaint with the A.G. again.. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. And when they do, they are often underreported. We continued to report it every day thereafter. 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. Consumer Alert: No more automatic refunds for skipped ports? 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. Its extra. And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. As you know, the global COVID-19 pandemic has made travel very tricky. Vantage sent an e-mail this morning canceling the Middle East tour. You can't get anyone on the phone there. E-mails to the Customer Care people ar So, what is Vantage thinking? 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. Special access to agent-only discounts. Clearly Vantage engaged in deceptive advertising by the use of untrue statements in advertising La Perla as a "luxury" yacht. Vrbo took my $1,270! Would you like a FREE color catalog? If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. But the worlds recovery from COVID-19 will still take time, and the ability to travel freely across borders is months away. Every one of Vantages suppliers experienced similar delays. Inside You can read more about ourShip to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiativehere. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, it had a major impact on the travel industry, leaving many companies struggling to stay afloat. Tomi informed the lower deck passengers that the cause of their stench was known at the end of the previous (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. To say that the current travel climate is not ideal for the level of service, cultural immersion, and quality that were known for is an understatement. How safe is your neighborhood? 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. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. We had scheduled Vantage's "Eastern Mediterranean Crossing," with pre-trip extension, post-trip extension, all available excursions, upgraded cabin aboard ship, upgraded air A Comprehensive Review. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Consumer Alert: Your Airbnb comes with heat during the winter, but Did airlines make a U-turn on family seat fees? For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. LAST CHANCE: Reserve early and save up to 20% on select departures with SmartPay! "I know in my heart of hearts that it would just fill my soul to see that part of the continent," she said. WebA significant concern for travelers is Trip Cancellation. Its not uncommon to hear of people waiting upwards of an hour for help. 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. 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. Thank you for your interest in Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Youll probably get the deepest discounts, and in some cases, a price protection that assures you that if the fare drops, youll get a refund. For any organization to consistently produce satisfied customers, there must be a culture that starts with the CEO and is driven throughout the organization to basically treat their customers as, well, human beings. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. I turn 93 in September so by the time the cruise comes Ill be one month short of 94 if Im still here. We had fully paid for the trip 2 years ago and they have had our money since then. BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. 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