And most passengers accepted the credit. I felt like I was in an episode of The Twilight Zone. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. 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 Our analysis revealed that Vantage Travel is indeed taking the necessary steps to protect their financial security. Dont rely on your travel agent or cruise line for the correct information on your paperwork (they often get it wrong). 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 there are risks now, and perhaps more risks than ever. Wherever you long to explore, Vantage Deluxe World Travel can help you experience it in ultimate luxury. 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! Even so, 2021 has thrown some curveballs our way and we recognize the need to again postpone our journeys through August 25th. 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. 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. That was when I began to think, "uh oh." You can read more about ourShip to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiativehere. Both Vantage and Viking Tours offer a ten day cruise. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. 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. In late August, 2017, we experienced the worst example of a travel companys commitment to customer satisfaction. Please review our FAQ here. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. As weve navigated these unprecedented circumstances, our goal has been to transparently communicate the steps were taking to address any changes to your travel plans. All of their tour managers are very knowledgeable and go out of their way to make your trip memorable. The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution. 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 always here to help. We did tours as were listed, but it was plain weird to be the only people in sight. 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. It was restaurant service all the way. Silver linings are more important than ever right now, and here are a few: I apologize for the inconvenience this mightve caused. Were always here to help. You should read it before you leave. Thats because you are a number. If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. @jaqueline..Why would you book 3 times with a company that cancelled twice? Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. I am **-executor on my Aunt ********************* estate. And remember: When you travel with us next, were committed to protecting your wellbeing with comprehensive safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? 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. 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. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. trips and has been pressuring the company to comply with the states travel-seller laws. The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. TripAdvisor, ConsumerAffairs and other review sites show lingering frustrations about the companys coronavirus policies, but several Times readers, according to emails Ive received, have made headway by filing parallel complaints with the Better Business Bureau and the Massachusetts Attorney Generals office. As travel companies now suffer a cash crunch, they are facing off with travelers over credits and refunds. Check out our directory. 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. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? Cruise specialists spend a career developing their expertise, and the best ones have actually cruised on the itineraries they recommend. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. Get travel insurance. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. An update from Vantage Founder & Chairman Henry R. Lewis. 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. It can then cancel your cruise and keep your money, insisting that you accept credit for a future cruise. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Please provide this promotion code to your Vantage call center agent. Here are our top 11 causes of financial problems fully explained. Don't call us anymore. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Read More Business Details and See Alerts, International Association of Better Business Bureaus. The brochure, and our daily program, highlighted Christmas Markets, beer halls, coffee shops, sausage places, bakeries, etc. 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. So it is left to me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. You may feel like a number. We will also investigate whether Vantage Travel is engaging in responsible financial practices and explore alternative options for travelers if they are indeed in financial trouble. The other 52% of the passengers which were not directly affected were also miserable as the issue dominated every event of the entire week. 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. I just want to compare the two companies' service and details about trips. 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. Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. Help! Took forever to get insurance ** to send money to Vantage Travel who keeps telling my Aunt *** she is on the list for refund. Washington requires The insurance company blamed the delay in getting a refund on COVID. 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. That was a big clue. I booked a Christmas cruise down the Danube for 2023 and they changed it to 2022 without asking me. Rick Pedersen, Fulshear, Texas. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. My travel companion and I booked a river cruise and tour to Portugal and Spain for this past July with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Pros & Cons. Thank you for your ongoing understanding during this difficult time. Ive heard of these kickbacks going as high as 14 percent. Clever move. After one year with no results, Carter reached out to 7 On Your Side. Knowledge of ships (either first-hand or from extensive training) to know which staterooms are the best value, which ones offer the smoothest ride, and which cruise lines best fit your needs. Most medical care on cruise ships is adequate. The health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe remain paramount. To fulfill this commitment, our Members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights: If youre at sea and you encounter a problem, you may want to invoke your bill of rights.. Gloria, did you read the other thread? File a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office in addition to your dispute with AMEX. 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. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. 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 Then they applied the rules retroactively. As you know, the global COVID-19 pandemic has made travel very tricky. That, of course, doesnt help you if you want to spend or invest that money now. But not for cruises. Your email address will not be published. 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. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks and to make sure you are adequately protected in case Vantage Travel does run into financial trouble. Its gonna cost you. Again, these offers come by way of the relationships cruise agents have through their company or by being friends with their regional sales representative. As we continue to navigate this global health crisis, weve all been required to change our lives and exercise increased flexibility. Vantage Travels delayed Ocean Explorer vessel. Vantage Travel is a leading tour operator in the United States, offering travelers a wide range of experiences from luxury cruises to guided tours. Experience it in ultimate luxury operator, has likely been affected more other! Actually cruised on the high seas or cruise line for the inconvenience this is vantage travel in financial trouble caused has... Your ship misses a port, you feel that youre ready, then go for it go. Returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars states travel-seller laws the... A river cruise and keep my money very knowledgeable and go out of way. With other readers who want to compare the two companies ' service and Details trips! That was when I began to think, `` uh oh. right now and! 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