But why cant I get a refund? 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. Cruise ship gotchas they wont tell you about. Pros. 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. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. The purpose of this article is to explore the financial situation of Vantage Travel and assess the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry. If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. As always, we made this decision with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe in mind. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? I dont know what the policy was before October 2021 when you made your reservation. The so called Butler Service, which was supposed to be included according to all of their print and web-based literature, was canceled. 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. To do this, we will look at customer perspectives and review Vantage Travels financial records to gain an understanding of their current financial health. She lost her engagement ring in a rental car. Wheres the refund? If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. Tomi informed the lower deck passengers that the cause of their stench was known at the end of the previous (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We appreciate your ongoing understanding in this challenging time. 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 The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. Lack of savings. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? | In Illinois, the Travel Promotion Consumer Protection Act was created in the 1980s to safeguard against travel scams that promise too-good-to-be-true deals. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. Vantage has pledged additional refunds of $41,000 to two other people, bringing the grand total -- including Carter's refund -- to $93,500. Vrbo took my $1,270! The right to a ship crew that is properly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. In the last 2 years we have had 3 trips canceled at the last minute (within 21 days of departure). It looks as if they were really sincere in their intent, and they stayed in contact with you (at least initially). You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. Youre out of luck. 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. If you prefer a smaller ship and dont like waves, a river cruise might be right for you. Some will pan their China trip, others will rave about a Europe jaunt. 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. Anyone can read what you share. How slow? That said, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020. Therefore we must spend money in order to get the creditunbelievable! 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. Travel RelaxedTravel SecureWhen you have Travel Insured. 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. Login. In general, 7 On Your Side recommends you purchase travel insurance independently from the company making travel arrangements. In addition we also left a voice mail for Nancy. Asking a friend or family member for financial help can feel awkward or put the other person in a difficult position, adds Hayes. 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. If you are one of these travelers, youve likely already received an email from us about your 2020 journey. As countries vaccinate and recover from the disruption that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, all of us here at Vantage want to make sure we live up to our promise to deliver you transformational experiences at the best value and in unforgettable deluxe accommodations. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. Well guide you through the process. Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. And cruise lines dont like to do that. The results of our investigation suggest that Vantage Travel is not in immediate financial trouble. My consumer advocacy organization has a case backlog, too. NOTHING. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. But whats this $452 bill? Vantage Deluxe World travel = No Customer Service. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. 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. Pay up! Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. From the customer interviews, its clear that there is some uncertainty surrounding Vantage Travels financial situation. But you were more than patient and 100 days was plenty of time for Vantage to get its act together. The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. Is it just your server? If you choose to make any of these purchases, make sure you do it on land and only after carefully considering it. You will soon receive an exciting email from Vantage Travel. It doesnt have to. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. And remember: When you travel with us next, were committed to protecting your wellbeing with comprehensive safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. 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 . 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. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. The sickening, foul, urine stench in the bathroom was present for the entire duration we were on board the ship, 7 day/nights. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Check out Bay Area safety tracker, Tracking the drought: Map shows conditions across SF Bay Area, Bay Area Life; Sundays at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7, Coronavirus: Credit card chargebacks an option for those refused refunds for canceled travel, Thinking of traveling soon? The insurance company blamed the delay in getting a refund on COVID. WebBased on the information detailed above, BBB cannot confirm the legitimacy of Vantage Travel. All of their tour managers are very knowledgeable and go out of their way to make your trip memorable. Why? They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Roz. As we continue to navigate this global health crisis, weve all been required to change our lives and exercise increased flexibility. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. This last time (01/19/18) we began to worry when we saw that the webpage for the trip had been taken down. Rest assured, we have secured your spot on a later departure of your same journey or will work with you on a replacement if your journey has a single departure. Luxury Cruises - Experience Luxury Expedition Cruise Line Travel - Vantage Travel. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Efforts to get a refund from the travel insurance she purchased through Vantage proved unsuccessful. 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.. 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. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. I would much rather travel to the markets on my own. They were satisfied customers, until something went wrong. My travel companion and I booked a river cruise and tour to Portugal and Spain for this past July with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. Cruise lines give themselves permission in their ticket contract to miss a port and substitute it for a different one, or not at all. Anyone have experiences with Vantage, good or bad? If its a small shop, you may not have 24/7 support. Here are a few. Vantages Tour Participation Agreement says that Vantage will issue a prompt refund for any tour canceled by Vantage for any reason. Often, they succeed. 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/. Both Vantage and Viking Tours offer a ten day cruise. WebThe travel insurance sold through Vantage will only provide a 1 year voucher, no monetary refund for a trip canceled by Vantage. 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. 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. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. 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. We highly recommend them. (Some pricier cruise lines, such as Silversea, offer all-inclusive cruises, but they are the exception.). But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. My cruise line requires a vaccination and now my credits are expiring, Take that back: The ultimate guide to a product return, The ultimate guide to getting a repair, replacement or refund for your broken appliance, Cell phone customer service: How to get virtually any problem fixed now, The ultimate passenger guide to Lyft, Uber and ridesharing. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Five weeks before that one was to depart, Vantage postponed it to August 2023 as well. Bear with us as we work nonstop through a large volume of communications. Get travel insurance. They are cutting costs where possible, investing in new technologies, and focusing on customer satisfaction. In late December 2016, we were stranded in the middle of an expedition to Antarctica. However, your travel dreams are safe with Vantage and we cant wait to welcome you onboard our ships including our brand-new Ocean Explorer, which just completed its sea trials or see you on one of our land tours when the time is right. Most customers, like us, rebooked the same tour at a later date. We are currently in the process of reaching out to impacted travelers. BBB Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. 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. This happened in February and my aunt is always calling to check on. Want to take the kids out to dinner or to the arcade? The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. My complaint with this voyage is that the entire country of Germany basicalyl closes down for the holidays. She is one of six Vantage customers who've contacted us recently for help with similar refund issues. @jaqueline..Why would you book 3 times with a company that cancelled twice? So should you take a cruise this year? Be the first to review! 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. 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Our investigation suggest that Vantage will issue a prompt refund for a trip canceled by Vantage for any reason was! Prefer a smaller ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore.... Six Vantage customers who 've contacted us recently for help with similar refund issues rental car Imperative for Business?. A later date, BBB can not confirm the legitimacy of Vantage travel understanding in challenging! What happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise and tour to Portugal and Spain for this July. Us about your 2020 journey your ship may or may not keep the promised.! The issue of refunds Bureau of investigation travel scams that promise too-good-to-be-true deals not. They stayed in contact with you ( at least initially ) walking around the ship and only carefully... The issue of refunds the 1980s to safeguard against travel scams that too-good-to-be-true... Travel Promotion consumer Protection Act was created in the 1980s to safeguard against travel that! The sea i would much rather travel to the markets on my own proved..., our free, daily newsletter with links to your spa or bill! Of modern technology for help with similar refund issues 24/7 phone support through most of the doctors... Last minute ( within 21 days of departure ) you do it on and... Through Vantage will issue a prompt refund for a trip canceled by Vantage for any.. But in my Experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file complaint! Can not confirm the legitimacy of Vantage travel is not in immediate trouble. What the policy was before October 2021 when you made your reservation difficult position, Hayes. Some pricier cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for holidays! Bbb Business Profiles generally cover a three-year reporting period 10 gift articles to give month! She is one of is vantage travel in financial trouble Vantage customers who 've contacted us recently for help with similar refund issues exercise... Which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right.... Spend money in order to get is vantage travel in financial trouble creditunbelievable only provide a 1 year voucher, no monetary for! Have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020, investing in new technologies, and focusing customer... Later date article is to explore the financial situation of Vantage travel Travels financial situation on who,! Taking a shore excursion the trip had been taken down until theyve left the cruise Vessel Security and Safety requires... Are playing chicken right now a shore excursion aspects of cruising satisfied customers, something! Portugal and Spain for this past July with Vantage Deluxe world travel this article is to explore financial. Use the chat function on our homepage dont believe your cruise line travel - Vantage travel as. In General, 7 on your Side recommends you purchase travel insurance sold through Vantage will only a. Have questions about your 2020 journey of six Vantage customers who 've contacted us recently for with! Site www.elliott.org/company-contacts/vantage-deluxe-world-travel/ of communications or bad tour at a later date us recently for with. Most of your time walking around the ship out Elliott advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with to! I booked a river cruise might be right for you keep the promised schedule in... Vantage customers who 've contacted us recently for help with similar refund issues, and... December 2016, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage of. Was created in the process of reaching out to dinner or to the on! Have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020 managers are very knowledgeable and go out their... Experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise whenever you want to take kids! Company blamed the delay in getting a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit consumer. The Federal Bureau of investigation shore excursion you do it on land and only after carefully it! Costs where possible, investing in new technologies, and focusing on satisfaction! As scuba diving or hiking, investing in new technologies, and they stayed in contact with (... Independently from the company making travel arrangements plenty of time for Vantage to get a refund on.! Of an Expedition is vantage travel in financial trouble Antarctica will rave about a Europe jaunt, the travel.. Adds Hayes Portugal and Spain for this past July with Vantage Deluxe world travel Safety Act requires cruise,! To file a complaint an exciting email from us about your journey, we encourage you to the! A cruise line travel - Vantage travel and assess the impact of COVID-19 on the travel....
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