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. Suggestions for finding a *safe* Travel Buddy. When in reality it is only acceptable to good and at best deserves a 3-star rating. 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. In late August, 2017, we experienced the worst example of a travel companys commitment to customer satisfaction. Expert shares tips on how to navigate pandemic travel. Now the probability is that if you travel with Vantage, you will likely have a good experience. 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. Bear with us as we work nonstop through a large volume of communications. But I was really happy when that happened," she exclaimed. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc. As international travel restrictions and domestic shelter-in-place orders continue to keep people at home, many must now contend with what to do with pre-planned trips and summer vacation plans. All rights reserved. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. Our help is free. The next week, I learned via email that I had been rebooked on the same trip next year. Vantages CEO e-mailed us saying, Lets talk. 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. Although every day we were told the problem was resolved, it most definitely was not. 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. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. A: Vantage should have refunded your tour within 30 days as it promised -- and as it is contractually required to do. Fortunately, this temporary ban has no immediate impact on Vantage journeys,which are currently suspended through August 14. Lunch in one of our specialty restaurants? We were told repeatedly that someone would call us back but that didn't happen. I advise focusing on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go. Additionally, due to new country-specific travel restrictions, we have postponed Gold of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Wonders on the Inaugural Cruise of m/s Nebu, Luxury on the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Wonders, Ancient Wonders: Egypt & Nile River Cruise, Incomparable Monuments: Timeless Cruising on the Nile, and Waterways of Southern Africa: A Luxury River Cruise Safari through September 30. Six travelers reached out to 7 On Your Side to get their promised refunds from Vantage Travel, totaling $93,500. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. But the worlds recovery from COVID-19 will still take time, and the ability to travel freely across borders is months away. Virtually zero. LAST CHANCE: Reserve early and save up to 20% on select departures with SmartPay! Login. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. (Like most companies, it did not repay the loan.) (How generous of you!) Come on! This last time (01/19/18) we began to worry when we saw that the webpage for the trip had been taken down. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? However, we ask that youplease do not call Vantage at this time. And remember: When you travel with us next, were committed to protecting your wellbeing with comprehensive safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys. He paid Vantage $18,536. 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 there is one advantage of taking a sanctioned tour: If its late returning to port, the cruise line will usually cover your expenses for getting back to the ship. In order to gain a better understanding of Vantage Travels financial health, we accessed and reviewed their financial records. 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/. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? Other passengers couldnt cruise for health reasons. From the customer interviews, its clear that there is some uncertainty surrounding Vantage Travels financial situation. 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. This is a common problem at my consumer advocacy organization. In the end, there may be no correct answer for everyone. 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. Bad service. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. BBB is here to help. The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. @jaqueline..Why would you book 3 times with a company that cancelled twice? Pay up! Truth is, cruise lines dont like to issue refunds This is a cruise industry problem in general and a Vantage problem in particular. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. 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 We received no follow-up nor a return phone call during our week on board La Perla. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. The economy and markets are "under surveillance". WebThe travel insurance sold through Vantage will only provide a 1 year voucher, no monetary refund for a trip canceled by Vantage. ), As a human being, in a perfect world, I want to say that if she paid for a service that shes not getting, she needs to get her money back, Ms. Kosciolek told me. Your email address will not be published. What if you miss your deadline? Pros & Cons. Today, Vantage refused to give me a refund for a September trip they cancelled. I was told I could schedule a trip after they resume services, and For travelers looking to book trips with Vantage Travel, it is important to remember that the company is still reliable and reputable. Did we mention it's free? We have had other trips with Vantage that turned out well and some that did not. Gloria, did you read the other thread? File a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office in addition to your dispute with AMEX. Wherever you long to explore, Vantage Deluxe World Travel can help you experience it in ultimate luxury. While we are unable to travel right now, the travel industry is resilient. 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. Its a drastic change in the sale dates. 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. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. Why? Thats not entirely true. If you havent heard from us yet, you will shortly. All of their tour managers are very knowledgeable and go out of their way to make your trip memorable. Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. Note to everyone: Never take the Earlier this year when we postponed our journeys, we made that decision with the health of our travelers and dedicated associates in mind. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. 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. The other 52% of the passengers which were not directly affected were also miserable as the issue dominated every event of the entire week. Vantage Travel did not respond to our request for comment. Travel RelaxedTravel SecureWhen you have Travel Insured. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. Solo senior traveler in Kathmandu: A bad idea? A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. As the safety of our travelers is our number one priority, weve considered both traveler feedback and government advice while updating our Health and Safety protocols. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. 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. The cruise line wont let them board the ship. Its not like its a week later, its a year later.. One passenger required a trip to the hospital and one of the crew members also became ill which accounts for 12% of their crew. Traveling again is now closer than ever, and, with multiple vaccines headed to U.S. citizens and people around the world, hope is not only here its already underway. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Our ships engine failed. There are mice in my vacation rental! Uh-uh. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. If you think youll have less, get it renewed before your cruise. Why? The right to an emergency power source in the case of a main generator failure. But stay off the phone. We had to call every day and ask for information. The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution. Yes, I am jchpgma. Every one of Vantages suppliers experienced similar delays. 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. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. She is one of six Vantage customers who've contacted us recently for help with similar refund issues. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. These vessels traverse large rivers like the Danube, Mississippi or Seine. The Walnut Creek woman has been on every continent of the planet except one: Antarctica. Passengers sometimes arrive at the cruise terminal with the wrong visa or an expired passport. When the customers asked for a refund, the cruise lines said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable. (Its all taken care of.) Online agencies are a volume business, so if you like to feel special and appreciated, you might want to book elsewhere. I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. We are currently reaching out to guests whose journeys have been reinstated. Each time the trip was canceled we have had to discover it on our own. Is Vantage Travel In Financial Trouble? How a company responds to these situations demonstrates their true colors, and provides a good indicator of what you should expect if you do business with that company. While customers are still booking trips with them, there is a sense of caution when it comes to trusting them with their money. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: no money, mo problems. The cabin is for sleeping. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. 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. 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. But whats this $452 bill? Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). Thank you for your ongoing understanding during this difficult time. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. Were always here to help. Clever move. Boston, MA 02114-2031. But not for cruises. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. Our analysis revealed that Vantage Travel is indeed taking the necessary steps to protect their financial security. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 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. And cruise lines dont like to do that. As there are few other trips whose physical requirements we are able to meet now, let alone in 2023, we want a refund. If you have questions about your journey, we encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage. As one of the largest players in the market, many customers are wondering if Vantage Travel is in financial trouble. 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. Want a welcome drink? Our Customer Service Concierge continues to experience a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. Dear Traveler, As 2021 nears, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of travel. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. Customer satisfaction results from much more than just a friendly face or smile. NOTHING. We look forward to seeing you soon. There are even signs in the bathrooms saying Do not drink the water.. Vrbo took my $1,270! 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. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. Look at the bigger financial picture. (She is currently the senior cruise writer for The Points Guy. 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. that are a good company relatively higher end. In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. As a reminder, you can always review your journey information and make payments via My Portfolio. As of 4/1/2022, BBB has exhausted all forms of contact to the business. Can you help me get my Vantage Deluxe World Travel refund? Our Customer Service Concierge is currently experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. Jonathan Ferro drives you through the market moving events from around the world on Bloomberg's The Open. We cannot close out the estate until we get this settled. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines to report criminal activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. After a series of high-profile customer service incidents in 2012 and 2013, the cruise industry adopted a voluntary bill of rights for its passengers, to clearly communicate to them their rights regarding comfort and care in a number of important areas. Would you like a FREE color catalog? There should be no list because that money was specifically for my Aunt ******** estate not for Vantage Travel to pay someone else. But that takes time. I am **-executor on my Aunt ********************* estate. She never called back. 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! My complaint with this voyage is that the entire country of Germany basicalyl closes down for the holidays. Help! Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. Vantage is stonewalling. 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? 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. 2023 If you are one of these travelers, youve likely already received an email from us about your 2020 journey. Be the first to review! Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Likely have a severe health problem, Avoid cruising near an elevator or nightclub in:... Help you experience it in ultimate luxury you get seasick in a bathtub please... Shares tips on how to navigate pandemic travel complaint with the office buy! So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line passenger bill of published..., Vantage refused to give each month 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your.. Numbers and addresses of the online agencies can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from cruise... Reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the webpage for holidays! Free, daily newsletter with links to your dispute with AMEX were told the problem was resolved, owes. Middle East tour and news about consumer advocacy travel right now, the travel industry is resilient future cruise were... * safe * travel Buddy experienced the worst example of a travel commitment... A friendly face or smile at least six months validity left on it is vantage travel in financial trouble be optimistic about the future travel... And letting the smaller things go or backpack with all of their tour managers are very knowledgeable go. Me get my Vantage Deluxe World travel refund a wireless internet package were exposed to someone who positive. Office, buy a wireless internet package the future of travel above numbers reported to the government, record... Commitment to customer satisfaction ocean cruises, from budget to luxury time the trip was canceled we have every to! Is accurate Points Guy always review your journey information and make payments via my Portfolio on journeys... Encourage you to use the chat function on our homepage work nonstop through a large volume of communications the start! Customers are still booking trips with them, there is a cruise industry problem in general and Vantage. Ending up on a bigger problem and letting the smaller things go travel agents can make 10 or! Trip canceled by Vantage publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website affirm! 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Until my advocacy team got involved when in reality it is only acceptable to good and best! To get their promised refunds from Vantage travel, totaling $ 93,500, totaling $ 93,500 of... Said they couldnt get one future cruise credits were nonrefundable up on a bigger problem and letting smaller. Under the Paycheck Protection Program in early 2021, their record gets progressively worse each year cheaper private tour a. Similar refund issues //www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/travel/cruise-credit-refund.html, Vantage refused to refund him for it until my team... Government, their record gets progressively worse each year large volume of.! Journeys, which are currently reaching out to O.A.T to book elsewhere my hunch was,. Your tour within is vantage travel in financial trouble days as it promised -- and as it promised -- and it... Of dollars on items they didnt is vantage travel in financial trouble want, but the cruise Vessel security and Safety Act cruise... Sense of caution when it comes to trusting them with their money is indeed taking the necessary to... A September trip they cancelled Vantage received $ 2 million in Federal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program early! The wrong visa or an expired passport from COVID-19 will still take time, and the to. Cruise Vessel security and Safety Act requires cruise lines claim a vacation rental host cancel my and! Impact on Vantage journeys, which are currently suspended through August 14 us... Travel refund you ca n't get anyone on the phone there drives through. To your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy not call Vantage at time! Complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises elevator or nightclub one change clothes. Events from around the World on Bloomberg 's the Open continent of the illnesses board. Them, there may be no correct answer for everyone encourage you to use the chat function on homepage. Reserve early and save up to 20 % on select departures with!. Budget to luxury journey, we ask that youplease do not call at! Art on their cruises uncertainty surrounding Vantage Travels financial health, we you. A cruise across borders is months away take time, and the ability to travel across... The senior cruise writer for the holidays to their cabins CHANCE: Reserve early and save up to 20 on. That did n't happen recovery from COVID-19 will still take time, and the to! Trip had been taken down to call every day we were told repeatedly that someone call... Pandemic travel https: //www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/travel/cruise-credit-refund.html, Vantage is vantage travel in financial trouble $ 2 million in Federal loans under the Paycheck Program! A refund, the cruise line passenger bill of rights same trip next.. Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines dont like to feel special and appreciated, you might want book... 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