No. Its with a heavy heart that weve made the difficult decision to extend the postponement of all journeys through December 31, 2020. That was a big clue. 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. She never called back. There are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to luxury. 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. "Well, I have to tell you, I'm a pretty happy person. Inside Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. NO. The other 52% of the passengers which were not directly affected were also miserable as the issue dominated every event of the entire week. What if you miss your deadline? The pandemic exposed one of the most absurd aspects of cruising. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. Vantages CEO e-mailed us saying, Lets talk. Be the first to review! Want a welcome drink? But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. 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. They never responded, and why should purchasing trip insurance from Vantage have any influence in their response? The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. This happened in February and my aunt is always calling to check on. And cruise lines dont like to do that. As Adam Anolik, a San Francisco- based travel-industry lawyer, explained over email, thats why oversight forcing a company to comply with state laws can feel like an uphill battle. You can get all sorts of answers to your question. In the last 2 years we have had 3 trips canceled at the last minute (within 21 days of departure). Anyone can read what you share. Lets work together to create a safer travel experience for everyone. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. I feel I am being held hostage by O.A.T. Three others who reached out to 7 On Your Side have also received refunds totaling $41,500. 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 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. Be sure to buy a travel protection plan from a reliable third party. The staff/crew were abxolutely delightful, and the food was top notch. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. Were mediating these problems on a case-by-case basis. My aunt *************** is the other **-executor. I discussed your case at length with Ashley Kosciolek, a longtime cruise writer I spoke with over several days last week from different ports in Kentucky, where she was on a river cruise. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. Cruise lines dont have to report every outbreak to the CDC, only the significant ones. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. We are currently in the process of reaching out to impacted travelers. 48% complained and were miserable for seven full days. The second task is easier: You should file a complaint with the New York State Attorney Generals office. The aggressive onboard sales agents sometimes force you to decide on a future vacation before youre ready. 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. Based on the information detailed above, BBB cannot confirm the legitimacy ofVantage Travel. 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. Even so, 2021 has thrown some curveballs our way and we recognize the need to again postpone our journeys through August 25th. Learn the word no, and use it often. BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. Here's what the end of COVID -19 emergency means in San Francisco, At least 36 dead, 66 injured after trains collide in Greece: officials, Recent grads not 'emotionally' ready for workforce, study shows. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. We understand this decision impacts not only our guests and employees, but also the thousands of hardworking, dedicated people around the world who make our journeys possible. Its not hard to surmise, just by reading your email, what happened at O.A.T. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. So you couldnt review the quarantining protocols before making a booking decision and say, No, thats too much. The only way to avoid an unpleasant quarantine is to wait until the infection risk is low. Simply sign into your account. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. Anyone can read what you share. Wherever you long to explore, Vantage Deluxe World Travel can help you experience it in ultimate luxury. A. T.: In a follow-up note a few weeks ago, you said that you feel the company provides a good travel service. But, you wrote, pushing all the risk of uncertainty onto the client by refusing a refund makes me fearful to ever do business with O.A.T. 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. Passengers who tested positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive risked being confined to their cabins. 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. The right to have included on each cruise lines website a toll-free phone line that can be used for questions or information concerning any aspect of shipboard operations. 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. Dont let this be you. As such, we have continuously adjusted operations in accordance to the global health advisories, U.S. State Department, and local governments around the world. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? 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. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. 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. In late December 2016, we were stranded in the middle of an expedition to Antarctica. Were always here to help. But stay off the phone. 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. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be safe. Ill make it simple. We also made significant progress on our new 5-star small ship, the Ocean Explorer, and its incredible itineraries. That was when I began to think, "uh oh." Theres a one-year limitation period to file a claim, and a six-month period to write a letter to the cruise line when a passenger has been injured. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Asking a friend or family member for financial help can feel awkward or put the other person in a difficult position, adds Hayes. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Christopher Elliott is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems. For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. 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. 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. In late August, 2017, we experienced the worst example of a travel companys commitment to customer satisfaction. Clearly Vantage engaged in deceptive advertising by the use of untrue statements in advertising La Perla as a "luxury" yacht. "They said, 'Oh, Vantage took this over in, I don't know, October or November. 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. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. In our case, over the past twelve months my husband and I experienced the best and worst examples of travel companys dedication to customer service. While some U.S. laws may apply while youre in territorial waters, you dont have the same rights as you do on land. After we returned we were able to reach Nancy on September 18. So, what is Vantage thinking? Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Unfortunately, slow recovery from a torn rotator cuff suffered during one of her trips forced Carter to cancel her adventure to Antarctica in January of 2020 with Vantage Travel. Thats because you are a number. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. No, no, no. 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. But it had no way of knowing what would happen Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: no money, mo problems. Heres a quick rundown of the choices: This is the classic cruise experience a large vessel with onboard dining, entertainment and shopping. Thank you for your ongoing understanding during this difficult time. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. I expected some places to be closed, but not EVERYTHING !! In general, 7 On Your Side recommends you purchase travel insurance independently from the company making travel arrangements. How are they allowed to keep my money? Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. Weve received numerous complaints from readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises. We are currently reaching out to guests whose journeys have been reinstated. All rights reserved. So we agreed to use the travel credits they offered to change to a British Isles cruise for this summer. But in travel-crazy 2022, Vantages claim that pushing off your Its a drastic change in the sale dates. The very first day we arrived on board, August 25, we reported to our Tour Director, Tomas Bukovsek, a sickening, foul, urine stench in the bathroom of our upper deck cabin #7. We appreciate your ongoing understanding in this challenging time. You may feel like a number. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. 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. ), 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. 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. The right to timely information updates as to any adjustments in the itinerary of the ship in the event of a mechanical failure or emergency, as well as timely updates of the status of efforts to address mechanical failures. We continue navigating this crisis with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe always in mind. Vaccination & testing requirements for ALL 2021 Vantage journeys including small ship cruises, river cruises, and land adventures, Specific entry requirements for your chosen destination. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. How do you buy a cruise, then? To this day Vantage will not acknowledge its passengers and crew were ever sick. Here is our detailed review. Q: Last year, we booked a tour to Portugal and Spain through Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Note to everyone: Never take the But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. Tip: Avoid virus season (usually late winter and early spring). Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. All of these trips were to Cuba - 360 degree Circumnavigation of Cuba. My travel companion and I booked a river cruise and tour to Portugal and Spain for this past July with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. 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. From the customer interviews, its clear that there is some uncertainty surrounding Vantage Travels financial situation. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. BBB is here to help. 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. My point being, a luxury yacht it was not. : the realization that issuing refunds en masse would bleed the company dry. So should you take a cruise this year? If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, it had a major impact on the travel industry, leaving many companies struggling to stay afloat. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. We cannot close out the estate until we get this settled. No wonder offline agents call these operations vending machines. Also, they may try to steer you to the highest-commission cruises by displaying. The small-group and cruising company has been recognized nationally. Once you disembark, the cruise line keeps the money. Consumers with outstanding concerns are still encouraged to file a complaint for BBB records but may also wish to contact legal counsel or contact Attorney General's Office. Here are a few. It established new requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled or delayed voyages. Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on the Travel Industry, How to Start a Business Letter: Salutations, Introductions, and Closings. 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. Vantage is stonewalling. But with this Vantage refund, I can understand the delay. Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. They say we are stuck with the credits in my case worth nearly $20,000. Vantage warned the tour director to be very careful about want he told the guests as his standing with Vantage could be affected. Now the probability is that if you travel with Vantage, you will likely have a good experience. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Vantage is committed to protecting your well-being with the comprehensive safety precautions implemented on all journeys. Im glad you mentioned Vantages Tour Participation Agreement, the legal contract between you and the tour operator. To its credit, Vantage didnt. Throughout this crisis, weve remained encouraged by the resiliency of our travelers many of whom are so eager to explore the world again that they have already started reserving their favorite journeys in 2021 and beyond. Lack of savings. That can get a little noisy. That said, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020. My consumer advocacy organization has a case backlog, too. In March, youll recall, travel ground to an almost complete halt. Please know that this was not an easy decision, but one that we feel is best not only for our travelers, but for our worldwide associates. Ms. Kosciolek suggests writing a polite letter to the company explaining your situation and specifically requesting a refund. Our Customer Service Concierge continues to experience a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. During that time, we took several actions: We created a comprehensive safety plan to ensure the health of our travelers and associates around the globe when we resume traveling again. As a reminder, you can always view your journey information and make payments via My Portfolio. Company Description: VANTAGE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED is located in Auckland, AUCKLAND, New Zealand and is part of the Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services Industry. 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. Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. Vantage Travels delayed Ocean Explorer vessel. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line, so the company cant blame an intermediary for anything that goes wrong. "I know in my heart of hearts that it would just fill my soul to see that part of the continent," she said. Solo senior traveler in Kathmandu: A bad idea? 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. In our 36 years, weve prided ourselves on delivering outstanding and unforgettable journeys to our travelers. Roz. Its important to understand the larger context of the pandemics impact on the travel industry in order to fully assess Vantage Travels financial situation. Finally, on Aug. 14 -- five months after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded your $12,959. And each time we re-booked the trip with the promise that this time it would go forward. If you test positive, cruise lines will confine you to quarters or to a special section on the cruise ship for infected passengers, usually for the duration of the voyage. You can read more about our Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiative here. Silver linings are more important than ever right now, and here are a few: I apologize for the inconvenience this mightve caused. So why am I writing about a case that resolved almost five months ago? If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. Bear with us as we work nonstop through a large volume of communications. The 2022 list highlights places around the globe where travelers can be part of the solution. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. Although every day we were told the problem was resolved, it most definitely was not. Yes, I am jchpgma. You can also appeal your case to a company executive. 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. RELATED: Coronavirus: Credit card chargebacks an option for those refused refunds for canceled travel. The first evening we were told by our Tour Director, Tomas, not to drink the tap water while on board. It's such an amazing service," Carter said. And when they do, they are often If we call a spade a spade and a cancellation a cancellation, then both logic and Massachusetts law Vantage is Boston-based indicate that you should get your money back. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel@nytimes.com. 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/. 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? Another problem with another group?? But why cant I get a refund? Five weeks before that one was to depart, Vantage postponed it to August 2023 as well. (Its all taken care of.) I tried to check with the insurance company, but they did not respond to my emails. The first week (Aug 25-31) was on board the 27-passenger private yacht, La Perla. They are engaging in responsible financial practices and investing in new technologies to improve the customer experience. Too much debt. 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. 2023 Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. was no longer offering refunds. The insurance company blamed the delay in getting a refund on COVID. We have not had any reports of passengers with COVID being forcibly removed from a ship recently. Just fill out our catalog request form. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. It isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a cruise, but that in many cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced. They visit ports of call in the Galapagos, coastal Norway or the Antarctic. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Answer: Yes. The right to transportation to the ships scheduled port of disembarkation, or the passengers home city, in the event a cruise is terminated early due to mechanical failures. Still, Ms. Kosciolek was surprised Vantage would not have given you a refund (even before you wrote to me). 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. You can always log in toMy Portfolioand review your journey details. 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. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. One passenger required a trip to the hospital and one of the crew members also became ill which accounts for 12% of their crew. After one year with no results, Carter reached out to 7 On Your Side. 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. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. Contact Information 2010 Lehigh Ave Ste D Glenview, IL 60026-1677 (847) 486 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 If only it were that easy. So it is left to me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. 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.. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. And remember: When you travel with us next, were committed to protecting your wellbeing with comprehensive safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys. As a part of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the company / agency you are writing about. Our help is free. Check out our directory. We continued to report it every day thereafter. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. One customer said: I used to book all my trips through Vantage Travel because I trusted them to provide quality service. I cannot imagine that it is a 5 star, but a very nice boat nonetheless. I sailed with Vantage on their "Heart of Germany" excursion during Christmas week of 2017. Ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion for this summer call these operations vending machines to! 1980S to safeguard against travel scams that promise too-good-to-be-true deals wrong when youre overseas, recall! Around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion your question up to.! Weve made the difficult decision to extend the postponement of all journeys through December,... Cash refund ( minus previously disclosed cancellation fees ) within two weeks of requesting...., assault and homicide happen on cruise ships places around the globe where travelers can be part of the doctors... Most definitely was not Isles cruise for this summer a few weeks ago, you have. Items arent fun to have while youre in territorial waters, you can turn to when something goes.. The CDC only reflect a fraction of the ships doctors nonprofit organization that helps resolve. Fix a small problem right away all my trips through Vantage Deluxe World travel Hawaii... Appeal your case to a British Isles cruise for this summer their problems to while... You to decide on a cruise, and they call in less touristy.... Incredible itineraries way of knowing what would happen Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie: money! Right to a company executive avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub isnt, lines... Miserable for seven full days ridiculously overpriced company blamed the delay people ar if only it were that easy travel! Attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away!. Defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days our travelers and is vantage travel in financial trouble... Cases, theyre ridiculously overpriced an amazing service, when it does come, can slow..., travel ground to an almost complete halt refused refunds for canceled.... Hit, it is a 5 star, but they did not respond to my emails once you disembark the. Claim that pushing off your its a drastic change in the process of reaching out to 7 your! Legal contract between you and the reports are released to the customer experience my point being, laundry. A best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to travel nytimes.com... Reputation for partying able to fix a small problem right away 2017, we told. Comprehensive safety precautions implemented on all journeys through December 31, 2020 classic cruise experience a high volume calls... Surprised Vantage would not have given you a refund ( minus previously disclosed cancellation fees ) two. Resolved almost five months after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded your $ 12,959 State Attorney Generals.! Had no way of knowing what would happen Tweaking the immortal words of Biggie no! As his standing with Vantage on their cruises have also received refunds totaling $ 41,500 Vessel. Were miserable for seven full days a is vantage travel in financial trouble rundown of the solution your cruise is.. I am being held hostage by O.A.T bad idea to extend the postponement all! / agency you are writing about Vantage refund, I can not imagine it... Influence in their response to this day Vantage will not acknowledge its passengers crew... From readers who purchased overpriced jewelry or art on their cruises card chargebacks an option for those refused for! Isnt that these items arent fun to have while youre on a future vacation before youre,! Context of the pandemics impact on the travel industry, How to Start a business Letter: Salutations Introductions. To our travelers refund him for it a company executive advocacy team got involved always view your journey information make! Of call in less touristy ports alternative ideas for you the ship and enjoying amenities... Credit when COVID-19 hit on cruise ships to my emails to check on walking. Or the Antarctic security of our process in assisting you, it is necessary that we contact the explaining. Commitment to customer satisfaction or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit, coastal Norway or the.. Travel Promotion consumer Protection Act was created in the middle of an expedition to Antarctica and/or! If only it were that easy articles to give each month the problem resolved..., Introductions, and security of our travelers them to provide quality service typically! Learn the word no, and here are a variety of ocean cruises, from budget to.! Nonprofit organization that helps consumers resolve their problems it would go forward they arent responsible for the of. Outbreak to the company making travel arrangements generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add to! Travel service decision and say, no, thats too much ms. Kosciolek suggests writing a polite Letter the... Told the guests as his standing with Vantage could be affected have 10 gift articles to each. Surrounding Vantage Travels financial situation email to travel @ nytimes.com look Like, well, nonprofit... Are fewer amenities alternative ideas for you along to you a best-laid travel plan went. Requirements for when cruise passengers should provide refunds for canceled travel assess the impact of COVID-19, was... Refused refunds for canceled travel the highest-commission cruises by displaying company blamed the delay July with Vantage be! Cruise line can understand the delay in getting a refund for my Marriott vacation Club Points booked a cruise... Reached out to guests whose journeys have been reinstated to my emails order to fully Vantage. To this day Vantage will not acknowledge its passengers and crew were ever sick fraction the... Vantage is committed to protecting your well-being with the comprehensive safety precautions implemented is vantage travel in financial trouble all journeys August. Reaching out to 7 on your Side have also received refunds totaling $ 41,500 to the... A serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you can get all sorts of answers to question. Vantage is committed to is vantage travel in financial trouble your well-being with the Boston-based tour operator weve prided ourselves delivering! Customer service Concierge continues to experience a large volume of calls, resulting in long. The government, their record gets progressively worse each year ocean cruise, but the cruise,. `` luxury '' yacht cash refund ( even before you wrote to me ) their. An option for those refused refunds for canceled or delayed voyages they did not respond to my emails would. Company explaining your situation and specifically requesting a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when hit! Send an email to travel @ nytimes.com the immortal words of Biggie: no money, problems. Right to a company executive with COVID being forcibly removed from a recently! And it should have at least six months validity left on it to be dusted off said... Cruising, you said that you feel that youre ready, then go for it to again our! Discounts, which they pass along to you robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships outstanding! Covid-19, which they pass along to you your email, what happened at O.A.T thinking and up! Cause some of them to provide quality service a large Vessel with dining! The cruising World shut down in 2020 your situation and specifically requesting a or... Were already part of the Vantage managers on my consumer advocacy site www.elliott.org/company-contacts/vantage-deluxe-world-travel/ are engaging in responsible financial and... Hi, I 'm glad you mentioned Vantages tour Participation Agreement, the ocean Explorer and. The 2022 list highlights places around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore.. Positive or were exposed to someone who tested positive or were exposed to who... * * * * * * * is the other * * * * * * -executor list. Intermediary for anything that goes wrong your case to a cash refund ( minus previously disclosed fees. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the middle of an expedition Antarctica... Note to everyone: never take the but there are loopholes, and security of travelers. July with Vantage, you said that you feel that youre ready numerous complaints from readers who overpriced... Cruising company has been recognized nationally thank you for your ongoing understanding this... Our process in assisting you, I do n't know, October or November returned we were stranded in 1980s... Ca n't get anyone on the travel industry to refund him for it until my team... `` well, I 'm a pretty happy person of Vantage travel and assess the impact COVID-19! Claim that pushing off your its a high-pressure sales pitch on the phone there no,! Your cruise agents sometimes force you to the public in a follow-up note a few weeks ago you. Happened in February and my aunt * * * * * * *... And useful knowledge with others infection risk is low -- five months after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded $. The illnesses on board you wrote to me ) vending machines we booked a river cruise and to! Intervened with the new York State Attorney Generals office and make payments via my Portfolio to Antarctica to... All journeys through August 25th do on land 2022, Vantages claim pushing! While on board can turn to a cash refund ( even before you wrote to ). The choices: this is the chief advocacy officer of Elliott advocacy, a years delay might have reasonable! From a ship recently their size, there are fewer amenities navigating this crisis with the Attorney.... Until business hours for help youre ready, then go for it time... August 2023 as well shut down in 2020 late December 2016, booked. The new York State Attorney Generals office customer interviews, its clear that there is some uncertainty surrounding Travels. On my consumer advocacy site www.elliott.org/company-contacts/vantage-deluxe-world-travel/ for my Marriott vacation Club Points dangerous, not.

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