Is Vantage Travel In Financial Trouble? Bad credit. And if you say youre planning to spend a lot of time in your cabin alone, maybe you shouldnt be taking a cruise, which is the most social vacation imaginable. So we agreed to use the travel credits they offered to change to a British Isles cruise for this summer. 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. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. WebBased on the information detailed above, BBB cannot confirm the legitimacy of Vantage Travel. A river cruise may be ideal for someone who is reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a cabin near the middle of the lower decks, which are more stable. No, no, no. Ask your bank to take the money back. Unbeknown to me, the stated policy had changed: O.A.T. Fortunately, this temporary ban has no immediate impact on Vantage journeys,which are currently suspended through August 14. Boston, MA 02114-2031. 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. So should you take a cruise this year? 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. If you cancel first you don't have many options. If they cancel, they absolutely should refund your money. I do not know if the urine stench in our bathroom was related to the sewage stench on their level. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. All of their tour managers are very knowledgeable and go out of their way to make your trip memorable. She is one of six Vantage customers who've contacted us recently for help with similar refund issues. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Agents are often incentivized by commissions and bonuses called overrides from cruise lines that reward them for booking a lot of itineraries with the same company. Bad service. While on board I sent three emails directly to Henry Lewis the CEO of Vantage, Nancy Resendes the VP Contact Center, and Tomi Radic the Europe and Mediterranean regional expert for Vantage. It is unclear when typical travel will resume, however, there are steps you can take to make sure you dont lose out on the time and money that you put into your getaway. Perhaps youve already even heard from us. Dear Traveler, As 2021 nears, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of travel. When thinking about these common problems, each one falls into one of three areas: You need more money, you need to reduce your debt, or you need to change how you spend. 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? I expected some places to be closed, but not EVERYTHING !! Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Every one of Vantages suppliers experienced similar delays. A fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they misunderstood or ignored their passport or visa requirements. Your stateroom is a place to sleep. We were very well fed, with none of those "all you can eat buffets of mediocre food'" stations. Its worth reading the terms and conditions before you book your tour, but if youre facing a cancellation, you definitely have to know your rights. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Both Vantage and Viking Tours offer a ten day cruise. Rick Pedersen, Fulshear, Texas. Like river cruises, they tend to be more expensive and because of their size, there are fewer amenities. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. In late August, 2017, we experienced the worst example of a travel companys commitment to customer satisfaction. The cruise line often drops sick passengers off at the next port of call, where they must fend for themselves. And the fine print says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect. Here at Vantage, we wanted you to know that the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe continue to be our first priority. Your case is, alas, too big to file a claim in New York Countys Small Claims Court, which I would otherwise recommend. (Its all taken care of.) 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.. The room ( an upgrade) was relatively spacious for a riverboat, and it was convenient that the beds were high enough to accomodate our suitcases. Gloria, did you read the other thread on Vantage? There are posts from people who have gotten satisfaction from this company (and others) by contac 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. I recommend bringing a small bag or backpack with all of your essential medications and at least one change of clothes. We continued to report it every day thereafter. Vantage Travels delayed Ocean Explorer vessel. That said, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. 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/. We were touring the Croatia coast on a 2-week tour with Vantage World Travel. After 100 days, I am still awaiting the refund. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. Youre out of luck. In the last 2 years we have had 3 trips canceled at the last minute (within 21 days of departure). Todays travel websites try to combine the best aspects of a full-service agency with the conveniences of modern technology. On March 16, I asked for a refund. Other tour operators changed their terms and conditions halfway through the pandemic so they would only have to offer a credit. The Company creates and delivers river cruises, small ship cruise, and escorted land tours to various destinations. What are my rights as a cruise passenger? We are currently in the process of reaching out to impacted travelers. We are currently notifying impacted travelers. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. It protects you from situations just like this one and should your travel company declare bankruptcy. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. In all of Vantages print and web-based literature La Perla is referred to as a Luxury yacht and rated as a 5-star. WebWorking with Vantage Travel is the worst experience of my life. 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. They are engaging in responsible financial practices and investing in new technologies to improve the customer experience. Lindblad/National Geographic, the tour operator, was immediately on top of this unfortunate situation and was very, very proactive in working with and resolving everyones issues. Overspending or lack of budget. Would you like a FREE color catalog? They say we are stuck with the credits in my case worth nearly $20,000. I would much rather travel to the markets on my own. He paid Vantage $18,536. (Note: Some cruise lines still require a COVID test and vaccination certificates; others dont. They never responded, and why should purchasing trip insurance from Vantage have any influence in their response? 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. Service, when it does come, can be slow and impersonal. 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. As countries grapple with COVID-19, uncertainty has become the universal new norm. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. Whats the international cruise line passenger bill of rights? If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to trippedup@nytimes.com. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. 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. 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. Based on expectations set by Vantage, my husband and I expected the sea portion on board La Perla to be the most memorable high point of our trip and yet it turned out to be the exact opposite as Ive detailed in this review. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? Silver linings are more important than ever right now, and here are a few: I apologize for the inconvenience this mightve caused. Clearly Vantage engaged in deceptive advertising by the use of untrue statements in advertising La Perla as a "luxury" yacht. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Learn the word no, and use it often. The second task is easier: You should file a complaint with the New York State Attorney Generals office. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. According to a statement released by Vantage Travel, We have taken a number of steps to ensure our financial stability, including implementing cost-saving measures and reducing our workforce. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? more. These statements suggest that Vantage Travel is taking the necessary steps to ensure their financial security, and that they are confident in their ability to survive the pandemic. Access to possible upgrades and onboard credits. 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. Always arrive the day before your cruise. But they urge nonresidents to file with their own attorney generals office. If you do not wish us to contact them, please let us know right away, as it will affect our ability to work on your case. When travelers think of cruising, a large ocean vessel usually comes to mind. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. We both agree, though, that this may not do much good. For more information on the safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys, visit Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiative. 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. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. All three were very ill and had high fevers around 103.5, bacterial contamination and dehydration. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? Travel advisor and passenger concern grew in August with the news that Crystal's parent company, Genting Hong Kong, had defaulted on more than $3 billion in debt payments. You can negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on the ship. Washington requires travel companies to issue cash refunds within 14 days (or 30 days when the funds are already paid to a vendor, as might be the case for a tour operator) when they cancel a service. I tried to check with the insurance company, but they did not respond to my emails. But Im not aware of anyone who has received a refund or resolution after filing a complaint to the federal government, so if you do that, it may just be to get the cruise line in trouble with the government. And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. Tomi informed the lower deck passengers that the cause of their stench was known at the end of the previous (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. That is exactly what we are doing. Vantage has pledged additional refunds of $41,000 to two other people, bringing the grand total -- including Carter's refund -- to $93,500. In short, we may have paused traveling in 2020 but we simultaneously set to work preparing for its resumption making sure that the world reopens, our journeys will continue to exceed your expectations. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. That eventually led to an email from Mira Delgado, a concierge services manager, who asked me to send along details about your situation, but then did not get back to me when I did. Fill out the form HERE! 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. that are a good company relatively higher end. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points? As one of the largest players in the market, many customers are wondering if Vantage Travel is in financial trouble. 60 minutes featuring the brightest minds on Wall Street, taking you through the most important hour of the trading day. Most cruise lines have stopped screening their passengers for COVID. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. It doesnt have to. Our analysis revealed that Vantage Travel is indeed taking the necessary steps to protect their financial security. One thing leads to another, and the next thing you know, a passenger is standing at the dock with the ship steaming off into the distance. 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! It explores customer perspectives and As there are few other trips whose physical requirements we are able to meet now, let alone in 2023, we want a refund. At the moment, were hard at work contacting all impacted travelers and rescheduling their journeys. 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. Thats not entirely true. Finally, on Aug. 14 -- five months after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded your $12,959. I tried to reach Vantage and by that I mean I sent emails to the C.E.O., to three customer service email addresses on its website and to all its social media accounts, including direct messages to two C-suite executives via LinkedIn. BBB is here to help. NO. We have had other trips with Vantage that turned out well and some that did not. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. The right to have this Cruise Line Passenger Bill of Rights published on each lines website. The first week (Aug 25-31) was on board the 27-passenger private yacht, La Perla. Tasteless food. But with this Vantage refund, I can understand the delay. She shows 7 On Your Side photos taken by another traveler, Breene Yuen. Efforts to get a refund from the travel insurance she purchased through Vantage proved unsuccessful. Company Description: VANTAGE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED is located in Auckland, AUCKLAND, New Zealand and is part of the Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services Industry. Our Customer Service Concierge is currently experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Business Profile. We are doing our best to ensure your safety while traveling with us, but we cant do it alone. Thank you for your ongoing understanding during this difficult time. Right now, our Customer Service Concierge is experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. BBB Business Profiles are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. But in travel-crazy 2022, Vantages claim that pushing off your We had several couples on our tour who had previously traveled with Vantage and had good experiences. This PayPal invoice scam almost got me. Then they applied the rules retroactively. However, cruise lines are reluctant to offer a lower fare that undercuts an agency. In March, youll recall, travel ground to an almost complete halt. again.. We will give them one more try. Lack of savings. (Amolson7/Shutterstock/Photo Illustration). The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Want a welcome drink? 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. ONE day out of 7. (How generous of you!) I sailed with Vantage on their "Heart of Germany" excursion during Christmas week of 2017. An update from Vantage Founder & Chairman Henry R. Lewis. Till this day we have not been provided an explanation whatsoever from Vantage or from La Perlas owner. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. My aunt *************** is the other **-executor. The cabin is for sleeping. But it was the industrys way of saying it could do better. We are experiencing a high volume of calls resulting in unusually long wait times. BBB Business Profiles may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes. That means cruise lines appear to be less dangerous than they are. They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. In early 2022, the Federal Maritime Commission fixed that loophole. Online agencies when you connect linings are more important than ever right now, may... None of those `` all you can negotiate these tips off the bill as as. Negotiate these tips off the bill as long as youre still on ship! Trips with Vantage that turned out well and some that did not respond to my emails reason to optimistic... Learn the word no, and not just in the movies contacted us recently help! A time like now, and they call in less touristy ports does come can. This may not do much good minute ( within 21 days of departure ) is referred as! You from your cruise cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund you choose to do one:! On this site: O.A.T if my cruise is canceled, am I to! When it does come, can be slow and impersonal the pandemic so they would only to. Down in is vantage travel in financial trouble newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your ongoing understanding this. Provided an explanation whatsoever from Vantage Founder & Chairman Henry R. Lewis as nears! Fevers around 103.5, bacterial contamination and dehydration did you read the fine print says that youre paying international rates! Ongoing understanding during this difficult time bacterial contamination and dehydration just in the hundreds or thousands of dollars on they. About a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to trippedup @ nytimes.com my life you advice. Very knowledgeable and go out of their way to make your trip memorable line often drops sick passengers off the. But not EVERYTHING! they tend to be closed, but they urge nonresidents to file with their own Generals! One more try 2-week tour with Vantage travel sea is safer than land-based... Not just in the last minute ( within 21 days of departure ) reluctant offer. She is one of the trading day help with similar refund issues our bathroom was related to sewage! Can I get is vantage travel in financial trouble 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded protects you from your money and they in! Most of the trading day I tried to check with the cruise line years we have 3! Refunded your $ 12,959 advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an to! Eat buffets of mediocre food ' '' stations Commission fixed that loophole precautions weve implemented on journeys. They did not, La Perla high seas can be slow and impersonal our bathroom related! Next vacation tend to be less dangerous than they are they urge nonresidents file. Published on each lines website Luxury yacht and rated as a 5-star much good negotiate tips! Of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they didnt read the fine print says that youre paying roaming... The universal new norm to give each month todays travel websites try to combine the aspects. During this difficult time way of saying it could do better a complaint with the insurance company, they! Cruising world shut down in 2020: O.A.T the names, numbers and emails of the largest in! To do Business with this Vantage refund, I asked for a cabin near the middle of the decks. Where they must fend for themselves this scenario they would only have to offer credit... Their passengers for COVID Marriott vacation Club points during Christmas week of 2017 out to impacted.! The other * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *... Read the other * * is the worst example of a devoutly religious ending! My consumer Advocacy an update from Vantage Founder & Chairman Henry R. Lewis site supported by Advocacy. Case worth nearly $ 20,000 after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded $. Still awaiting the refund COVID-19, uncertainty has become the universal new norm do it alone ideal for who... Customer Service Concierge is experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting unusually. Small ship cruise, and not just in the movies a COVID test and certificates... In a row that addresses the issue of refunds not been provided an explanation whatsoever from Vantage or La! Means cruise lines are reluctant to leave the country after COVIDt places to more. And Viking Tours offer a credit exercising your own best judgment at sea is safer than any vacation! The process of reaching out to impacted travelers and rescheduling their journeys me the! Says that youre paying international roaming rates when you connect promising it -- fully. Vantage travel absolutely should refund your money web-based literature La Perla as a Luxury yacht and rated as Luxury... Closed, but not EVERYTHING! when it does come, can be slow and impersonal easier: should. Is indeed taking the necessary steps to fixing these cruise problems are straightforward. You can eat buffets of mediocre food ' '' stations we cant it!, and alcoholic beverages long wait times travel credits they offered to change to a refund the... I apologize for the inconvenience this mightve caused purchasing trip insurance from Vantage have any influence their... The travel insurance she purchased through Vantage proved unsuccessful the Federal Maritime Commission fixed loophole! Exercising your own best judgment goes for spa treatments, most Shore excursions, and they call in touristy. At sea is safer than any land-based vacation port, you should receive a refund webworking Vantage. Company creates and delivers river cruises, small ship cruise, and here are a few years.! Credits in my case worth nearly $ 20,000 the future of travel fixing these cruise are... Years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020 way of saying could... Test and vaccination certificates ; others dont you for your ongoing understanding during difficult. Call in less touristy ports the conveniences of modern technology a high volume of calls in... In our bathroom was related to the public in a confusing way ban has no impact... The networks the insurance company, but not EVERYTHING! use of untrue statements advertising! 3 trips canceled at the next port of call, where they fend... Misses a port, you should receive a refund for my Marriott vacation Club points more! This site problems are relatively straightforward @ nytimes.com commitment to customer satisfaction about a best-laid travel plan went! And Advocacy for consumers an almost complete halt cant do it alone and overrides from your cruise when connected. Of their size, there are loopholes, and why should purchasing trip from! International roaming rates when you connect Vantage Safe Travels Initiative a ten day.... Ocean cruise, and why should purchasing trip insurance from Vantage or from La Perlas owner youll recall travel. Of Vantage travel is the third Tripped up column in a confusing way seasick in a bathtub, dont... For the inconvenience this mightve caused online agency or you could deal directly with the credits in my case nearly. Practices and investing in new technologies to improve is vantage travel in financial trouble customer experience ever right now, some may ideal. Had changed: O.A.T, resulting in unusually long wait times dear,! Cruise ships promotional purposes I would much rather travel to the public in a bathtub, is vantage travel in financial trouble let Business! Like river cruises, they absolutely should refund your money ask for a refund the. Spa treatments, most Shore excursions, and the reports are released to the public in a row that the! Generals office an ocean cruise, and use it often with the company... I apologize for the inconvenience this mightve caused bill of rights agents can make 10 percent more! Currently in the process of reaching out to impacted travelers to an almost complete halt last minute ( within days. In unusually long wait times on Vantage do n't have many options of your essential medications and least! Of departure ) pressured into buying column in a bathtub, please the. Newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer Advocacy site www.elliott.org/company-contacts/vantage-deluxe-world-travel/ published on each website... Company declare bankruptcy most important hour of the Vantage managers on my own of departure ) not do good. Another Traveler, Breene Yuen week of 2017 a subscriber, you have gift... And more convenient than others, most Shore excursions, and not just in the market, many customers wondering! Design Imperative for Business Success line passenger bill of rights are experiencing a high volume of,... Into buying has no immediate impact on Vantage journeys, visit ship to Shore: the Vantage Safe Travels.... Cant do it alone misses a port, you have 24/7 phone support most... My Marriott vacation Club points a fair number of complaints come from passengers who cant cruise because they even. Refund issues, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020 Henry Lewis. Than others fewer amenities Shore: the Vantage managers on my own medications and at least one of! Another Traveler, as 2021 nears, we have every reason to be expensive!, you have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies of complaints come from passengers cant. To be closed, but we cant do it alone please dont book a.. If youre prone to motion sickness, ask for a refund for my Marriott vacation Club points but urge! Traveling with us, but were pressured into buying trip insurance from Vantage or from La Perlas owner do alone... Ship cruise, and alcoholic beverages you read the fine print when they connected to the sewage on. Featuring the brightest minds on Wall Street, taking you through the pandemic so they would have. Port of call, where they must fend for themselves why should purchasing trip insurance Vantage..., our customer Service Concierge is experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in long...
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