The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. 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. But it had no way of knowing what would happen in the next 30 days. WebThe travel insurance sold through Vantage will only provide a 1 year voucher, no monetary refund for a trip canceled by Vantage. A delayed flight leads to a delayed connection. But as you can see from the above numbers reported to the government, their record gets progressively worse each year. But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. As a reminder, you can always view your journey information and make payments via My Portfolio. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. But Massachusetts happens to be one of only a handful of states with specific laws that guarantee consumers protection against travel sellers, including requiring that tour operators offer the option of cash refunds (in addition to vouchers or credits for rebooking) when they fail to provide agreed-upon, paid-for services. How do you start a home health care agency: A Strong Business Plan for You, Complain About a Care Home in Wales: Step-by-Step Guide, Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. 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. 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. Lets work together to create a safer travel experience for everyone. We look forward to traveling with you in 2021 and beyond. Travel agents can make 10 percent or more in commissions and overrides from your cruise. On March 16, I asked for a refund. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. 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. Take in beautiful views and unprecedented natural splendor as you explore Antarctica aboard the NEW Ocean Explorer, with 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, and solo-friendly pricing. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. 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. He did not know the cause of the stench in our bathroom nor did he care to engage in any substantive discussion with us. Your email address will not be published. It looks as if they were really sincere in their intent, and they stayed in contact with you (at least initially). We are currently notifying impacted travelers. We know there are sunnier days ahead, and were dutifully planning for them. Both Vantage and Viking Tours offer a ten day cruise. I sailed with Vantage on their "Heart of Germany" excursion during Christmas week of 2017. But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. Now, with the European Unions new travel restrictions barring entrance for American travelers, were updating you once more. To fulfill this commitment, our Members have agreed to adopt the following set of passenger rights: If youre at sea and you encounter a problem, you may want to invoke your bill of rights.. They are engaging in responsible financial practices and investing in new technologies to improve the customer experience. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. A: Vantage should have refunded your tour within 30 days as it promised -- and as it is contractually required to do. 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. That was a big clue. How slow? Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. This was to be our third Vantage journey in as many years, and the second with friends. @jaqueline..Why would you book 3 times with a company that cancelled twice? At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. And remember: When you travel with us next, were committed to protecting your wellbeing with comprehensive safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. Not so long ago, you had to pick up a phone and call your local travel agent to book a cruise. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. This pandemic could cause some of them to be dusted off, said Mr. Anolik. 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. Using Avanti Travel Insurance - any good? They complained of being treated like second-class passengers. We remain committed to providing our customers with the best possible travel experience and are confident in our ability to weather this storm.. There are many other health perils at sea. This last time (01/19/18) we began to worry when we saw that the webpage for the trip had been taken down. Luxury Cruises - Experience Luxury Expedition Cruise Line Travel - Vantage Travel. Approximately 70 percent of cruises are booked through a travel agent down 15 percent from a decade ago. 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. Our Customer Service Concierge is currently experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. From the customer interviews, its clear that there is some uncertainty surrounding Vantage Travels financial situation. Tip: Avoid a cabin near an elevator or nightclub. Its a high-pressure sales pitch on the high seas. 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. 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. A few years ago, cruise lines began installing advanced roaming networks that allowed passengers to make phone calls from the ship. And when they do, they are often underreported. But it had no way of knowing what would happen Other tour operators changed their terms and conditions halfway through the pandemic so they would only have to offer a credit. For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. Youre out of luck. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). We had to call every day and ask for information. If you havent heard from us yet, you will shortly. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. 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. According to the law, the cash refund must be an amount equal to the fair market retail value of any undelivered, purchased travel service.. If, for example, youre taking your extended family on an anniversary cruise, youll probably want to find a cruise specialist with experience dealing with large groups. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Here at Vantage, we feel that readiness too; but for now, we must wait just a bit longer. If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to trippedup@nytimes.com. Thank you for your ongoing understanding during this difficult time. You could pay tens of thousands of dollars to a cruise line. With the safety of our travelers in mind and to accommodate the changes this crisis demands, weve made the difficult decision to extend the postponement of our journeys through July 11, 2020. You will soon receive an exciting email from Vantage Travel. 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. 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. But it might be a helpful piece of supporting evidence when you file a complaint with the A.G. ?was that problem worse than ours? Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. BBB reports on known marketplace practices. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. The trip started on the 24th and yet we are informed that very day. Too much debt. Our trip for a cruise from Paris to Normandy was scheduled to depart April 8th and we have still not received any kind of refund. Vantage cancelled The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. But that takes time. It doesnt have to. 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. All three were very ill and had high fevers around 103.5, bacterial contamination and dehydration. 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.. With the exception of Americas Magnificent National Parks and Trans-Canada Rail Adventure & the Rockies, weve made the difficult decision to postpone all journeys through June 1, along with some additional departures beyond June 2021. 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