is vantage travel in financial trouble
Heres what happened: Many cruise lines offered either a refund or a 125 percent cruise credit when COVID-19 hit. But I was really happy when that happened," she exclaimed. I dont know what the policy was before October 2021 when you made your reservation. 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. Can you help? As always, we made this decision with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe in mind. From the customer interviews, its clear that there is some uncertainty surrounding Vantage Travels financial situation. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. has refunded more than 5,000 travelers amounting to more than $12 million. WebLack of income/job loss. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. Wherever you long to explore, Vantage Deluxe World Travel can help you experience it in ultimate luxury. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. 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. Thats not entirely true. All Rights Reserved. Thats why weve made the difficult decision to postpone our journeys through May 1, 2021. WebWorking with Vantage Travel is the worst experience of my life. 48% complained and were miserable for seven full days. Right now, our Customer Service Concierge is experiencing a high volume of calls, resulting in unusually long wait times. You could pay tens of thousands of dollars to a cruise line. Tomas was very accommodating and tried to assist and comfort all passengers. We were touring the Croatia coast on a 2-week tour with Vantage World Travel. Pros. However, it is also important to be aware of the potential risks and to make sure you are adequately protected in case Vantage Travel does run into financial trouble. When youre on vacation, its easy to let down your guard and fall for a sales pitch for an original sculpture, diamond ring or timeshare. What do you think? Vrbo took my $1,270! In some cases, they lost tens of thousands of dollars on items they didnt even want, but were pressured into buying. ?was that problem worse than ours? For some cruise lines, the provisions were already part of the ticket contract or company policy. Note to everyone: Never take the WebWe have taken several trips with Vantage Travel and they are not reliable or transparent with information about their trips. 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. Finally, on Aug. 14 -- five months after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded your $12,959. (How generous of you!) We started calling and asking about the trip and every time we were told that the person we needed to speak to was in a meeting, or at lunch, or some other excuse. Henry R. Lewis In addition we also left a voice mail for Nancy. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Better late than never. The travel industry is primarily a customer service industry. My aunt *************** is the other **-executor. But whats this $452 bill? I would much rather travel to the markets on my own. In general, 7 On Your Side recommends you purchase travel insurance independently from the company making travel arrangements. To consistently deliver a satisfying customer experience, a company must have a customer service culture, starting with the CEO and it must permeate throughout the organization. Vantage warned the tour director to be very careful about want he told the guests as his standing with Vantage could be affected. That can get a little noisy. On our first evening aboard, after a quick trip tp Prague (where we did see a Christmas Market), we were told by the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? A human travel agent who can take the time to sit down with you and talk about your cruise options is a tried-and-true way to buy a cruise. Even so, 2021 has thrown some curveballs our way and we recognize the need to again postpone our journeys through August 25th. Youll spend most of your time walking around the ship and enjoying the amenities or taking a shore excursion. Vantage Deluxe World travel = No Customer Service. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. We cannot close out the estate until we get this settled. To this day Vantage will not acknowledge its passengers and crew were ever sick. Travel RelaxedTravel SecureWhen you have Travel Insured. I apologize for the inconvenience. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Before making the ask, consider all your alternative borrowing options to see if you can reasonably avoid it.. Vantage has pledged additional refunds of $41,000 to two other people, bringing the grand total -- including Carter's refund -- to $93,500. The insurance company blamed the delay in getting a refund on COVID. Travel Insurance for Medical and med Evac from Europe. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. I am sorry for all the other people but that insurance money was not Vantage Travels money to use. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. Lets work together to create a safer travel experience for everyone. 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. Login. So, if something goes wrong when youre overseas, youll have to wait until business hours for help. Vantage Travel Service, Inc. operates as a tour operator. Fill out the form HERE! Rick Pedersen, Fulshear, Texas. But, if the extraordinary number of reader complaints I have received more than a dozen and counting are any indication, they have been doing so anyway. After Vantage cancels Rick Pedersens tour of Portugal and Spain, it promises a prompt refund. How to find a good travel agent, Need to file a complaint? The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Inside Vantage is committed to protecting your well-being with the comprehensive safety precautions implemented on all journeys. So, would I take the same itinerary again ? 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. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews. And remember: When you travel with us next, were committed to protecting your wellbeing with comprehensive safety precautions weve implemented on all journeys. After 100 days, I am still awaiting the refund. Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. Your ship may or may not keep the promised schedule. Would you like a FREE color catalog? We continue navigating this crisis with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe always in mind. Finally, I braved the long hold times on its corporate headquarters number, finally speaking to a reservation specialist who eventually gave me the email of a Vantage paralegal. Sexual assaults have been a problem on cruise ships since before the Love Boat. 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? The fact that the company continues to cancel er, postpone cruises may mean theyre having trouble ramping up again, but of course I dont know for sure. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. As someone who has been on numerous cruises and has helped resolve cruise problems in real time, I have a few recommendations: One of the first things your cruise line will try to do is take away your luggage. Ever sick this scenario company like Viator hours for help your ship may or may not the! 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