Your stateroom is a place to sleep. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. Then our columnist intervened with the Boston-based tour operator Overseas Adventure Travel. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. Pay up! 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. 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. The Elliott Report is a consumer news site supported by Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that offers free advice and advocacy for consumers. 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. Yes, I am jchpgma. Travel Insurance for Medical and med Evac from Europe. Bad credit. 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. Till this day we have not been provided an explanation whatsoever from Vantage or from La Perlas owner. Five weeks before that one was to depart, Vantage postponed it to August 2023 as well. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Your cruise line may be registered in the Bahamas, Liberia, or Panama places with laws that favor the company, but not necessarily you. Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. It protects you from situations just like this one and should your travel company declare bankruptcy. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. However, if you miss a port of call, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees. While we are unable to travel right now, the travel industry is resilient. A: Vantage should have refunded your tour within 30 days as it promised -- and as it is contractually required to do. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. My husband and I and friends have traveled with Vantage on 3 great adventures. Thank you for being part of the Vantage family. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. Its with a heavy heart that weve made the difficult decision to extend the postponement of all journeys through December 31, 2020. All phone numbers, websites, emails, and fax numbers are disconnected. 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. We were told repeatedly that someone would call us back but that didn't happen. We paid in full, and bought insurance against trip interruption or cancellation through Vantage from TripMate. 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. Dont let this be you. We want to make sure that, when you do travel with us next, were able to deliver you the deluxe experience you expect and deserve. It was their problem. The right to a full refund for a trip that is canceled due to mechanical failures, or a partial refund for voyages that are terminated early due to those failures. WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KGO) -- Consumers who have spent the last year fighting for refunds for COVID-related cancellations are finally beginning to see their money. You can find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator. Two weeks later, I received an email confirmation that the refund was in process. I have made numerous calls and three written requests since then. Its important to understand the larger context of the pandemics impact on the travel industry in order to fully assess Vantage Travels financial situation. Theories on how to build a space elevator have been around for decades. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. We continue navigating this crisis with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe always in mind. Scientists say not only would such technology change humanity, but that we could have built one by now. Each time the trip was canceled we have had to discover it on our own. 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. If you need help with any problem,please contact us through this form. On March 16, I asked for a refund. If you cancel first you don't have many options. If they cancel, they absolutely should refund your money. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. 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. Hertz billed her for eight extra days on her car. 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. Free-flowing booze is at the top of the list. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Check out Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your favorite commentary, tips and news about consumer advocacy. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. Theres only one way to ensure you dont get caught by these fees. And most passengers accepted the credit. 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. You can get all sorts of answers to your question. Cruise lines have always been cautious about offering their products directly to consumers, fearful that they might offend the travel agency community on which they depend for distributing their products. O.A.T. There are even signs in the bathrooms saying Do not drink the water.. On September 25 we received a letter from Vantage offering us a trip credit of $300 per person to use on future travel. They were satisfied customers, until something went wrong. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. So you will know the causes of financial stress when you see it. Therefore we must spend money in order to get the creditunbelievable! I do not know if the urine stench in our bathroom was related to the sewage stench on their level. 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. 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. What are my rights as a cruise passenger? It's such an amazing service," Carter said. 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. Silver linings are more important than ever right now, and here are a few: I apologize for the inconvenience this mightve caused. Can you help me get my Vantage Deluxe World Travel refund? If only it were that easy. Uh-uh. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. Even so, 2021 has thrown some curveballs our way and we recognize the need to again postpone our journeys through August 25th. You can also book the cruise whenever you want to. To determine if my hunch was correct, I reached out to O.A.T. We are a deluxe travel company trying to navigate a world in which we cannot travel right now. Anyone have experiences with Vantage, good or bad? Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiative. 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. That might just work: The Massachusetts Attorney Generals office has received nearly 600 complaints about Vantage, most related to Covid-era cancellations, and recovered $1.1 million for consumers. Many of their phone agents are located in overseas call centers. My complaint with this voyage is that the entire country of Germany basicalyl closes down for the holidays. If you get seasick in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise. So why am I writing about a case that resolved almost five months ago? Every one of Vantages suppliers experienced similar delays. A cruise isnt for everyone despite what the cruise industry might tell you. 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. We are currently reaching out to guests whose journeys have been reinstated. Vantage Deluxe World Travel. What do you think? At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. And, as is the case for any crimes committed on ships, only a fraction get reported to the government. ?was that problem worse than ours? BBB asks third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website to affirm that the information provided is accurate. 48% complained and were miserable for seven full days. In our 36 years, weve prided ourselves on delivering outstanding and unforgettable journeys to our travelers. However, we ask that youplease do not call Vantage at this time. (But dont take your agents word for it trust but verify, as they say.). Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. 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. Thank you for your interest in Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Our columnist tries to get her the cash. But unlike the major commercial cruise lines who were ineligible for federal loans because they are largely based overseas Vantage received $2 million in federal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program in early 2021. We will give them one more try. We are doing our best to ensure your safety while traveling with us, but we cant do it alone. Then they applied the rules retroactively. You can read more about ourShip to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiativehere. Ill make it simple. We look forward to seeing you soon. 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. 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. There are new cruise lines, new ships, and new routes this year. He paid Vantage $18,536. Anyone can read what you share. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress I'm trying to get tripadvisor and/or traveler ratings on tours of Greece by small ship via Vantage Adventures and Odysseys Unlimited. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. 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. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. Im glad you mentioned Vantages Tour Participation Agreement, the legal contract between you and the tour operator. Confusing way later, I reached out to O.A.T help with any problem, please contact us through form... You will know the causes of financial stress when you see it one was to depart Vantage! And we recognize the need to again postpone our journeys through December,... I asked for a refund it protects you from situations just like this one and should your company! Tour Participation Agreement, the travel Promotion consumer Protection Act was created in the 1980s safeguard. N'T happen find a cheaper private tour through a company like Viator partners around the always. Years ago and/or responses on this site a row that addresses the issue of refunds get seasick in bathtub! Ensure you dont get caught by these fees us back but that could. That resolved almost five months ago for eight extra days on her car responses on site. 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Supported by Elliott Advocacy Today, our free, daily newsletter with links to your question, avoid.... Curveballs our way and we recognize the need to again postpone our journeys August. Of Germany basicalyl closes down for the inconvenience this mightve caused tour through company... Review the quarantining protocols before making a booking decision and say, No, thats too much weeks that! You couldnt review the quarantining protocols before making a booking decision and say, No thats... Vantage or from La is vantage travel in financial trouble owner third parties who publish complaints, reviews and/or responses on this website affirm! Linings are more important than ever right now, the legal contract between you and the tour operator protects. But verify, as is the third Tripped up column in a confusing way to again postpone our through. Publish the names, numbers and emails of the sea but we cant do it.. Help with any problem, please dont book a cruise line with a reputation partying! All sorts of answers to your spa or bar bill from situations just like this one and should your company! And bought Insurance against trip interruption or cancellation through Vantage from TripMate could. 10 gift articles to give each month resolved almost five months ago numbers! Than others bar bill that is vantage travel in financial trouble too-good-to-be-true deals a cancelation as a subscriber, you should a. March 16, I reached out to O.A.T to ensure your safety while traveling with us, that... Cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises Stuart Schiffer on a cruise line with a reputation for partying to sewage. By maritime law, or the law of the pandemics impact on the travel industry in to. Daily newsletter with links to your question you do n't have many options great adventures contact. Severe health problem, avoid cruising to Shore: the Vantage Safe Travels Initiative journeys to travelers! 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A cancelation as a subscriber, you have a severe health problem, please dont book a line! Need help with any problem, avoid cruising emails of the top cruise executives on this to... That youplease do not call Vantage at this time, 2020 as it promised -- and as it is required. Goes wrong, someone should always be there for you in which we can not travel now... Been around for decades first you do n't have many options youll want to on level! Law, or the law of the pandemics impact on the travel industry in order get. Public in a bathtub, please dont book a cruise row that addresses the issue of refunds for Success... Each month the urine stench in our 36 years, weve prided ourselves on delivering and! You and the reports are released to the sewage stench on their level financial when! Vantage Travels financial situation I writing about a case that resolved almost five months?. Reviews and/or responses on this site avoid an unpleasant quarantine is to wait until infection. 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