And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. We are looking into taking a river cruise in Holland and Belgium next April. If you have a severe health problem, avoid cruising. We did tours as were listed, but it was plain weird to be the only people in sight. Most complaints fall into one of these categories: A missed port. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress No longer. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. The policy will provide $100,000 of medical coverage and $500,000 of medical . Thank you again for your ongoing loyalty to Vantage. Some will pan their China trip, others will rave about a Europe jaunt. 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. How to find a good travel agent, Need to file a complaint? Most lines will make good on it to avoid the bad press, she said not specifically referring to this article but to the negative coverage some companies, including Vantage itself, have gotten previously in the pandemic. Vantage Travel Service serves customers worldwide. How do you buy a cruise, then? Bernice, New York. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. 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. "They said, 'Oh, Vantage took this over in, I don't know, October or November. 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. You can read more about our Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiative here. About Vantage: Vantage Group Holdings Ltd. (Vantage) is a re/insurance partner designed for the future. LAST CHANCE: Reserve early and save up to 20% on select departures with SmartPay! But in my experience, most passengers wait until theyve left the cruise to file a complaint. Is cruising really safe now? ), 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. 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. And cruise lines dont like to do that. Thats not entirely true. Contact him at elliott.org/help or chris@elliott.org. 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. Virtually zero. Although travel has stopped and is only starting up again slowly and in only a few destinations the aftershocks of that screeching halt, brought on by the coronavirus, continue to reverberate. 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. For travelers looking to book trips with Vantage Travel, it is important to remember that the company is still reliable and reputable. The brochure, and our daily program, highlighted Christmas Markets, beer halls, coffee shops, sausage places, bakeries, etc. A few practical tips from a consumer advocate. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip. Three others who reached out to 7 On Your Side have also received refunds totaling $41,500. A cruise is a terrific way to see the world without the hassle of checking into multiple hotels and worrying about food. In an emailed statement, an O.A.T. I felt like I was in an episode of The Twilight Zone. But in travel-crazy 2022, Vantages claim that pushing off your Your cabin attendant or server may be able to fix a small problem right away. Read More Business Details and See Alerts, International Association of Better Business Bureaus. All three were very ill and had high fevers around 103.5, bacterial contamination and dehydration. 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. It was on board La Perla where the problems occurred. My aunt *************** is the other **-executor. Bloomberg Surveillance, covering the latest news in finance, economics and investments. 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. Limited Money Management Skills Is A Cause Of Financial Problems There are a host of reasons why most people have limited money management skills and knowledge . There are even signs in the bathrooms saying Do not drink the water.. (Its all taken care of.) Q: Last year, we booked a tour to Portugal and Spain through Vantage Deluxe World Travel. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, please allow 3-5 business days for a response. However, we ask that you please do not call Vantage at this time. After one year with no results, Carter reached out to 7 On Your Side. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? We had scheduled Vantage's "Eastern Mediterranean Crossing," with pre-trip extension, post-trip extension, all available excursions, upgraded cabin aboard ship, upgraded air Here are our top 11 causes of financial problems fully explained. Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Based on the information detailed above, BBB cannot confirm the legitimacy ofVantage Travel. If you cancel first you don't have many options. If they cancel, they absolutely should refund your money. One passenger required a trip to the hospital and one of the crew members also became ill which accounts for 12% of their crew. We call these laundry-list complaints, because they look like, well, a laundry list. 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. These big ships typically sail itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. You can shop around, find the best itinerary, and discover ones you didnt know existed. I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guidelines with regards to the participation of business representatives. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. They demonstrated a complete commitment to their customers, and although it was a bad situation, every one of the 102 affected customers was satisfied with the outcome. The insurance company blamed the delay in getting a refund on COVID. Vantage River Cruises vs. Viking River Cruises. You can read more about ourShip to Shore: The Vantage Safe Travels Initiativehere. But once you get on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money. In late December 2016, we were stranded in the middle of an expedition to Antarctica. Our award-winning daily newsletters keep you posted on our random acts of consumer advocacy. They say we are stuck with the credits in my case worth nearly $20,000. Some of our fellow travelers have vowed to never travel with Vantage again because of poor experiences on the trip or because of the terrible customer service that they have received. The first week (Aug 25-31) was on board the 27-passenger private yacht, La Perla. Online agencies can negotiate excellent volume discounts, which they pass along to you. You will soon receive an exciting email from Vantage Travel. If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you email customercare@vantagetravel.com. Thats why weve made another difficult decision to postpone our journeys through March 28th, 2021. That was when I began to think, "uh oh." The economy and markets are "under surveillance". Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Its extra. 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. 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. Often, they succeed. RELATED: Thinking of traveling soon? Airlines are sidestepping refund regulations established by the United States Transportation Department and the European Union, betting that negative press (and even class-action lawsuits) are still preferable to negative-balance bank accounts. A: Vantage should have refunded your tour within 30 days as it promised -- and as it is contractually required to do. Clearly Vantage engaged in deceptive advertising by the use of untrue statements in advertising La Perla as a "luxury" yacht. How are they allowed to keep my money? Finally, on Aug. 14 -- five months after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded your $12,959. However, your travel dreams are safe with Vantage and we cant wait to welcome you onboard our ships including our brand-new Ocean Explorer, which just completed its sea trials or see you on one of our land tours when the time is right. Onboard doctors dont have the equipment or facilities to handle a serious illness. Can you help? The first evening we were told by our Tour Director, Tomas, not to drink the tap water while on board. 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. 2 hours each way is a LONG ride . Here are some of the risks. 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. My husband and I and friends have traveled with Vantage on 3 great adventures. Other tour operators changed their terms and conditions halfway through the pandemic so they would only have to offer a credit. The Walnut Creek woman has been on every continent of the planet except one: Antarctica. Here are a few. 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 dinners were only average at best. WebWe have taken several trips with Vantage Travel and they are not reliable or transparent with information about their trips. What are my rights as a cruise passenger? Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, BBB Tip: Need help planning a trip? Beware of potential problems booking and paying for a vacation with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Some got total refunds, while others (including you) received partial refunds or continue to wait for certain fees and sums to clear. For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. Thank you for your ongoing understanding and loyalty. please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. 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. We are experiencing a high volume of calls resulting in unusually long wait times. Ive seen young, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their quarters for days. After more than 12 months, there are new signs of hope. How BBB Processes Complaints and Reviews. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. NOTHING, until the last day and we had a town full of people and open shops and cafes. was no longer offering refunds. Earlier this year when we postponed our journeys, we made that decision with the health of our travelers and dedicated associates in mind. BBB reports on known marketplace practices. To its credit, Vantage didnt. We are either rebooking travelers on another trip or providing a refund. Since mid-March, she said, O.A.T. Can a vacation rental host cancel my stay and keep my money? The Vessel Sanitation Reports issued by the CDC only reflect a fraction of the illnesses on board. She shows 7 On Your Side photos taken by another traveler, Breene Yuen. So should you take a cruise this year? Silver linings are more important than ever right now, and here are a few: I apologize for the inconvenience this mightve caused. How does he get a Vantage refund? Your email address will not be published. No, no, no. If my cruise is canceled, am I entitled to a refund? I would say it is a gamble. So it is left to me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you. Efforts to get a refund from the travel insurance she purchased through Vantage proved unsuccessful. Is Vantage Travel In Financial Trouble? 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. You could pay tens of thousands of dollars to a cruise line. Special access to agent-only discounts. The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. 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WebVantage Travel Service Inc - Company Profile and News - Bloomberg Markets Bloomberg Terminal Demo Request Bloomberg Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of Now, with the European Unions new travel restrictions barring entrance for American travelers, were updating you once more. The changes defines a cancelation as a delay of three or more calendar days. I contacted Vantage on your behalf, and you continued to pursue your refund. In our 36 years as a deluxe travel company, weve planned every journey around memorable destinations and experiences with your health, safety, and security as a priority. 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. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. WebThe travel insurance sold through Vantage will only provide a 1 year voucher, no monetary refund for a trip canceled by Vantage. Need for financial independence. Even if your travel agent or cruise line says thats OK, my advice is to get a passport if youre sailing into international waters. If you have to stay in touch with the office, buy a wireless internet package. Were always here to help. Were always here to help. But whatever you do, dont believe your cruise line or travel agent when they claim cruising is safe. Theres no form of travel thats safe right now. Ships appear to get less safe with each passing year. Your travel agent can recommend a hotel that includes parking for your personal vehicle, ground transportation to the cruise terminal, or both. When something goes wrong, someone should always be there for you. The boat was new and lovely. Cruise lines add tips of up to 20 percent to your spa or bar bill. Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. Tasteless food. 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. Some oceangoing vessels are smaller and more specialized. The cruise line must refund all port fees, so if your ship misses a port, you should receive a refund. 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. That said, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020. 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. Connecting decision makers to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas, Bloomberg quickly and accurately delivers business and financial information, news and insight around the world. We are doing our best to ensure your safety while traveling with us, but we cant do it alone. 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. Asking a friend or family member for financial help can feel awkward or put the other person in a difficult position, adds Hayes. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) 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. Cruise lines claim a vacation at sea is safer than any land-based vacation. Please provide this promotion code to your Vantage call center agent. We were told repeatedly that someone would call us back but that didn't happen. And you continued to pursue your refund on the ship, youll realize its a waste of money highlighted... Best to ensure your safety while traveling with us, but we cant it! Multiple hotels and worrying about food reached out to 7 on your Side: Need help a... Stranded in the Caribbean and Europe to handle a serious illness each passing year for learning and enjoy explaining concepts! Through the pandemic so they would only have to offer a credit case worth nearly 20,000... 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