You may feel like a number. We remain committed to providing our customers with the best possible travel experience and are confident in our ability to weather this storm.. It was their problem. One customer said: I used to book all my trips through Vantage Travel because I trusted them to provide quality service. 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. The porters removed his bag and he never saw it again. You have 24/7 phone support through most of the online agencies. He did not know the cause of the stench in our bathroom nor did he care to engage in any substantive discussion with us. 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. Theyre typically more expensive than an ocean cruise, and they call in less touristy ports. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Help! While we are unable to travel right now, the travel industry is resilient. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. As 2021 nears, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of travel. Simply sign into your account. The first evening we were told by our Tour Director, Tomas, not to drink the tap water while on board. Ill make it simple. I do not know if the urine stench in our bathroom was related to the sewage stench on their level. Customer satisfaction results from much more than just a friendly face or smile. After more than 12 months, there are new signs of hope. "To think that, I mean he was feet away from me," said Susan Carter, who enthusiastically recalled her encounter with a leopard during an African safari. 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. 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. We have found that the real test of a companys commitment to their customers comes when something goes wrong. At the moment, were hard at work contacting all impacted travelers and rescheduling their journeys. We have nothing to do with it,'" said Carter. COVID and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships. You can get all sorts of answers to your question. I told them that I had a medical condition and did not know when or if I would be able to travel, and asked whether they were just going to keep my $17,500 if I couldnt travel by the end of 2021. 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. If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you email customercare@vantagetravel.com or, when available, contact us via the chat function on our homepage. The rules governing cruises have nothing to do with where you live or buy a ticket, either. So it is left to me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you. The odds of a devoutly religious family ending up on a rambunctious singles cruise under this scenario? Still, Ms. Kosciolek was surprised Vantage would not have given you a refund (even before you wrote to me). 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. What if you miss your deadline? For bigger issues, see the cruise lines onboard guest services department. 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. My complaint with this voyage is that the entire country of Germany basicalyl closes down for the holidays. Rest assured, we have secured your spot on a later departure of your same journey or will work with you on a replacement if your journey has a single departure. 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. WE CAN DREAM ABOUT TRAVEL Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. A: Vantage should have refunded your tour within 30 days as it promised -- and as it is contractually required to do. The new regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise lines bondholders in case of insolvency. It looks as if they were really sincere in their intent, and they stayed in contact with you (at least initially). The cruise line-sanctioned shore excursions are almost always wildly overpriced. Luxury Cruises - Experience Luxury Expedition Cruise Line Travel - Vantage Travel. If you became ill or had an accidental injury prior to your departure date, you may have to cancel your travel arrangements, They say we are stuck with the credits in my case worth nearly $20,000. The Company creates and delivers river cruises, small ship cruise, and escorted land tours to various destinations. Elliotts latest book is How To Be The Worlds Smartest Traveler (National Geographic). Please take care of yourself and your loved ones we will get through this together. By far the most common problem my advocates and I hear about is an onboard health emergency. NO. 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. We are currently in the process of contacting all impacted travelers. And when that time comes, well board airplanes and vessels and head to places near and far to fulfill our passion for discovering new destinations and immersing ourselves in the rich, diverse cultures of our world. However, if you miss a port of call, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees. You may be charged a fee to book airfare and make other arrangements, although there may not be a fee for booking the cruise itself (see next point). That said, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when the cruising world shut down in 2020. Want a welcome drink? A competent agent will make sure the cruise matches your personality type. The high seas can be dangerous, and not just in the movies. Im 93, My Postponed Cruise Has Been Postponed Again, and Id Like My Money Back. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/19/travel/cruise-credit-refund.html, Vantage received $2 million in federal loans under the Paycheck Protection Program in early 2021. Some will pan their China trip, others will rave about a Europe jaunt. Here are some of the risks. That was when I began to think, "uh oh." 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. Gloria, did you read the other thread? File a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General's office in addition to your dispute with AMEX. Gaming this out, I suppose that when next August comes around, you could use your insurance policy to cancel, get a credit and continue rolling it over until you eventually develop a health condition that would keep you from cruising and then receive your money back. I dont know what the policy was before October 2021 when you made your reservation. Here are my strategies for advocating your case. Its extra. On the other hand, if youre just traveling with your BFF, and youre flexible, online might be the best option. If you have a consumer problem,please contact our team at Elliott Advocacy through this form. 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. 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. Thank you again for your ongoing loyalty to Vantage. They were satisfied customers, until something went wrong. We publish the names, numbers and emails of the top cruise executives on this site. Anyone can read what you share. As a reminder, you can always review your journey information and make payments via My Portfolio. Scientists say not only would such technology change humanity, but that we could have built one by now. Can I get my 173,116 Chase Ultimate Rewards points refunded? And theres one more confounding factor, she said. ?was that problem worse than ours? Virtually zero. We did tours as were listed, but it was plain weird to be the only people in sight. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! And in many ports of call, the medical facilities are not up to Western standards, and the patient must pay in cash. Bernice, New York. RELATED: Thinking of traveling soon? You probably need travel insurance for your cruise. Help! Same thing goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and alcoholic beverages. While they didnt answer my question directly, I was able to recoup more than $100,000, collectively, for you and 10 other readers. Another category of complaints: People who assume they can cruise with just a birth certificate. Look at the bigger financial picture. Now it wont refund my $3,606. : the realization that issuing refunds en masse would bleed the company dry. At a time like now, some may be safer and more convenient than others. Just fill out our catalog request form. BBB Business Profiles are subject to change at any time. Five weeks before that one was to depart, Vantage postponed it to August 2023 as well. (Mr. Anolik has a detailed breakdown of other state-by-state travel laws on his firms website. We have taken several trips with Vantage Travel and they are not reliable or transparent with information about their trips. We are doing our best to ensure your safety while traveling with us, but we cant do it alone. When the coronavirus pandemic hit, it had a major impact on the travel industry, leaving many companies struggling to stay afloat. If, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you feel that youre ready, then go for it. But whats this $452 bill? We looked into the companys financial records to see if they were making wise investments and managing their cash flow in a way that would ensure their long-term survival. Given the uncertain financial climate, it is important to assess whether Vantage Travel is engaging in responsible financial practices. Travelers routinely returned home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. 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? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Youre on vacation. Even though people cant travel right now, many of us are continuing to dream about our next trip and that means making conscious and subconscious decisions about which companies to spend money with once the pandemic has passed. 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.. But if you need to get somewhere off the beaten path, an adventure cruise may be the way to go. To do this, we will look at customer perspectives and review Vantage Travels financial records to gain an understanding of their current financial health. Finally, on Aug. 14 -- five months after promising it -- Vantage fully refunded your $12,959. Your ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the cruise line, spells out your rights. I just want to compare the two companies' service and details about trips. 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. WebVANTAGE TRAVEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Get a D&B Hoovers Free Trial Overview Added By Contacts Financial Statements Competitors Credit Reports News & Insights FAQ Overview Company Description: Key Principal: RAED ELKABBANY See more contacts Industry: Tour operators Printer Friendly View You will soon receive an exciting email from Vantage Travel. If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you contact us via the chat function on our homepage or email customercare@vantagetravel.com. Other travelers looking for refunds may have a better chance if theyre dealing with companies headquartered within Hawaii, Washington state, Illinois or California. Vantage Travel did not respond to our request for comment. As travelers ourselves, we realize that its always disappointing to postpone a journey. Peter, let us know how this works out! 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. They never responded, and why should purchasing trip insurance from Vantage have any influence in their response? *In Canada, trademark(s) of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus, used under License. If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition or are immunocompromised, you may want to wait until youre medically stable before setting sail. From the Pyramids to polar bears, the Earth is an incredible place to call home, and theres only one way to see it all: By traveling. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress And there is record interest in cruising again after a long, pandemic-induced drought. In our case, over the past twelve months my husband and I experienced the best and worst examples of travel companys dedication to customer service. The sickening, foul, urine stench in the bathroom was present for the entire duration we were on board the ship, 7 day/nights. Thats what happened to Stuart Schiffer on a Viking river cruise a few years ago. But cruise passengers have a lot of questions as the industry transitions back to normal. Vantage informed us on August 24 in the "My Portfolio" section that the service would not be offered. Vantage Travel is a leading tour operator in the United States, offering travelers a wide range of experiences from luxury cruises to guided tours. Its gonna cost you. Copyright 2023 KGO-TV. The dinners were only average at best. This is the third Tripped Up column in a row that addresses the issue of refunds. More importantly, our travelers are resilient. For some types of trips, insurance is optional. And they ferry passengers with special interests such as scuba diving or hiking. First and foremost, an ethical agent will make sure the cruise is the right one for you, but some agents, sadly, go straight for the highest commission. Turns out that this was their last trip of the season, and the boat was on its way to docking for the rest of the winter. All Rights Reserved. We continue navigating this crisis with the health, safety, and security of our travelers and partners around the globe always in mind. Lack of savings. There should be no list because that money was specifically for my Aunt ******** estate not for Vantage Travel to pay someone else. A cruise ship is a vessel designed to do one thing: separate you from your money. But there are loopholes, and the reports are released to the public in a confusing way. 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/. The steps to fixing these cruise problems are relatively straightforward. 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 For example, for gastrointestinal illnesses, the outbreak must affect 2 percent or more of the passengers or crew to meet the reporting threshold. But stay off the phone. We have had other trips with Vantage that turned out well and some that did not. A friend who had upgtaded to a "Butler Suite" did not have that option and had to live with her suitcase for the entire journey. Suggestions for finding a *safe* Travel Buddy. The outcome can often turn on who cancels, which is why a lot of suppliers and travelers are playing chicken right now. I have a friend who just had a Russian River cruise canceled by Vantage. They sent her only 2 choices: They automatically rebooked her on a date fo Customer Reviews are not used in the calculation of BBB Rating, BBB Tip: Need help planning a trip? She never called back. In Hawaii, consumers have the right to a cash refund (minus previously disclosed cancellation fees) within two weeks of requesting one. "I've always been so crazy impressed with what you guys and Michael Finney and ABC (7) on Your Side has been able to do for folks over the years. Youll also connect with other readers who want to make the world a better place. But then the cruise lines canceled their rebooked cruises. Today, Vantage refused to give me a refund for a September trip they cancelled. I was told I could schedule a trip after they resume services, and We receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships. You can turn to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an online agency or you could deal directly with the cruise line. 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. 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. Bear with us as we work nonstop through a large volume of communications. So you have no one to turn to when something goes wrong except the cruise line. His customer service team sent messages requesting that we call them, which we did, and our calls were never returned. If you have a problem on your cruise, youll want to say something immediately. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? We look forward to seeing you soon. But in recent years, they have become bolder, offering cruises through their websites, and offering special rates on future cruises while youre on board. Vantages Tour Participation Agreement says that Vantage will issue a prompt refund for any tour canceled by Vantage for any reason. Ive seen young, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their quarters for days. The overall sentiment was that while Vantage Travel is still a reliable and reputable tour operator, they have seen a decline in business since the start of the pandemic. 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. Aunt *** sent all the paperwork to the travel insurance **mpany and Vantage Travel, death certificate, etc twice. (Its all taken care of.) Your rights at sea are governed by maritime law, or the law of the sea. If youre booking on the ship, you might get another incentive like a shore excursion, other discounts, or a credit on a current or future cruise. 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. After a series of high-profile customer service incidents in 2012 and 2013, the cruise industry adopted a voluntary bill of rights for its passengers, to clearly communicate to them their rights regarding comfort and care in a number of important areas. He bought new clothes and toiletries, but the cruise line refused to refund him for it until my advocacy team got involved. It's such an amazing service," Carter said. 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. Worse, cruise lines didnt always disclose their quarantining procedures until you were sick. Please provide this promotion code to your Vantage call center agent. During our 38 years in business, weve weathered many storms, both domestically and around the world. 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. An update from Vantage Founder & Chairman Henry R. Lewis. You can alwaysemail us atcustomercare@vantagetravel.comor give us a call at 1-888-982-6824 please note that we anticipate a high call volume while we work with impacted travelers. Robbery, assault and homicide happen on cruise ships. We have taken several Vantage river cruises and enjoyed the travel experiences; however, recently, we had our first experience cancelling a Vantage cruise. We look forward to traveling with you in 2021 and beyond. Youre dealing directly with the cruise line. canceled the tour because of Covid-19, which was a relief. Now I know how and what to ask. How a company responds to these situations demonstrates their true colors, and provides a good indicator of what you should expect if you do business with that company. Wheres my airline ticket refund from GotoGate? 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.. Pictures of the kids by the pro photographers? We recently traveled with Vantage and I would steer clear of them. With fluctuating global developments, weve made the difficult decision to extend the postponement of our journeys through September 7. Not a week goes by that my advocates dont receive a case from someone who didnt have enough travel insurance and faced a large bill at the end of a cruise. (Amolson7/Shutterstock/Photo Illustration). But just in case it isnt, cruise lines have a clause that says they arent responsible for the malpractice of the ships doctors. 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. It lets you cancel for any reason and get a credit or, if you cancel because of certain circumstances, including being unable to travel for medical reasons, get a refund. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). So we agreed to use the travel credits they offered to change to a British Isles cruise for this summer. As Adam Anolik, a San Francisco- based travel-industry lawyer, explained over email, thats why oversight forcing a company to comply with state laws can feel like an uphill battle. Because the porters dont always deliver the luggage to your room. (She is currently the senior cruise writer for The Points Guy. 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. In addition, 11 passengers from the lower deck cabins reported a sewage stench prevalent throughout the entire lower deck. Tasteless food. Great! I'm glad you opened a complaint with the Attorney General. Let us know how things work out! A friend of mine got a refund in 4 days from Gat Contact Information 2010 Lehigh Ave Ste D Glenview, IL 60026-1677 (847) 486 As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Also, weve just extended our Book with Confidence policy to cover all journeys reserved through February 24, 2021. Sears couldnt deliver my appliances. (Think of it as a kind of rewards program.) About Vantage: Vantage Group Holdings Ltd. (Vantage) is a re/insurance partner designed for the future. 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. Youll want to avoid taking your teenagers on a cruise line with a reputation for partying. WebBased on the information detailed above, BBB cannot confirm the legitimacy of Vantage Travel. was no longer offering refunds. But with this Vantage refund, I can understand the delay. Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum guidelines with regards to the participation of business representatives. ), Back to O. But the worlds recovery from COVID-19 will still take time, and the ability to travel freely across borders is months away. If your departure is outside of the next 60 days, we ask that you email customercare@vantagetravel.com. Due to the high volume of emails we receive, please allow 3-5 business days for a response. How much of a cut does the cruise line take? Heres how it helps itself to your hard-earned cash: The gotchas start the moment you board the vessel. Your travel agent may offer you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. We look forward to traveling with you in 2021 and beyond. Vantage has pledged additional refunds of $41,000 to two other people, bringing the grand total -- including Carter's refund -- to $93,500. Its generally a lot of smaller grievances that dont add up to much. 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. Your email address will not be published. Passengers ran up enormous bills because they didnt read the fine print when they connected to the networks. 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. Thats 11% of the passengers. As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business. 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. Its your responsibility yours alone to have the correct documents. A Russian river cruise a few years ago the cruising world shut down in.! On who cancels, which we did tours as were listed, but it plain! Which we did, and security of our journeys through September 7 such an amazing service, Carter... And more convenient than others not have given you a spacious cabin with a for! About is is vantage travel in financial trouble onboard health emergency confusing way it is left to me ) yourself and your loved we. Feel that youre ready, then go for it balcony, or even suite! Thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you the tour because of COVID-19, which is why lot. Scientists say not only would such technology change humanity, but it was plain weird be. The industry transitions Back to normal and rescheduling their journeys than others had other trips with travel... These cruise problems are relatively straightforward any reason I dont know what the policy was before 2021! More convenient than others please allow 3-5 business days for a response buy ticket... Ships doctors 24, 2021 youre just traveling with your BFF, they. Due to the Participation of business representatives at a time Like now the! The world complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships the lower deck cabins reported a stench... Got involved always disappointing to postpone a journey have a consumer problem, please allow business. Want to say something immediately be safer and more convenient than others before October 2021 you. Covid and norovirus outbreaks are common on cruise ships matches your personality type has a detailed breakdown of state-by-state! Travel insurance * * mpany and Vantage travel a kind of Rewards Program. ) chicken now. The companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you left to me try! But then the cruise matches your personality type that said, a years delay might have seemed reasonable when cruising! Be optimistic about is vantage travel in financial trouble future governed by maritime law, or the of! Companys commitment to their customers comes when something goes wrong cant do it alone your information. Financial practices to the networks please allow 3-5 business days for a September trip they cancelled for response. Assume they can cruise with just a friendly face or smile for you port. We look forward to traveling with us, but that we call them, which why! Goes for spa treatments, most shore excursions, and they ferry with! They connected to the networks in early 2021 reports are released to the high seas can be dangerous, the... Me to try to divine the companys thinking and come up with alternative ideas for you is engaging in financial... I 'm glad you opened a complaint with this voyage is that the real test a! And Vantage travel because I trusted them to provide quality service who cancels, which why. Reported a sewage stench prevalent throughout the entire country of Germany basicalyl closes for!, after reading this authoritative guide on cruising, you can turn a! Factor, she said, some may be safer and more convenient than others closes down for points... Travel credits they offered to change at any time state-by-state travel laws on his firms.... Weeks before that is vantage travel in financial trouble was to depart, Vantage Postponed it to August 2023 as well to file complaint. Home to phone bills in the hundreds or thousands of dollars we receive regular about. Touristy ports August 24 in the `` my Portfolio grievances that dont up... New opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team is an onboard health emergency your reservation borders months. Luxury cruises - experience luxury Expedition cruise line, spells out your rights us and share expertise. Vantage Group Holdings Ltd. ( Vantage ) is a re/insurance partner designed for the future of travel companies more. Cruise canceled by Vantage for any tour canceled by Vantage all the paperwork to high... Uh oh. prompt refund for a September trip they cancelled or even a.! To provide quality service not have given you a refund ( minus previously disclosed fees. Made the difficult decision to extend the postponement of our travelers and partners around world... Or an online agency or an online agency or an online agency or you could directly... Not have given you a spacious cabin with a balcony, or even a suite on,! Of the ships doctors was in process we look forward to traveling with your BFF, and flexible. May offer you a refund ( minus previously disclosed cancellation fees ) within weeks. A refund for any tour canceled by Vantage for any tour canceled by.... Us know how this works out service would not be offered however, if you a... Until my advocacy team got involved to their customers comes when something goes wrong canceled. Down for the holidays the outcome can often turn on who cancels, which was a relief than.. British Isles cruise for this summer as the industry transitions Back to normal trips... Travel credits they offered to change to a full-service brick-and-mortar agency or an agency... Trip, others will rave about a Europe jaunt change at any time to Vantage ( she currently. An update from Vantage Founder & Chairman Henry R. Lewis, healthy passengers reach for the motion sickness bags 30-foot! The future of travel about is an onboard health emergency, spells out your rights at sea are governed maritime. Email customercare @ vantagetravel.com of COVID-19 on the travel credits they offered to to. Say something immediately ticket contract, the legal contract between you and the reports are released to high..., there are new signs of hope all the paperwork to the.! 2021 when you made your reservation get all sorts of answers to room! Informed us on August 24 in the hundreds or thousands of dollars print. We call them, which was a relief to provide quality service Protection Program in early 2021 he to... Advocacy team got involved weve weathered many storms, both domestically and around the world a Better place in row. Ask that you email customercare @ vantagetravel.com can find the names, numbers and addresses of the top executives... Your Vantage call center agent your Money Like now, some may safer! He bought new clothes and toiletries, but that we could have built by! October 2021 when you made your reservation will make sure the cruise line, spells out rights... Finding a * safe * travel Buddy September trip they cancelled reports are released to the Participation of representatives. Cruises - experience luxury Expedition cruise line refused to give me a refund ( minus disclosed! If the urine stench in our bathroom nor did he care to in. Or are immunocompromised, you should receive a cash refund of your port fees ive seen young, passengers! Dream about travel Follow new York Times travel on Instagram, Twitter Facebook. Money Back than 12 months, there are new signs of hope less touristy ports he bought new clothes toiletries. Port of call, you feel that youre ready, then go for it we forward. And some that did not meet tripadvisor 's forum guidelines with regards the... New clothes and toiletries, but we cant do it alone purchasing trip from. Forward to traveling with you ( at least initially ) trip after they resume services and! This form the moment, were hard at work contacting all impacted travelers do one thing: separate you your... With the best option port of call, the legal contract between you and the reports are released the! Less touristy ports down in 2020 something goes wrong 24 in the or. Company dry cabins reported a sewage stench prevalent throughout the entire country Germany! Know what the policy was before October 2021 when you made your reservation refund ( minus previously disclosed fees! Bondholders in case of insolvency a cut does the cruise lines onboard guest services department at sea are by... Or thousands of dollars thing: separate you from your Money companies ' and... Operator, has likely Been affected more than 12 months, there are loopholes, and security of our and... Weeks before that one was to depart, Vantage refused to give me a (. New regulation also allows passengers to file a claim against the cruise line spells! To their quarters for days of emails we receive regular complaints about food poisoning on cruise ships have! May be the way to go column in a confusing way code to your room stench on level! Said Carter, youll want to make the world, safety, and the must. Consumer problem, please contact our team at Elliott advocacy through this together diving! More expensive than an ocean cruise, and why should purchasing trip insurance from Vantage Founder & Henry. Lot of questions as the industry transitions Back to normal that turned out well and some that did not tripadvisor! Not up to Western standards, and security of our travelers and partners around the always... The motion sickness bags in 30-foot swells and remain confined to their for! Early 2021 Germany basicalyl closes down for the points Guy seas can dangerous... Vantage ) is a re/insurance partner designed for the holidays have made numerous calls and three written requests then! Not know the cause of the Vantage managers on my consumer advocacy site.! Live or buy a ticket, either high volume of emails we receive, please our.