gary b Kep

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REFUSE CASH REFUND AFTER BEING TOLD THEY Would

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told us they would get cash refund minus processing fee almost 400 dollars expect a check in 30 to 60 days i called after 70 and was told they changed their policy and only gave a credit toward another trip I was lid to and they stole my money
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Loss:
$2550
Pros:
  • Small ships took 3 trips
Cons:
  • Allianz insurance are cheaters gct also cheats and steals
  • Renegged on their word about a full refund
  • Did not honor their trip insurance cancellation provisions

Preferred solution: full refund minus processing fee

User's recommendation: DONT TRUST THEM AND DO YOUR HOMEWORK INSURANCE IS A FARCE

1 comment
Guest

Totally agree they are thieves

Resolved
Paul R Lfo

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Verified Reviewer

Resolved: Denied Refund

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Updated by user May 30, 2020

Company fixed issue and I have been provided with full refund

Updated by user May 17, 2020

Received call from Grand Circle last saying that they will refund us. I will feel successful when we receive the money.

I also contacted BBB and Mass. Attorney General's office.

Original review Apr 17, 2020
After Grand Circle/OAT cancelled our trip to Spain and Portugal they told us they would refund us including the so called travel insurance. That was in mid March, after waiting a few weeks they again told we would get refund within 10 - 15 days. After hearing nothing from them for weeks I again contacted them only to be told they had changed their policy and would not refund us but schedule us for next year. Over the years we have taken several trips with them. .I am at a loss on what to do next. It seems that Grand Circle/OAT have deceived us.
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Loss:
$6200
Pros:
  • Several trips i had taken
  • Taken 7 trips with this company
  • Taken 7 trips with oat
Cons:
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Not as advertised
  • Customer service

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Book travel elsewhere

2 comments
Liz Jbz

They owe me $3500 and keep putting me off. Also they have $19,000 for a river trip in August. Do you think they are going belly up?

Ramsay Gkg
reply icon Replying to comment of Liz Jbz

I just read that 70% of the company was sold to " Court Square Capital" a New York private equity firm. What is going on with my refund from them now????

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Mark M Xpj

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Verified Reviewer

Failure to honor contract, and poor communication

On September 19, 2019 my wife and I reserved a trip to Spain and Portugal. The trip was scheduled for April 25, 2020. We paid a total of $12, 024 that included at a cost of $1,298 for travel insurance9. The insurance provided for a full refund if Grand Circle Travel (GCT) unilaterally cancelled the trip. On March 20, 2020 my wife received an email informing us that our trip was cancelled due to the corona virus and giving us 3 options, one of which was to receive a full refund. We informed GCT that we chose to receive full refund. In an email dated April 3, 2020 GCT informed us that we were not receiving a refund but would receive vouchers for future travel. On April 8, 2020 I called GCT and spoke to a supervisor, Joe D'Alessandro to request the previously promised refund of $12, 024. I explained that my wife and I are elderly, in our 70's) and are responsible for the care of another elder. I explained that the vouchers they were offering were for trips during a time I was expecting a knee replacement surgery and possibly a hip replacement. Additionally, Joe stated the trip insurance we had purchased for $1,298 did no good and did not provide insurance for cancellation of the trip. Joe attempted to sideline the refund request with a promise to see if, due to my medical issues, he could get our vouchers spit to enable my wife and I to make separate use of the vouchers. On April 24, 2020 Joe left a voice mail to say the vouchers could be split. This was not our original request. To add insult to injury my wife and I only agreed to go on the Spain trip to accompany her sister. Her sister has pursued complaints, received a FULL REFUND and then received a May 1, 2020 letter of apology from Harriet. On May 20, 2020 I called GCT and, after WAITING long enough to be put to sleep, spoke to a Dillon who said that he would have Joe D'Alessandro return my call. I continue to await the return call. I plan to next file a complaint with the BBB, AARP and am open to joining a class action lawsuit against GCT plus its owners and operators.
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Loss:
$12
Pros:
  • Good destinations
Cons:
  • Renegged on their word about a full refund
  • After grand circle canceled my trip

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Check Trafalgar, AAA travel and Viking before checking GCT

1 comment
Mark M Xpj

Monetary loss was $12,024

Resolved
Deborah P Sub

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Verified Reviewer

Resolved: Failure to fulfill promised refund.

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Updated by user May 05, 2020

The company called me and provided offers to compensate us to our satisfaction.

Original review Apr 04, 2020
My husband and I booked a cruise with this company for April 2020 which was canceled by the company due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Clearly not the company's fault. We received both a phone call and an email from the company's representatives promising a full refund by mid-May if we chose not to book a future cruise. We received a second email telling us that the refund option was no longer available, and we get a future cruise instead. It will be difficult to travel with a company that I suspect is headed to bankruptcy court in the next 6 months. We are out $12,431 which I feel has been essentially scammed out of our pockets. This is not a small amount of money for two 69 year olds. Shame on them.
View full review
Loss:
$12

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Avoid this company at all costs.

2 comments
Guest

I signed up years ago with Grand Circle for a trip to France and paid $500.00 for a hold, $200.00 for health insurance, and an extra $100 for an insurance policy so that if I had to cancel I would get my money back. I had to cancel and I didn't get my money back!

Have never signed up with them since. posted 3/25/21

Machele Imf

As with you, I suspect the company is having some serious financial difficulties and, thus the future cruise option only. You are not alone in this situation and everything about this matter is now unknown.

You might see if the FTC is addressing this problem by going to their website and signing up for email updates and also keeping watch for news on this problem. If you paid via a credit card, perhaps you can dispute the charge, even tho you have paid it. Contact your card issuer and see what they say. You aren't the only one this has happened to and the credit card companies may have a solution.

Can't hurt to ask. The cruise business is taking a "hit" of serious proportions and many will not survive.

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arthur a Fgt

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Verified Reviewer

Trip insurance contract not honored

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I have provided Grand Circle and OAT over $20,000 for trips this summer and purchased their trip insurance which allows for a full cash refund for cancellation. My trips were cancelled and I opted to receive a cash refunding which OAT promised will be reimbursed after May 1, 2020.

Since then they ignored their insurance terms and only will rebook my trips in 2021 (if they are in business). They claim a Force Majeure defence but normally such a defense requires it to be in the contract. I could not find it in my trip insurance contract with Grand Circle or OAT.

I have done19 trips with these companies because of their exceptional service and trips.

They may have incurred some expenses related to my trips this summer, but they don't have to pay the insurance fees, airline fees and other costs since the trip have been cancelled. I would be ok with some administrative expenses being deducted but they are not a bank and should not be holding over $20,000 of my money.

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Loss:
$21394
Pros:
  • 19 trips taken with gct and oat
Cons:
  • Did not honor their trip insurance cancellation provisions

Preferred solution: Full refund

1 comment
Guest

Your habit of paying in advance for things that may never happen has caught up with you. After 19 trips I'd think you'd be bored anyways.

Regina C Ndb

Refusal to refund promised refund of cancelled tour

LISTEN FOLKS, the only way to get this company to act ethically is if they receive enough complaints to the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General of the state of Massachusetts! Very easy to fill out the forms and the agencies, if they receive enough complaints about this unethical company, may act on our behaves.
View full review
Loss:
$4790
Cons:
  • Poor customer service
  • Poor

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: DO NOT use this unethical, dishonest company!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 comment
Guest

I will complain wherever i can I hope a class action suite will occur

Anonymous
map-marker Middleborough, Massachusetts

Refund for trip in March

I have traveled with GCT, OAT, and on their River Cruises a total of 33 times and never had any problems. I was promised a refund after 5/1 for the cancelled trip that was supposed to start on 3/28. I called a few times and was promised that the money would be credited to my Mastercard, but I keep receiving bills with interest, but no refund so far. I am desperate and will take further action if I do not get any result otherwise. I am so sad, loved to travel with them.
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Penny J Wha

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Verified Reviewer

Trip cancelled due to Covid-19.

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I paid GCT over $8400 for this trip. They are not issuing refunds but only offering vouchers toward future trips with them. What recourses do I have? I have heard that Road Scholar and Rick Steves tours are issuing refunds. How can we encourage GCT to be more accountable.
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Loss:
$8452
Pros:
  • Good destinations
Cons:
  • After grand circle canceled my trip

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: Would not recommend them at this time.

Gary M Mls

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Verified Reviewer

Breach of contract on cancelled trip refunc

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We had booked a trip to Italy this spring which Grand Circle Travel cancelled due to Covid 19 and Italy shutting boarders. They provided us with an email in March that we would be receiving a complete refund if we elected not to take another trip. We notified them via phone and email that we desired the refund. They responded that we would receive such. NOW when contacting them regarding where is refund or told NO refund only a voucher for a future trip. CAN ONE TRUST THIS TYPE of company. Are there others interested in a class action suit? Please contact me at ghmsail2@***.net
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Loss:
$10000

Preferred solution: Full refund

John K Gcy

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Verified Reviewer

They Cancelled trip. Promised refund. Called today to hear they weren't issuing refunds. Asked to speak to supervisor. Was told no one was available.

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Grand Circle lied to us. They are a bunch of theives. Are they going out of business. I think it is class action lawsuit time
View full review
Loss:
$11000

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THIS BUNCH OF LIARS AND THIEVES

2 comments
Guest

GC/OAT will not refund us $15, 800. for a trip cancelled April 2020.

They have had our money for 1 year now. If there is a Class Action suit being pending we are prepared to sign on. They had $760 million in sales last year and can't honor their commitment.to their loyal customers.

The insurance companies are not paying out either siting "act of God". What a rip off.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1859994

Did you find any information on class action suits against them. I want to join as well.

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scott k Fjr

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Verified Reviewer

Refund Policy

My trip was canceled by Grand Circle and they refused to provide a refund. I called my credit card company, they reversed the $10,000 charge for the trip, and have put the credit in my account. I also submitted a complaint through the BBB. Received a message from Grand Circle today that I had been 'approved' for a refund. I hope this information helps the rest of you get your refunds resolved with them.
View full review
Loss:
$9678
Cons:
  • Did not honor their trip insurance cancellation provisions

Preferred solution: Full refund

User's recommendation: This was my first experience with Grand Circle and will be my last

Anonymous
map-marker Placentia, California

Displeasure with cancellation policy

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Grand Circle Tour had a cancellation policy in place when we went into contract with them in January of 2020 and we cancelled due to the virus and then they actually cancelled the trip as well. We expected to pay the cancellation fee of $600 and received an email from them stating that they would be sending a refund in 7-10days. That was on April 4th and it is now May 21st. In speaking with an associate today I was told that the company changed their policy on April 26th and will NOT be refunding money, just offering vouchers! VERY unethical! How can you retroactively change your policy?
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User's recommendation: NEVER use this company! Horrible customer service and refund policies!

1 comment
Paul R Lfo

Keep pressing for a refund, I did and we received refund check yesterday. Contact BBB and Mass. Atty General Office

Anonymous
map-marker Clermont, Florida

Did not receive refund as promised

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Did not receive refund as promised. My March 26 Paris to Normandy was canceled due to the pandemic. I was giving three choices, I chose number three a full refund. I was then promised that I would receive it may second. I called May 7 and was told they change their minds and I would not get a refund. I want my money
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User's recommendation: Would not recommend. Dishonest company!

Patricia A Nuh

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Verified Reviewer

Couldn't get a refund as promised

I was to travel with my retirement community on a GCT river cruise April 1, 2020. Because of the virus the cruise was cancelled. I received an email with 3 options. Option #3 was to receive a full refund. I even talked to a GCT agent how and when this refund was to occur. Then I receive another email stating they can't give a refund. You have to book another cruise with them sometime in the future. According to GCT it was an "executive" decision . In my opinion this is a very poor business practice to promise and then change your mind. What kind of reputable business does that? We have traveled with Viking before and was very pleased. I heard Grand Circle provided more services and we would like them much better. We were willing to give them a try. I'm very disappointed in Grand Circle business practices. + Pat Schmidt
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Loss:
$6444

Preferred solution: Full refund

Anonymous
map-marker Leesburg, Florida

Promised a full refund twice; Now notified no refunds will be issued

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booked trip 10/2019: they called us to cancel because of the Corona Virus and told us we would get a full refund.( I have voicemail saved) I called 3/17/20 spk to rep. was told refund check would be sent no later than May 1, 2020. I called to follow up 4/6/20 on my refund check &;;;;;;; was told no money would be refunded on vouchers for future trips. Now they will be keeping my money for 18 months with out my permission!!!! Spk to a superviser 4/13/20 he said no refund will be made and stated they made that decision on March 23,2020 but we were never informed
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User's recommendation: Stand your ground. I filled a complaint with the BBB of MA. in Boston & got a call today from Grand Circle saying they are sending me a check for a full refund.