Grand Circle Travel Reviews
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Reviewed Nov. 12, 2024
I recently returned from The Seine: from Paris to Normandy cruise. Truly incredible! This was my first ever cruise and from the inception to completion it was a master class in meticulous attention to detail and professionalism. Everything was considered and designed to ensure that each participant had a marvelous experience. The cruise was a total immersion in French culture, from the lectures about the educational system and history of France, to the walks in the various villages and sites, to the lunches and dinners featuring French dishes and wines, to the evening entertainment (concert of French composers, to can-can dancers and more).
The program directors were exceptional. The depth and breadth of their knowledge from the lectures given onboard (ship and bus) to the walks they led in various villages and communities--they were all quite extraordinary! The food was like dining in a 5-star restaurant due to the quality, variety, and freshness. The chef was amazing. There were always several choices at each meal including a vegetarian one and the chef would fix a modified plate if needed. The desserts were works of art! The wines were from different regions as were the nightly cheeses after dinner.
The cruise ship was immaculately cleaned, the rooms extremely comfortable (as were the beds) and the ship's crew were all friendly, professional, accommodating and did all of their work with a "joie de vivre" attitude. I cannot say enough wonderful things about my experience. In fact, there were several travelers in my group on this cruise and we are already planning to take another OATS/GCCL cruise to the south of France. Grand Circle has made me want to be a lifelong customer!
Reviewed June 13, 2024
I just returned from our “Budapest to the Black Sea" cruise. It was a fantastic experience. I certainly did not expect to learn as much as I did. First off, the ship was very comfortable. The rooms were maintained in tip top shape at all times. The beds were comfortable and we had no trouble sleeping whatsoever. Then there was the food. I just can’t believe the talent of these chefs. Each and every plate brought out was a work of art. They always offered several choices, and you could always order salmon or chicken if something on the menu didn’t appeal to you. I ordered salmon once just to try their salmon. Delicious! Their desserts were beautiful. One thing I really liked was that they didn’t try to stuff you. The portion sizes were sensible, although there were a couple times that I probably should have said “Half Portion” just because I didn’t arrive for that meal as hungry as usual.
Service: The wait staff in the dining room were unbelievable. We would walk in and our iced tea and wine were waiting for us. My wife eats gluten free, and after they knew that, they had gluten free toast waiting for her at breakfast, and gluten free bread at other meals. They took such good care of my wife. The cruise itself was very good, however you must remember that when you travel to Eastern Europe, you are going to learn a lot about communism, tragedy, heartache and cruelty. You will also learn how the people in these countries overcame the evil and returned to the proud countries they used to be.
The Program Directors were just incredible. They literally became our family. I can’t believe the depth and breadth of their knowledge for countries they have only visited, although each of the four directors were citizens of one of the five countries that we visited. This cruise is different than “The Great Rivers of Europe” cruise that I went on eight years ago. This cruise centered around learning rather than just sightseeing. The people they brought on board to teach us about their country were amazing. It always generated great conversation.
After ten days on board, we reached the Black Sea. After a champagne toast and a dip in the sea, we were put on a bus to Bucharest, Romania. We stayed in a beautiful Sheraton hotel and had wonderful meals served to us that included local wines. From start to finish, this was a class act. It was also VERY reasonable. I know for a fact that a friend who is in Europe today on a competitor cruise spent more than three times what I spent for this cruise. I cannot see how the accommodations, food or service could have been better on another cruise line. Grand Circle Tours definitely goes the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction. You won’t be sorry you booked with them!
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Reviewed May 28, 2024
My recent cruise, "Romance of the Rhine & Mosel" on the MS River Harmony, was my 12th trip with Grand Circle Cruise Line or Overseas Adventure Travel. As a recent widower, this was my first solo cruise and I was concerned that I might not be able to handle the loneliness. As it turned out there was absolutely nothing for me to worry about. The crew, Program Directors, and fellow travelers all made sure that the trip was filled with fun, interesting activities, and well-planned excursions at the various ports of call along the way.
I was impressed with the fact that the Program Director, Amin **, sent me a long email a few days before my departure, with some current advice about weather and plans with reminders of appropriate articles for me to pack. During the trip, Amin's knowledge, compassion, enthusiasm, management skills, and keen sense humor was the spark that lit up the entire trip. A true gentleman and professional. GCCL is noted for the quality of their employees, and Amin is right at the top. The lounge at the bow was large and comfortable with a well-stocked bar with enough bartenders to keep us all happy. Evening entertainment was always fun and the discussions were timely and informative. There was never a reason to spend time in my cabin (except to sleep).
The Dining Room at the stern was served by a small galley run by 3 Chefs, 2 Cooks, a Pastry man and 2 Kitchen Stewards. The meals they produced were simply amazing, artfully plated and always prepared to perfection. They were delivered by waiters whose skills and competence made every sitting a successful one. GCCL has the right to claim to be the best. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. YES, I would and have recommended them to friends.
Reviewed May 5, 2024
I couldn’t have been more pleased with my recent trip to Belgium and Holland on Grand Circle Cruise Lines. Our air connects were seamless. We were met by a delightful young lady who directed us to a small van where we were transported to our hotel in Bruges. The hotel was five star as far I was concerned. Centrally located to the historic part of the city. We met our travel program director that evening. Bob ** was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the city, friendly, funny, and just a delight. From Bruge we traveled to Ghent and Antwerp.
The accommodations on the River Harmony were gracious. We had plenty of room to unpack all our things and put our suitcases out of site. That’s one of the best features of a riverboat cruise… you only have to unpack once! My roommate and I met some delightful ladies on the trip that we ended up eating with and spending time together. The meals on the boat offered a wide variety of choices at each seating. The waiters and waitresses couldn’t have been more friendly. We loved chatting with them and learning about their home countries. I was particularly taken with Bob’s knowledge of the history of all the cities we visited. One special thing Bob did was to arrange reservations for my daughter and her family who just happened to be in Delft the same day we were. I do so appreciated his kindness. And speaking of kindness, we witnessed a person from another tour group take a fall from her bike.
Bob rushed over to assist her!!! My roommate and I appreciated the free time we were given each day to explore on our on. We always had maps and suggestions from the programs directors of special sites or shops we might want to visit. One thing I also appreciated was we were never “forced” to do anything, but encouraged to do what we thought would be of the most interest to us. Bob was always very clear about times and places we had to meet the group to head back to the boat.
Another feature of Grand Circle that I really enjoy are the home visits. We had a delightful visit with a lovely Dutch lady who treated us to coffee and cookies and shared interesting tidbits about her life in Holland. This was my third Grand Circle Cruise. I would definitely choose GCT to travel again. There were three highlights of the trip among numerous memorable explorations. Seeing Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child in Bruges, the Ghent Altarpiece, and of course the Keukenhof Gardens were truly inspiring. The only disappointment we had was not being able to visit Amsterdam due to the King’s birthday. Had we know that, I’m pretty sure we would have signed up for the post-trip to Amsterdam. It was an amazing experience and I’m so glad we made the choice to travel with GC again!!
Reviewed April 27, 2024
This was the first trip with Grand Circle Travel. Since we were the only Canadians on the trip, we assume that they do not market heavily to Canadians. We had never heard of the company but came across a great offer on Travelzoo. We had never taken a guided tour as we were concerned that there would be pressure to participate in all the planned activities. However there was not. We were free to do as we chose - no pressure, just support with maps and suggestions. Our experience was excellent. All arrangements, from the flights, bus/train travel and transfers, off-site tours and meals, to the hotel accommodations were tightly managed. Our program leader - Laurige - was excellent. Very helpful, interesting and well-versed on the attractions of the tour.
The cruise ship - the M/S Chanson - was lovely. I have never been on a small ship but enjoyed the ambiance. Our cabin was well appointed. Upon our arrival there was even a bottle of distilled water in the cabin as I had mentioned in the pre-trip paperwork that I use a CPAP. The crew was professional, polite, yet friendly, and always working away at some task. Everyone was always smiling. The food....oh the food....tasty with lots of variety and options. I enjoyed the variety of the free wines that were available at the bar.
The daily programmes with the menus of the day and the upcoming activities were appreciated. We enjoyed the evening entertainment that was arranged. My husband and I used the games that were provided in the lounge. I felt that we received excellent value for the cost. I am definitely going to plan another trip with Grand Circle. Highly recommended.
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2024
This was a wonderful trip. Great itinerary & superb food and lovely people to spend time with. Joanna was one of the most informative and helpful tour guides. Southern France is just so peaceful & beautiful.
Reviewed Nov. 14, 2024
A amazing trip from start to finish! Our tour director, Teresa, was exceptional in every way. She completely fulfilled all expectations of the tour as well as continually adding her special activities. She was extremely organized, knowledgeable, and very personable. We loved every second of our trip and I completely fell in love with southern France!
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2024
This was my first trip with Grand Circle. My experience was very pleasant. The staff was professional and ready to serve. Our guides were top notch: knowledgeable, considerate of the needs of the guests, respectful and good communicators. Since it was my first trip with Grand Circle I spent a lot of time talking with the other travelers and interested to hear their feedback and experiences over the years. Great customer service was a common theme. The feedback was always positive and all said they would book with Grand Circle again. I found that Grand Circle offers a very good value and I would not hesitate to rebook with them again in the future.
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2024
Due to a major weather incident in France our itinerary changed. Severe flooding was expected and it was not safe for the boat to travel on the river. This was disappointing but no one's fault. Our tour guide, LOLO was amazing. With the help of GCT central office we were bused around Southern France, staying in lovely hotels and having our meals in great restaurants.
Our group consisted of older experienced travelers. No one complained at all. We appreciated how hard the tour guides worked to provide a lovely trip. After a few days when the rivers became safe we were able to board the boat. This was a culinary trip and we had fantastic meals, thanks to Daka, our executive chef and his staff. The next day he took us to the market in Lyon which was interesting, we then went to the chef's cooking classes. Taking the train to Paris was fun. The hotel in Paris was very nice and centrally located.
The thing I like best about my Grand Circle Trips is the level of care and service provided. All we have to do is make our way to the airport and everything else is so well planned and fun. It's comforting to know that when things do not go as planned we will be taken care of. We would not want to travel with another company.. Every tour guide I have had with GCT has been excellent, but LOLO went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and had what they needed.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2024
I recently returned from the "Romance of the Rhine & Mosel" cruise on the MS River Harmony with GCCL. This was my second trip with this cruise line and I must say, I enjoyed both experiences tremendously. On this trip, my grandmother and I traveled together, with the cruise's itinerary allowing us to easily make new friends with fellow passengers, Program Directors, and the crew. The ship was quite comfortable, accommodating, and always exquisitely cleaned. The wifi did not always function to its best ability, however, this was a minor, occasional difficulty that was overwhelming diminished by the wonderful excursions and engaging conversations I had with others throughout this trip.
The activities onboard were just as entertaining and interesting as the walking tours and other offerings within the cities and towns we visited. This entertainment was also informative and relevant in the current society, which I greatly appreciated. I especially enjoyed optional activities such as a bike ride along the Dutch windmills and a hike from "Drachenberg", which allowed for more physical activity if you so chose. We had plenty of wine to sip, delicious meals prepared every day, and such compassionate, fun, and attentive waiters and waitresses. Thank you Grand Circle for a great experience!
Grand Circle Travel Company Information
- Company Name:
- Grand Circle Travel
- Website:
- www.gct.com