Grand Circle Travel

Due to Covid-19 I cancelled my trip to Africa more than four months before departure. Representative confirmed I would receive a full refund of $8455 less a $300 admin fee. The Company website, representative when I paid, and contract I signed all state 100% refund if cancellation is more than 90 days. NOW THE COMPANY IS REFUSING TO RETURN MY MONEY. THEY WILL ONLY GIVE ME A CREDIT. This is deceptive advertising and also deceptive a business practice.

Updated on 06/01/2020: After writing certify letters to Grand Circle Travel, the BBB of Massachusetts and the Office of the Attorney General of MA, GCT refunded my money. I cancelled the trip due to “stay home” orders, my age and some health issues. The company sent me statement saying that May 10 the money was going to be refunded that later on was changed to offering a voucher instead.

As others have reported, Grand Circle canceled our May departure for a European river cruise, a pre-trip extension to Vienna and airfare. We paid them almost $10500 and all they have done is told us of the cancellation without any rebooking or voucher even though the contract they wrote calls for a full refund if they cancel and no alternate trip is acceptable. In addition, the contract says we ourselves can cancel with only a $600 penalty. They won’t even return a call despite the representative’s promise. Stay away.

I booked a trip to the Arctic that was cancelled by GCT because of the Coronavirus. They refused a refund and booked me for next year without asking. When I asked for a refund because I wasn’t available then, they said I could have a voucher. I find this unacceptable and when I called they “couldn’t find” a record of my previous call. I’ve requested a supervisor call but Never received a call bacK even though it was scheduled for a specific time. The phone agent was completely unhelpful. He even told me it was impossible to communicate with the owners of the company. When I asked for his refusal in writing he said they were told they cannot do that. I can’t say how outrageous I find this situation. I would not recommend this company because of its poor customer service and lack of concern about pleasing its customers. Does anyone know how we can get help getting the refund we are due?

I have taken numerous trip on OAT and previously been very satisfied. This June I had a cruise booked from France. Grand Circle canceled because of the virus. Initially they told me I could get a refund. When the time came they changed their policy and only give vouchers. They also rebooked me for 2021 without even contacting me! When I called several times they refused to offer a refund and will only give vouchers. I am very disappointed in this company and will never travel with them again. Nor will my travel club! Your greed is ruining your reputation!

I called Grand Circle Travel regarding a river cruise for March 30-April 11, 2020. I was told the trip was canceled and that I could get a refund. None came. On April 5, 2020 I sent a letter to Grand Circle requesting a refund of $5590 for the trip. No refund came. I emailed the owners of the travel agency, Alan and Harriet Lewis on April 11 and April 14, 2020 requesting a refund. I got no response from them. On April 22 Emily, a GCT representative, called me and told me that she would get the paperwork in order for a refund since Grand Circle canceled the trip. I called Vicky to follow up on April 29 and was told that Grand Circle rescinded all cash refunds and would only issue vouchers for a future trip through 2022. Their original information was deceptive and misleading as I cannot plan two years in advance because of my age and health problems.

A friend and I signed up for a trip called The Riviera's: Italy, France and the Isles leaving April 13, 2020. On March 6, 2020 we received emails stating they canceled the trip due to coronavirus. We were given 3 options. The 3rd option was a full refund, including air and insurance. Shortly after this they changed their policy and we were informed we would not get a refund as promised. We were told we could reschedule a trip during the next few years. I am a senior citizen and cannot know if I'll be able to travel 1-2 years from now. I have called and spoken with 3 separate people expressing my displeasure only to be told they had changed their policy and nothing could be done about a refund. I have written an email to one of the owners and to their Quality Management Department with no reply. I honestly don't know what has happened to this company. They had a good reputation.

We have made 14 trips with OAT/GCT and were about to take our 15th trip in March when COVID 19 interfered. We expected Grand Circle to cancel this trip to Italy, but as the departure drew near they continued to assure us it was safe, but since we are well past the age considered most in danger from the virus, we made the decision to cancel. They did cancel later. We were assured that the insurance was for any cancellation and Grand Circle advised us to file a claim with the insurance company and we would hear from them quickly. We did file and requested a refund check then waited to hear. Filed on Feb. 29 and Travel Insurance Company replied on March 8 that they had reviewed and approved our claim and we should hear from GCT about payment.

Critical: Professionalism. This used to be a good company. We have been happy with many trips over the years. However, this pandemic has hurt them financially, and it appears that their new policy is to pass this financial strain onto their customers!! We booked trips for FOUR of our family members. They had to cancel them because of the worldwide crisis. However, they now refuse to refund any of the funds, for trip, travel, insurance, and then -- without our permission - they have rebooked all of us on different trips!! Every phone call is a 90 minute exercise in frustration and stress... And they are using deceptive practices to keep the money (almost $40,000) and are completely refusing to provide the required refunds.

This was my first river cruise. I like it so much better than an ocean cruise. All the employees were exceptional. The rooms were more than adequate with a balcony to sit outside.. The guides were open to suggestion, so we did activities over and above what was contracted for. We were able to cruise a low water Danube when other companies could not. I love that GCT always has a visit with locals in all their tours.