Grand Circle Travel Reviews

This was the most incredible experience! Thank you so much for the great tour guides, the beautiful river trips and the exciting experience of going through the locus. The meals were exquisite. Thanks to everyone who made this trip a huge success for us.

I rate 5 stars because these trips are awesome. The program directors are topnotch and had to deal with a couple major emergencies and handled it all professionally. We learned about the local culture. Home hosted visits are my favorite thing to do. I am planning next trip.

We have just completed our 7th vacation with Grand Circle Travel taking the Great Rivers of Europe cruise. As usual, GCT provided us with an excellent vacation, plenty of education about the cities and areas we saw. We enjoyed everything and will be back again.

Grand Circle provides a wonderful experience full of adventure and delight! This was our 5th trip and we hope to make another one soon. The staff are all amazing - friendly, knowledgeable and ready to help in any way. The food on our River boat, Harmony, was excellent, too!

My first cruise with Grand Circle, Paris to Normandy on the Seine. The time on the ship was exemplary. Extremely well organized, food was beyond delicious, EVERY staff person seemed to be there to meet our every need with a smile. Our Program Director for the pre trip and cruise was well-informed, organized, and lovely. It seemed that they all wanted us to have the very best experience possible. Unfortunately, that was not true for the post trip. It was disorganized, we were moved to an old hotel in a less than savory area, with a guide that was unfamiliar with the area, and did not seem to care whether we were making our way or not. It was exactly the opposite of the cruise, and left a very bad taste in everyone's mouth for the last days of our trip. Such a sad way to end an otherwise lovely cruise.

This was my first cruise on Grand Circle which was recommended by friends who are former travelers as an educator's cruise line. Our ship River Harmony was extremely clean and nice size with 144 passengers. The staff on ship was amazing and attentive especially those in the dining rooms. But in general, all crew members would get 5 stars from me for friendliness and a job well done. Cuisine was quite delicious and interesting menus daily with choices at each meal.

I just returned from the Rhone River trip and thoroughly enjoyed it. Our director, Lionel was the best. He was very informative about all of the places we visited, Being from France, he had very good English speaking skills with humor and compassion for our small group of 39 people. On our trip from Nice to the MS Chanson we stopped at the cemetery of American soldiers who fought in a battle with makeshift gliders and didn’t make it. We boarded the ship in Aries. This was a small boat newly decorated in elegant fabrics with gold trim. The room was small with a large window but we were so busy that it didn’t spend a lot of time in our room. The staff was excellent and very accommodating to our needs.

This was our first river cruise and we were very happy with all aspects of the experience. The rooms are spacious, with plenty of space for clothes and luggage storage. The crew is very friendly and responsive to our needs. The captain was always present and obviously was making sure things went smoothly. Our ground tours were terrific, and our tour leaders very knowledgeable and fun.

This was our first trip on Grand Circle. Their attention to detail was impeccable! The program directors and local guides were very informative and met all our needs. The cruise staff were very friendly and accommodating and the food was excellent! We would highly recommend Grand Circle.

I just returned this week, from the "Cruising the Rhone: Lyon to Provence & Cote D'Azur on the M/S River Chanson", my second River Boat trip. We went in early to Paris to see and do as much as we could but when we boarded, it was a welcome surprise. It's a beautiful boat and most comfortable. The rooms are rather on the small side, but the idea is to not spend your time there! The staff was truly wonderful, welcoming, and eager to please. The captain was highly visible, personable and was part of the team where his services were useful. The food was very good, and the chefs did not disappoint. Our tours were a great variety and even surprising. I was most touched by our visit to the US Rhone Cemetary where 9 of our passengers, being former military veterans, participated in a ceremony and flower presentation. It was a beautiful end to our trip in Nice. I highly recommend enjoying this cruise.

I have taken eight Overseas Adventure Travel trips and loved them all -- from Vietnam to Machu Picchu and Nepal. So when I received the brochure for the Grand Circle Danube River Cruise, I was delighted. Something different, going through new and interesting places. What a disaster! Starting with the flight by an Irish airline whose name I can't remember, that gave me about two inches of leg space, to inedible food, we arrived in Prague.

This was our second tour with Grand Circle Travel. The first was nice. This tour was even better. There were 24 people on the pre-trip and 112 people on the cruise. There was one Tour Director for the three-day pre-trip in Paris and three Tour Directors on the cruise. Everyone, from the crew who met us at the airport to the Tour Directors to the boat crew, housekeepers and servers on the boat, did everything they could to make our trip trouble-free and enjoyable. The meals on the boat were especially well-prepared and tasty with superb presentation. We met some new friends and very much enjoyed the "Seine: Paris to Normandy" tour and cruise.

This is my fifth Grand Circle Cruise and I hope to do many more. I have stayed with this company because they know what travelers want and expect in their travels. Our guide Edward was excellent, he listened to our needs and was very helpful. The side trips that were included were excellent. Our post trip to Italy, lead by Rachel was excellent! Grand Circle Cruise Lines have got it right. Also I have done seven trips with Overseas Adventure Travel which are smaller excellent trips. You can't go wrong with this company.

Accommodations were great. I had a cabin with a balcony. The crew was fantastic. They were always eager to help any way they could. The program director was the best ever. I loved the nightly schedules, maps, and menus we got for the next days' events and meals. There was impending bad weather so the captain made the decision to skip one port and sail straight to another. They more than made up for what we missed at the skipped port(s) by motor coaching us to even better excursions. Safety should be first and it definitely was with our captain. I would take another Grand Circle cruise in a heartbeat. It was a once in a lifetime and very memorable experience.

This was my third Grand Circle River Cruise in two years and I was very satisfied. The River Chandon is a lovely small ship made to look old with brass finishings. The staff was wonderful, the food was wonderful and the tours were good. I have nothing to compare them with. Our Program Director was very personable and tried to make sure we were happy. I was impressed. We flew to Nice and were supposed to board the ship but because of recent rains, the river was swollen and all ships were stopped upstream. We boarded a bus for a couple of days and Grand Circle actually went out of their way to be accommodating. Not enough time on the ship but they did the best they could.

We traveled in a group of 7 family members with Grand Circle to Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Hungary. 5 days in Poland in very nice hotels and 12 days on a ship with about 130 other passengers cruising and stopping at ports along the Danube. Sensory Overload is how I would describe the trip…in a good way. We participated in almost all activities from talks presented by tour guides and locals on the ship to bus rides into towns for walking tours, visits to palaces and castles, musical concert by an outrageously good pianist ($100 extra per person) and a concert by 3 violinists, a cello, a string bass, a flautist, a clarinet, drummer and pianist. ($ 100 per person extra). Also outrageously good. I don’t even care for classical music but enjoyed both concerts immensely. To my surprise, the latter concert also had opera singers and dancers…all wonderful!

Took the 8 day December River cruise. When the water level became too high and prevented our river ship from continuing on the Danube, GCT transported us by bus to another river ship docked in Passau. From that point, 140 passengers completed the itinerary each day by bus and returned to the ship for our accommodations and meals. For the last night GCT booked a hotel in Nuremberg to facilitate easy access to airport departures. GCT has been the best organized and truly customer focused travel company I have experienced. Reason why I have booked my upcoming 14th trip!

We were initially very happy to go on a cruise with Grand Circle in November 2023 on their Romantic Blue Danube: Budapest to Prague cruise. We were very excited, we have several family members and friends who are “Inner Circle” members of Grand Circle and they have raved about their experience. When everything is going “to plan” Grand Circle is great, but we unfortunately found out that if you have an issue they are terrible! This was on many levels and not just one person so it leads me to believe that it is a system wide issue.

I have done 5 cruises with them and for the price they are absolutely amazing. The staff is all very professional and sweet. The boat is a bit out dated and the travel could be better but overall I highly recommend. You will not find another trip for the same price. The food was always great and everything was very clean.

This was the Grand Circle River Cruise from Paris to Niece. This is the 8th Grand Circle (GC) river cruise I have done. I have done one Viking river cruise. The good: The ship is slightly smaller than the other GC ships I have taken, and was superb. The staff is excellent and highly professional. The food was as good, if not better than I remember, and served beautifully. Coffee is complimentary and available 24 hours a day. Soft drinks are commentary and available when the bar is open. I think draft beer was also, but I’m not sure. Wine and draft beer at dinner were commentary as well. The hotel manager, our room attendant, and restaurant manager were more than excellent at their jobs.

Recently cruised the Rhine and Mosel Rivers and had great service, great food, a great Tour Director, and lots of fun. Our cabin was always ship-shape. Our daily tours with Tim included lots of history and background and were delightfully not crowded at the beginning of November. We saw lots of Christmas decorations and booths going up for the coming Christmas Markets. We expected lots of rain, but had just a few showers with 1 day of rain.

The Italian Alps and the Dolomites are spectacular! This is a great trip in all ways. There was no downside to anything. Our trip leader was excellent! He was always with us, taking extreme care to tend to us. Due to weather issues a couple of times our plans had to be changed. Andy immediately found other wonderful things for us to do and we were never disappointed. He was always happy and eager to please us. We absolutely could not have been more pleased. He was meant to do the job as a guide!!!! Excellent guide skills and wonderful personality!!!!

Just finished my 5th cruise with Grand Circle, once again it was what I expected. Some of the staff had been on a cruise I had previously this year, and they remembered me. Heading on my next one 2 days.

You will not be disappointed using this tour company. I just completed on Friday my third trip down the great rivers of Europe 14 day tour. This was a river cruise and my 11th one with this company. I have recommended the company to other travelers for 13 different friends, who have all taken more than one trip after initially being exposed to an experience with GCT.

We went on the "Romance of the Rhine and Mosel" River Cruise in Fall 2023. We were amazed by the quality of all our experiences -- the ship was pristine, the Grand Circle guides beyond top-notch, the River Harmony captain and crew were experienced, friendly, and helpful. The food was five star and thoughtfully planned to make each meal perfect. I wanted to bring the chef home with me. The wait staff was incredibly attentive and lots of fun. The activities at the ports-of-call were interesting and varied. I loved seeing and tasting how Black Forest cake was made (in the Black Forest). The lounge activities included kaoke, dancing, etc. and thoughtful talks on current European topics and Renaissance art! We are currently in the process of booking another trip with Grand Circle Cruise lines.

We saw and did so much in 3 weeks! Our tour guide, Anna B., was great. She was always willing to help with anything asked of her. Anna gave us suggestions of things to do, restaurants, and any assistance we needed for our free time. The hotels we stayed in were all very nice and nicely located. The tour had a good amount of activities and meals included. This was my third trip with Grand Circle, and I have been very pleased with all of them. With this trip, my only complaint is with the call center. I requested some minor clerical changes to my reservation several times, but everything was not corrected. The travel industry was affected so adversely with Covid, there are likely a lot of newer customer service people. Hopefully those type of issues will be addressed. Other than that, I was thrilled with my trip and hope to go on many more adventures with Grand Circle!

This was my 12th trip with GCT. Had it been my first, I would not travel with them again. GCT has declined over the past few years. This was a land tour of Spain and Portugal. I was so disappointed in the hotels and food offered. The airline portion of the flight was a nightmare. The Program Director was great, the home-hosted meal was the best food provided/included. We spent two full days of bus travel with short stops every few hours. An all-over bad experience. I know they can, and should do better.

This was my wife & my fourth trip with GCT. Each of the trips was an experience we will treasure forever (Costa Rica, Greece, its Islands & Israel, The Rhine River Cruise). Taking nothing away from the others, we felt the service & shipboard performance of the staff from our group leader, waiters, front desk staff & room service was simply top shelf across the board on this trip. Very, very well done!!

This is our 5th trip with Grand Circle Travel. Each trip, including this one, had been enjoyable and keeps us coming back. The Canadian Mountains were better than expected. Scenery, animal views, educational, fun to meet and interact other travelers and great leader, Jackie. Was it perfect, wait no it was not but either am I! A couple hotels were further from downtown areas but wait, after having fun all day, we were ready to rest and get ready for tomorrow.

I recently spent three weeks on a Grand Circle Tour, Ireland in Depth. It was everything I had hoped for and more. Plenty of interesting historical, political, and socio-economic information was provided by our knowledgeable Program Directors, the scenery was beautiful, the hotels were lovely, the food opportunities were great, and the Irish folk we encountered were just plain wonderful. The tour bus was quite comfortable and the two drivers were superb. My only issue was with the airline reservations that GCT made on my behalf - lots of long layovers and multiple legs; next time, I'll book my own flights. But I still give GCT a 5-Star rating for overall performance.

My wife and I took this same adventure with GCT in 2016 and it was wonderful. In 2023 we did it again to try to relive the '16 experience. When final documents arrived all hotels had been changed. Now hotels we're not located conveniently to sites. In Taormina hotel was in a hole 20 minute steep uphill walk (at least) to Corso Umberto (old historic city). We were at the mercy of GCT logistics. Wasted our vacation time waiting on vans and buses. Terrible location - Hotel Diodoro is a tired old hotel, originally built ~1898. I'm talking really tired.

I submitted an insurance claim for my Aunt who passed away in March 2023, who had purchased the Travel Insurance. Allianz approved the claim on 04/06/2023. I am still fighting with Grand Circle to release her funds. Every customer service rep gives a different story and puts you on hold in excess of 30 minutes each time. I think they are just hoping that I stop calling and they can keep the funds. I would never book with this cruise line!

Recently cruised with GCT and they failed to comply with their stated regulations regarding Covid protocols. Temperatures of travelers were NEVER taken on the cruise, and, although ship was approximately 1/2 full, only approximately 1/2 of the tables were being utilized. That doesn't make sense since using them all would have limited the number of passengers occupying them, thus limiting exposure. My wife and I would have been able to have a table to ourselves, not because we are anti-social, but because we would have been safer. In addition, a local restaurant lunch was packed full of passengers with food being served right under their noses.

This tour was phenomenal from the beginning to the end! The view of the mountains and Grand Canyon was breathtaking! The bus driver, Wayne, could not have been any better! He provided us with so much information. He was warm and concerned about the experience of the customers on the tour. Lunch was provided in the cost. There was a stop at the Hoover Dam to view the dam. I could not have asked for a better experience! Kiddos to the bus drive for being SO informative!! Would take take this tour all over again!

We have just returned from our 6th, and probably last, Grand Circle tour. They have provided great service in the past, but this tour was bad. The Tour guide read from a book, did little guiding on site and was mainly interested in getting us back on the bus. It felt like a school tour where I had the least interested parent supervising me. Our buses had problems; the drivers were pulled from retirement and were unfamiliar with the vehicles. We ran off the road and almost flipped--and Grand Circle did NOTHING. Poor food, poor guidance and no involvement from the guide or the Company.

I booked a river cruise with GCT because their COVID protocols were strong ... on paper. Not only did GCT require vaccination, including a booster, paperwork sent to me in my final packet, one week before departure, stated GCT policy "G.C.C.L requires all travelers wear facemasks when in public spaces while on board the ship and/or while traveling in a coach bus." This company policy was the reason I booked with them in the first place, because, as we all know, vaccinations may keep one out of the hospital but does NOT keep one from contracting COVID.

Avoid like the plague! Absolutely the worst travel agency in the business… the service is virtually nonexistent and if you need to contact them, be prepared to spend hours listening to their recorded music after which the line will probably go dead. They tied up over $10,000 of our money on a trip they canceled because the cruise line they offered us had Russian links. And then it took them over 3 months to give us back our money which they did only after numerous phone call attempts and letters to management. Avoid the grief and go elsewhere to a reputable business at the outset.

My cruise was cancelled by the company because do not have enough people, asking for refund but never get an answer. Try to call this phone number 1-800-221-0814/1-877-220-2610, holding for 2 hours cannot get a connection, if The Cruise Company cancel the trip they should automatically refund your money, finally I have through the credit card company to dispute payment.

They have made it impossible to contact them about anything. 2 hour wait for phone contact. No answer to emails or snail mail. They sent me an unitemized bill for $650 for a trip I'd been notified had been completely paid for. I've tried to reach by each way listed without success. Don't do business with these people. They are completely incompetent at this point. The best they do is send a canned letter saying how sorry they are that they are behind in correspondence because of having to frequently change airline reservations for various tours. That's no excuse for not responding to paid customer's inquiries.

Booked Iceland Greenland trip this year. GCT cancelled the Greenland portion. Terms indicate if they cancel you get a refund. You can also reevaluate if you want to cancel the total trip. We plan to go to Iceland. Asked for refund and got a credit instead. $7000 in their pocket. I called, sent letters, asking for a refund. It’s their terms. No answer. I don’t want to be obligated to Grand Circle. They appear to be having problems, long waits on the phone. I am still pursuing my refund.

Our 2020 tour has been re-booked to 2022. But we need to cancel. It is impossible to reach this company. They had no number call back policy and I have been on hold 1/2 hr. 4x. I was told last year I could not cancel the trip and they rescheduled it but now I cannot even reach them to find out if I can change the trip. I had always heard this was a good company but clearly it is no longer good. How Can I Get $$ back?? How can I reach them??

This company must not have enough staffing. They also operate overseas travel adventures. They have changed our river cruise a couple of times. We are only a month out. When you try to contact someone by phone. You are on hold for 2-3 hours. UNACCEPTABLE!! They don’t have any way to contact them. Even email or call back. This is my first experience with them. I would not recommend the company.

We have traveled with Grand Circle Travel 5 times in the past and never had an issue. We booked a tour in July 2020 for March 2021 and paid in full. They canceled the tour and said if we left in our the books for the same time the following year we would not be charged extra so we did. We got a bill November 11th for another $900. Not thinking I paid it. When I realized I should not have been charged I called and was told we should not have been billed that amount and a refund would arrive in about 30 days. So I waited. Instead I got an invoice saying we were not due a refund so I called again.

I had a trip planned to Costa Rico in March of 2020. Due to Covid it was cancelled 2 days before the trip. They promised to rebook at another date or a full refund. I choose a full refund. They then said refunds were not an option. I felt pressured to rebook another trip so I rebooked a trip to the Panama Canal for Jan. 2021. Travel was not advised so I cancelled that. Hated to lose my money so booked a trip to Alaska for August 2022 thinking it would be safe to travel by then. Now I have some health issues and don't feel safe to travel. I've tried to call them and waited an hour and a half without anyone answering. Not sure I have any recourse but feel they were dishonest from the first cancellation.

I had a trip booked for June 2022 which I had to cancel due to poor health. I spoke to Patrick at the Overseas Adventure Travel arm of Grand Circle Travel and he assured me that after deducting a $300 cancelation fee, I would get the remaining refund of $1149.00 credited to my credit card within 30 days. That would have been on 1/22/2022. No Refund to date (2/4/2022). I have written via email twice to their support email account - no response. I have spent over 5 hours on hold without making contact. No refund, no communication except for a huge thick catalogue of future tour options. Why would I consider that? Anyway, just a cautionary tale for those thinking of booking a trip with either company. I sure wouldn't.

I realize this is a tough time for everyone in the travel business and it is a stressful time for all. However, I am very disappointed in the cancellation policy. We are scheduled to go to Ireland on 10/1. CDC and State Department have put Ireland on a red alert (do not travel) yet the tour is going on. As I understand from your customer service agents, options to cancel are limited. We just want a full-refund or price protection for the future trip. We have reluctantly booked a trip for 9 May 2022. However, I can't believe that they want to charge a loyal customer $100 change fee and changes in airfare. My mother has travelled with GCT many times. Isn't our loyalty worth this small amount of money?

On 7/23/2021 I booked a cruise with Grand Circle Travel (aka Overseas Adventure Travel - OAT). At the time of the booking, I was in constant contact with a regional adventure counselor and the reservation process went smoothly (including the transmission of funds for my deposit and for the Travel Protection Plan). The counselor submitted a waiver request for a $100 certificate that is scheduled to expire 9/6/2021 so that it could be applied to the reservation.

Due to COVID we had to move our trip. Then after a year, we wanted our money back. They refused to refund our money. They told us to contact Alliance for a refund. We did. Alliance said to call Grand Circle. Finally I read some of these complaints and did file with the suggestions made where other people received refunds. Will keep updating this site. I will never travel with them again.

My trip was rescheduled for 2021. I called Grand Circle and asked about travel insurance for the rescheduled trip. I was sold the insurance for $545. Then I figured out I already had the insurance and was sold it a second time. I contacted Grand Circle and a refund was approved on July 20th. I was told it would take 30 days for the refund. I called after 30 days and was informed it would take 60 days. After 60 days I called and was told it would take 90 days to refund. Then I called again - this time it was 90 work days. I am currently at over 100 work days and no refund. I sincerely question the financial viability of the company.

A group of seniors, of which I am included, reserved a river cruise on December 30, 2019. We placed a $500 deposit and $499 Allianz insurance policy. We were told we could cancel for any reason. I was paying for 2 friends to accompany me as I suffer from Stage 4 lung cancer. Over the next 3 months, one friend suffered a heart attack with a subsequent unstable heart condition and the other friend suffered an orthopedic injury that her doctor advised would make walking very uncertain.

Earlier I wrote a review about GCT and how after two months I still had not received a refund for a cancelled trip. I was notified by GCT on July 2nd the refund was being credited to my credit card. This after the State Attorney General's Office and State Insurance commission contacted them. I was unhappy with the delay, however GCT and OAT trips have been great trips, especially OAT rank quite high in our many trips. Up until the fight to get a refund, my wife and I have been happy with the company and when things settle down would recommend them for a great travel experience.

My friend and I contacted by phone Grand Circle Travel, in Boston in early February stating we did not feel comfortable traveling to Europe in mid April and were requesting a refund. Received a letter from Mr. Irwin, Director of Finance dated 2/24 stating we would receive a refund within 7-10 days for a full refund less applicable fees. So far we have received $849 and 301.75 each with no notation as to what it covered. The trip was $4962 each. I again contacted Mr. Irwin on 4/24 stating we did not receive another payment from them. On 5/1, I received a letter from Harriet Lewis, Vice Chairman and she stated we would be rebooked for May, 2021 and issued a credit of $500.00 towards another trip. We are 79 and 83 and told her we did not wish a trip and do not feel comfortable about traveling outside of the USA. A general e-blast was sent verifying her original letter. I feel this is very irresponsible and our money should be refunded.

It seems funny that some people get their money back and others don't. We wish to cancel, but it's impossible. I will never use this company again. We can't help what's going on in the world. Grand Circle changes the rules!

On 9/13/19 my husband & I booked a trip to Spain/Portugal departing 10/14/20 for $9479.35. On 4/30/20 we called and cancelled our trip due to the pandemic. At the time, Rep. explained that there was a $300/each cancellation fee & we would forfeit our Travel Ins. of $1098. We would receive a refund check of $7781.35. In May GCT changed their policy to Voucher only (lack of funds). I contend that we cancelled before their change of policy and GCT should keep their word.

We had one planned for June 1 of 2020, but of course it was canceled. Grand Circle was very honorable and returned our money with the exception of an administrative fee (which is understandable). We hope that the Travel situation will be different next year so that we can again travel on a Grand Circle river cruise.

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.

After writing certify letters to GCT saying that I do not wanted a voucher but a refund. Additionally writing to BBB and General Attorney Office of MA with claims about GCT, my money was refunded.

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.

I'm group leader for a Univ. travel group. Several members booked on Holland cruise early April. Due to COVID, trip canceled. 3/17 note to all offered refunds. Company decided NOT to honor their word!

I am a 22 time traveler with Grand Circle Travel. Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus, my anticipated 23rd trip, a river cruise with my niece ‘Holland and Belgium in Springtime’ departing April 29 was canceled by the company. I contacted the company to request a refund. The customer rep, Sheila, said GCT could not do this as the company would go under and rebooked the trip for May 2021. I told her this was unacceptable as I did not want my money ($14,853) tied up for another year. After putting me on hold to talk to a manager, Sheila said the managers were too busy and would return my call within 24 hours. I never received a return call. Holding my monies and refusing a refund is unethical and unscrupulous. I do not recommend traveling with this company or their Subsidiary Overseas Adventure Travel.

Our Holland & Belgium Springtime river cruise and Bruges extension was canceled due to Coronavirus by Grand Circle on 3/13, was supposed to leave on 3/17/2020. In their email, they offered a full refund and also followed up with a phone call from their representative offering the same; all 7 in our group opted for the refund. On 3/27/2020 we received an email saying that GC was rebooking us on the same trip next year; we did not want this and do not want our money tied up for a year! We each requested that they cancel the rebooking and refund our money as originally promised; they will not do so even though this was the original offer (in writing!). Neither I nor my 6 travel companions want to ever use this company again after this unscrupulous action on their part. We are frustrated and angry over this treatment and cannot recommend this cruise line, a subsidiary of Overseas Adventure Travel.

In 2000 I made my first of 76 trips with Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel. I have enjoyed twenty years of excellent service and enjoyed each and every traveling experience. I am a 71 year old man and have enjoyed the places I visited and the people I met on each trip throughout the last twenty years.I have sailed the seven seas and transverse every continent with this stellar travel company.

In their "Final Document Booklet" sent to cruise travelers prior to departure, Grand Circle Cruise Line states that airport transfers ARE INCLUDED in the trip cost for international airfare when arranged through GCT's travel department. However, I was told that is not the case when the flight THEY ARRANGED arrived a day earlier than the rest of the tour group. My daughter and I did not need luggage transfer upon arrival. However, we planned to DEPART the airport for the ship on the same day as the rest of the tour group, thus incurring no additional cost to GCT. But we were denied the transfer.

I am one of three senior ladies scheduled to travel for the first time with GCT in November, 2019 - 1 1/2 months from now. We are taking the post trip, ending in Lucerne, scheduled to fly home from Zurich. All travel, including air fare was booked by GCT. We were notified by Air France that our return flight will be delayed by one day. Numerous time I phoned GCT and was told options would be reviewed and someone would get back with us. No one returned our call. Air France stated that because the air was scheduled by GCT, we could make no changes. We received an Email from GCT stating we could find a hotel in Zurich but we would have to pay for it ourselves. No offer to help with anything.

I have done quite a few trips with GCT and ALL have been great! They always include a visit to a school or tribe site or something else educational, combined with a meal there of yummy food we've often never heard of. On the Rhine a few years ago, we had the only ship that was able to pass the very low waters while other companies had to bus their guests. The hosts/hostesses and instructors were knowledgeable about the area and its history. They would add something to our predetermined tour if enough people were interested. Can't say enough good about them - food was gourmet or simple - your choice.

I purchased a China and Yangtze River cruise from Grand Circle Travel for July 2019. 3 months before the trip (which was already paid for) they notified me it was canceled. They said they "overestimated the interest in China travel the month of July" due to the heat. They reimbursed me the costs but left me high and dry to find another trip at such a late date. They offered me a $250 travel credit for my NEXT trip with them. Like I would ever take a trip with them again??!! Here is why I'm writing this review. On their website they claim the July 2019 trip was SOLD OUT!! That is an outright blatant lie. It was NOT sold out - it was canceled. How many of their "SOLD OUT" trips are really just canceled? I saw on their website today they are offering the same trip in July 2020. If July was too warm in 2019 why do they think it will be any different in 2020?? Why can't they just be honest????

Lost over $7000 even with insurance. Purchased their recommended insurance, Trip Mate, but was denied. They claim my reason did not fit their guidelines even though I had all the documentation to prove it did, including doctor signature. They are a rip off, just read the many other reviews. There are much better small cruise lines that treat the customers much better and for less cost.

Having had one excellent experience with a trip to Italy with Grand Circle I did not hesitate to book a second one. Big mistake. After paying for the trip I was asked to come up with more money because of a change in the Euro. I found out that the change had taken place well before I made my payment but had never been informed of the price change. After our arrival in Rome, everything changed as far as quality was concerned. We (primarily seniors) were put on a dilapidated bus that had no emergency rest room. Parts of the seats were falling apart. The food, except for a farm dinner, was only mediocre and almost all of the side trips were extra.

Grand Circle River cruises are for those wanting a more slow paced travel experience. The staff, food, entertainment, demonstrations, etc. are all top of the line. The small number on the ships makes for numerous contact and interaction with the entire ship employees. Excursions are always one with a unique twist to the area. Always a surprise speaker who lived or experienced an event in an area visited. The best in river cruises.

We have done 26 trips with GCT and their OAT affiliate and have never had any complaints. They bend over backwards to ensure a happy trip for all. Reading through the reviews, I can't believe travelers are blaming them for low water levels and other unexpected problems. We just finished a GCT trip to France and three people were chronic complainers and complained about everything. The rest of us just stayed away from them. GCT's prices aren't outlandish (compared with other companies that do the same trip); the food served on the cruises is top-notch as is the crew, our optional trips and our guides who all speak excellent English. We have traveled with other companies so can make legitimate comparisons. GCT and OAT are at the top of our list.

We have traveled with Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure travel 12 times! We love the quality of the people the places they take us, and the great experiences they provide. We have not been disappointed and appreciate the reasonable prices for the amount of great value. In every case, we have had wonderful accommodations, well planned itineraries, outstanding guides and excellent food. We have been to China, Egypt, Turkey (twice), India, South East Asia, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Prague, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Peru, just to name a few. All trips have been safe and well planned and we are so very satisfied!

We have traveled with GCT or OATs on four river cruises, and three land cruises including one to China. I have never had a bad experience with a tour or a staff member. That is not to say there have not been problems along the way. Our first trip was cancelled due to flooding, we had a lock workers strike on another tour and we had a virus on board a ship one time. Each of these situations was handled professionally, we were constantly updated on the situations and they the company went out of the way to make sure everyone was satisfied. Every one of our Program Directors have been excellent and the learning and discovery experiences, for which GCT and OATs are known, have been exceptional. I have three trips planned with them this year and every one of them has been handled to my satisfaction.

The OAT travel insurance is a sham. I paid 15,000 for a trip to Antarctica and bought insurance. I had to cancel due to an injury. I called OAT and they referred me to travelclaimsonline.com. I have been fighting with them for 4 months. They keep asking for more information. Called OAT three separate times for help. They said my claim is in their records and is valid. However, they said they couldn't help me, dealing with travelclaimsonline.com is my problem. Don't know what to do, OAT is no help and travelclaimsonline.com doesn't answer their phone beyond an endless message.

I had made a courtesy reservation for one of GCT's European river cruises. I indicated I wanted to share a cabin with another female to avoid paying the single supplement. I was told I'd have to take the highest cabin category since I requested to be paired with another female. Mistake #1. I was not told that there was a fee for the roommate matching service. Mistake #2. It's called a ripoff. I canceled my reservation.

I am compelled to review the river cruise which Shelli reviewed. I was on the same exact cruise and met Shelli. She was angry when she got on the boat because the river was low. She neglected to report that GCT did all they could to mitigate the situation. After all, they cannot control the river level. They put all the passengers up in very nice hotels and provided our meals while there. They hired first class motor coaches to transport us. They threw in an excursion to Rothenburg which had been an option costing $100. They had open bars a couple of times AND they gave every passenger a credit of $250 towards another river cruise.

Just returned from a Great Rivers Cruise. It really was a bus trip that we did not sign up for. Most terrible experience. We were supposed to sail on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. Looking forward to a relaxing boat trip, but instead we were put in hotels for 3 nights and bussed to finally meet the ship. Never cruised the Rhine- the highlight of the trip. After a few days on ship 1 we were again bussed and required to actually change to ship 2. The real problem is that GCT knew all about these problems well in advance and LIED to us when asked for info before departing!!! They have made no attempt to compensate us, other than to offer a ridiculously low amount to use as a credit toward a future trip with them. You have got to be kidding- spend thousands of dollars more with them. I can't stress how unethical this company is. STAY AWAY!!!

We took Crossroads of the Adriatic which was a tour given by OAT, their small group division. We are experienced travelers and this was probably our favorite trip. Although we only used them once we know many people who use this as their company of choice. In terms of complaints about not refunding money for last minute cancelations due to injury or illness, this is why we always take out travel insurance. It does not have to be affiliated with the tour company but should be obtained shortly after booking so it will cover pre-existing conditions.

In 1916 we were scheduled to take an extended tour Essence of the Elbe: Berlin to Prague with Grand Circle Cruise line. Of interest we known as Inner Circle members because of the number of trips we had taken. A week before we were scheduled to start the journey my husband completely separated his quadriceps tendon from the knee, necessitating emergency surgery with a 3-6 month recovery. I admit we did not take out travel insurance. In the past we paid for the insurance at a high premium and never had to use it.

My wife and I have scheduled our 16th trip with the OAT division of GCT. We are doing a 4+ week trip to Fiji, New Zealand and Australia. 3 months ago I requested that they do early ticketing so that I could make special seating arrangements on the longer flight segments, My first request was 04/04/18. As I am typing these comments I am still waiting for the information... 06/04/2018. It remains to be seen if I actually get the information.

My husband and I have taken 10 trips with OAT and Grand Circle and each experience has been fabulous. We have traveled China, Africa, Costa Rica, the good old US of A and multiple trips to Europe and we can't say enough good things about the program directors we have experienced, the sights we have seen and the experiences we have enjoyed. After recommending GC to friends I am disheartened to find this site with such negative reviews. Everyone is entitled to his opinion but just want folks to know that we are taking another trip this summer and have our eye on a trip next summer. Have met some lovely lifelong friends through our experiences.

My first trip with Grand Circle was five years ago, and it was delightful. Took their river cruise from Paris to the south of France. The itinerary was fascinating, the guides were mostly excellent, the food was delicious - it was a great trip. We had some lousy weather, but c'est la vie. We took all the optional excursions except Giverny, and were blown away by how interesting they were.

My, my, my! I was unaware of this site until I wandered upon it just a few minutes ago. I read the first three reviews and was amazed in terms of the negativity that prevailed within. Apparently, I've been mighty blessed, for I've taken SIX of GCT's tours: Costa Rica, Thailand, Egypt, Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast, (Brasil, Argentina, Chile, Peru), Germany and the Czech Republic, and a few others. All have been quite magnificent, for on each one the cost was to my liking; the hotels comfortable and varied in decor and architecture. Some have been rather elegant, and all of my guides, the individual who makes the trip to be enjoyable or not as well as my traveling companions, have made my traveling experiences with Grand Circle Travel memorable and recommendable. I feel sorry for those travelers who had negative travel experiences with this company that received five huge stars from me on each of my SIX trips, the last being in 2014.

Just finished a Christmas Markets tour with Grand Circle Travel in Germany in December. Was disgusted when our tour guide who had us wait in the street while he went inside a shop to purchase **, then came out and held it up a huge rolled ** cigarette proudly for all to see. Just what I wanted to do... spend 9 hours on a plane and thousands of dollars, to watch a GCT tour guide purchase his drugs for the evening. About 5-6 days into the trip, I came down with Influenza A and Bronchitis. Instead, of taking me off the ship to a hospital ER, a doctor who was wearing filthy jeans was brought on board who spoke almost no English.

I went on the pre-trip to Japan for this tour. When it was time to leave Japan and fly to China I was informed that I would not be flying on the same fight with everyone else who was on the pre-trip. I would be flying by myself. The tour director said she had contacted the airline and GCT but was unable to get my flight changed. I had booked this trip a year in advance so I'm not sure how this happened. Plus, I was traveling with a friend so I believed that we would be flying on the same flights throughout the trip. The day of the flight I was put on a municipal bus with a driver who did not speak English so I had to make sure I was dropped off at the correct terminal, check-in for the flight and navigate through the airport by myself in a country where few spoke English. When we arrived in China I had to go through immigration alone which was very unnerving. If there had been a problem with my Visa I would have been on my own.

I have taken 14 trips with Grand Circle/Overseas Adventure Travel and have spent thousands of dollars on their travel insurance through Trip Mate. I never used the insurance until after my last trip, which left me in pain as a result of cramped airline seating. (I'm 6'5".) I had trip number 15 reserved but decided not to take it. I canceled nearly a year before the trip was to take place, and all I was requesting was a refund of $300 for the cancellation penalty. (The trip insurance alone, which I also forfeited, cost almost as much.)

I have taken three trips with Grand Circle and they have all been excellent. Anything out of the ordinary they make exceptional special accommodations. Exceeding my expectations. I am typically the youngest person on the trip. All of these complaints I attribute to angry old farts who have nothing better to do than complain. They are looking for something for nothing. Get a life!!!

When I booked a trip through OAT to Morocco for Sept. 2017, I was told that in order to take the trip, I also had to take the 5 day post-trip extension to Essaouira, so I was quite surprised on the tour to find that only half of the people were required to take the post-trip. The guide and the main tour were for the most part good, but the extension was a waste of time and money with a very unsatisfactory guide, poor hotels in Essaouira and Casablanca, and much longer than necessary bus rides, despite our pleas to go direct to Casablanca, as we only had two hours to explore. On the way to the Casablanca hotel, we were told by our guide we were the last group to stay at that hotel because of the bar next door.

My friend and I used GCT for our recent trip to Australia and New Zealand. We contracted bed bugs in the first hotel that we stayed in (DoubleTree, Cairns). Upon our return to the States, we called GCT and requested some form of compensation (We had to do laundry, pay for medication, etc.). The company ignored our concerns, would not take ownership of our travel struggles and denied any compensation. I will NEVER use this tour company again. They are not focused on client experiences. Do not go on a GCT tour.

I have just canceled a trip with Grand Circle that is 15 MONTHS in the future. I put down $1200, $700 of which went to "insurance." Today I learn I am out $700 out of $1200. Trip Mate, the insurer, will only refund me $300 out of $700! And GC keeps $300 out of the $500 balance. In the end, I will be refunded $200 from GC and $300 from Trip Mate. I receive no consideration for having traveled twice with GC and, again, for canceling more than a year out. I am about to book with Avalon Waterways. Their trip insurance is $379 and fully refundable. Guess whom I will now patronize. Grand Circle tours are decent and program directors do the best they can. But this horrendous level of "customer service" negates any positives. Buyer Beware!

We are so unhappy with GRAND CIRCLE/OA the way they handled the Cuba cancellation. We took our full refund from them as we will go with another group for our next travel adventure. Hurricane Irma was September 9, and I was reading all sorts of warnings not to travel to Cuba -- the Miami Herald and the State Department. OAT did not communicate with us until they canceled the trip September 18. We were to leave on the 26th. Several of us were calling and were told "we are working with this on a day to day basis. I wrote support several times but no answer. I wonder if on a day to day basis, they were looking at the photos and devastation I was looking at. Now they will only credit our VISA account with our refund. As of 9/20 we do not have our refund.

There was much grumbling at the news that the riverboat Aria had developed a major problem and we would be transferred to buses and hotels for the remainder of the trip. I had my doubts about traveling to Eastern Europe in the height of summer. I don't do well in hot weather and should have let my instinct rule instead of being guided into a cheaper cruise that smarter people would have avoided at that time of year.

Trip up to Belgrade was fine. In Belgrade 2 of the 3 generators blew due to extreme heat. This shouldn't have happened if the ship was in good condition which it wasn't being 17 years old. Ship couldn't be fixed so had to be bused to Bucharest. Between the heat and being drag through the country was not what we paid for. GCT needs to fix their ships or replace them. They are all too old and this could happen.

This is a great company to go places with IF you can get booked! Once on the road we had no complaints; we traveled both by river cruise and land trips. They are a great value but the booking process they do themselves is no longer working. They should consider outsourcing to a company that has tight controls and can offer some level of customer service, there is no recourse if someone in the call center fouls up like: confirming the start date of a trip in error, sending out advertising for trips that are not available, and advising customers in error who are coordinating single space with doubles. Buyer beware! Do not let time pass when booking travel with this company. Do it all on the day the catalog comes!

The United Kingdom has a lot of nice things to offer- beautiful scenery & architecture, fascinating history & historical sites, quaint villages, bustling big cities. The Grand Circle Tour Directors are always knowledgeable, personable, and manage the groups well. But be prepared - the UK facilities and services are quite different from continental Europe. Hotels don't have air conditioning. This might be okay if the hotel windows opened - but they don't! Or just open 1-2" - insufficient to get fresh air. So the rooms are stuffy. Beds have heavy duvet covers, but no cover sheets, so you cover yourself with more heat - or nothing. Most hotels don't have safe boxes, minibars or fridges, don't have in-room explanation of hotel services, pen and paper, any North American TV channels, or provide bottled water. Most rooms did have DIY tea/coffee service.

I had traveled a few trips with OAT/GCT -- no more. Marketing has changed. They focus on no charge for single supplements, at the cost of travel couples. And now they offer certain discounts-flight, last minute, etc. But, they charge extra for "optional tours", that should be included. What a disgrace-no effective discount is then experienced -- in fact it is more costly.

I received a brochure with several promotions on it. Along with the number of days (16) and the price ($2695) it stated: "With FREE international airfare from ANY U.S. city -- a savings of $1000-$1300 per person -- on September-November departures." When I called I was informed that this not mean $2695 on departures from September to November but only for November. The attendant stated that the brochure was poorly worded. I maintain that it is deceptive. I did not book a cruise.

I have taken many trips with Grand Circle Travel and the sister companies of GCCL and OAT and have loved every one. I am recently back from the "Italy: Tuscany, the Alps & the Riviera" tour. Very professional and their motto is "learning and discovery". Tips for local guides and bus drivers and waiters on included meals are included in the tour price - you only tip the Program Director and maids in the hotels. I have never had a bad experience in a hotel or with their office staff or tour staff. No single supplements except on the river cruises, and you can request a same-sex roommate. They work with you on the air arrangements, and have options if you want to go in early or stay late at the beginning or end of a trip. I feel they are a good value for the money.