Vantage Deluxe World Travel Reviews
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About Vantage Deluxe World Travel
Vantage Deluxe World Travel provides European river cruises and travel adventures in more than 80 countries across all seven continents. The company offers solo and group trips that take travelers to a variety of worldwide destinations. It also handles meals, itineraries and airline and hotel bookings.
- Operates all over the world
- Solo and group adventures available
- Website offers ways to save money
- Can be expensive
- Reports of long waits for refunds
Vantage Deluxe World Travel Reviews
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Reviewed Aug. 9, 2022
Before Covid, I had made full payment of $7389 on a trip to Portugal and Spain. $1799 was voucher from a previous trip I had to cancel, to be used within one year. Travel protection was $899. They refunded $415 with no explanation. I believe it was the optional tours in Madeira. I have tried from the time of Covid cancellation to get a refund. They refuse. They rebooked same trip for Oct 2021 (one year later) and gave me vouchers. Sept 2021 came and I had not heard from them with air schedule or anything. I checked with the Travel, State, Gov. Website and they advised against travel to Portugal and Spain because of unrest and a level 4 for Covid in both countries. I called Vantage and they told me they still planned to operate the trip as planned. It did not appear that they cared about their customers' safety.
I cancelled. They sent me vouchers for $3777.to be used within 15 months from the date the trip was cancelled. This amount does not include insurance or my voucher from the previous cancelled trip. I am 83 years old and travel is more difficult than it was two years ago. I cannot use the vouchers so am out $7389. I would even be happy with a portion of this amount but Vantage doesn't seem to care. I was booked during that time with two other travel companies and was refunded promptly. If anyone does decide to travel with Vantage, my advice to them would be to never pay the full amount until the last day. They are not very nice people in the customer care department and have long holds, and cut offs when you attempt to call them. There are more reputable Travel Companies. Try them first.
Reviewed Aug. 1, 2022
In May 2021, I booked and paid for a luxury Mediterranean cruise with Vantage. In April 2022, they said the ship would not be ready in time, and I asked that my money be refunded. They owe me a lot of money! Numerous phone calls, chats, etc. and they keep telling me it's "in process".
Reviewed June 30, 2022
We've been traveling the world, with numerous companies, for 50 years. This is the worst trip we have ever gone on. Other than the land portions in Boston & Montreal and some decent food and wait staff, the trip was a disaster! The Program Manager and Cruise Director were the worst we have ever encountered, even with "bargain" trips. They had never been to the most ports and knew almost nothing about them. We knew more, simply from reading articles on the Internet!
Several advertised (and included) land excursions were canceled. For example, in Gaspe, we didn’t drive along the coast, see the GeoPark, enjoy the multimedia adventure, or explore Percé. We didn’t go to the Havre St. Pancrace lookout, Glacier Center, or Glacier Garden. Others weren't canceled, but they were closed. So, we were told to "look through the windows!" One venue had been closed for two years! Two days we had land tours in school buses, because they forgot to book the tour buses in time. The heater in our school bus couldn't operate at the same time as microphone, so the windows fogged over! While Vantage materials advertised that there would be 226 or fewer people on any tour, every tour we took had 35 or more people on it. Plus, while there were QuietVox receivers in our cabin, the tours never used them. So, we could seldom hear the guides.
One port stop (Halifax) was shortened by more than an hour because they couldn't get the disembarkation stairs lined up. Another (Lunenberg) was shortened by 2 hours when they ordered the wrong size tender boats. Another stop (Pictou) was eliminated entirely. The trip advertised the pool, but it was empty. The hot tubs were usually closed and sometimes stone cold. (Someone forgot to turn on the heater.) Internet was understandably spotty, but there was also no TV reception, and no daily news.
The single entertainer was mediocre, at best. The one local group was good…but the tour director announced the wrong time, and most passengers were still in port during the entertainment. All in all, we spent more than $14,000 on a trip that was a total disaster. When asked about the best part of the trip, we both said, “when it was over!” We wrote Vantage a detailed 5-page letter explaining all the issues and asking for a partial refund. After seven weeks, we got the following email:
“Thank you for taking the time to write to us regarding your recent Canada’s Spring Awakening Journey. We appreciate the time you spent to share your thoughts and feedback with us. It is feedback such as yours that provides the building blocks towards successful tour programs and exceptional customer experiences.
We sincerely apologize for the aspects of your tour that did not meet your expectations. Vantage prides ourselves on providing an excellent customer touring experience. We appreciate you providing your detailed feedback which has been shared with our Operations Team so that we may improve these areas that fell below your level of expectation. Again, thank you for contacting Vantage Deluxe World Travel.” Don't book this trip through Vantage!
Reviewed May 20, 2022
It was almost THREE years before we got a refund for a trip cancelled by Vantage. It was nothing less than a nightmare but we are glad to be awake and done with the experience. In regards to communications with Vantage, we made multiple attempts in all forms and to all levels of management. They always agreed that we were owed the money but their response of when the monies would be paid kept changing as the months/ years went on. It was not until we got the Attorney General’s office involved that a resolution finally came. The treatment by this company is not acceptable and we have yet gotten any acceptable apology or reason for such behavior. Our experience was not the first but I do hope that this review can prevent others from a similar nightmare!
Reviewed May 11, 2022
We booked a cruise 4-13-21 and canceled 1-22-22, received two letters. One 1-22-22 stating we would receive a refund for 14,510. On 4-22-22 we received another letter stating we would receive a refund for 14,510, it is now May and all I get is the run around that I am in the Queue.
Reviewed May 3, 2022
Please do not use this company. They have deceptive practices. They are robbers of the lowest order. My partner and I booked and fully paid for an 18-day cruise. About 3 months prior to sailing my partner got a notice from our travel insurance company letting him know that the plan had been moved to the new sailing date, April 2023!! Needless to say when we called Vantage they simply informed us that yes, they had "rescheduled" the cruise to 2023 (over 275 days later). They refused to give a refund.
Reviewed April 12, 2022
Two big problems with Vantage. First, I canceled a trip that was paid for, 6 weeks later no refund. They can not tell me when the refund will be made. Second, they rescheduled a tour for 2021, to 2022, and then again to 2023. Since they did not cancel, just rescheduled, no refund. Because of the above, I think they may be going out of business. Poor way to run a business. Stay away from this company.
Reviewed April 12, 2022
Updated on 04/23/2023: We could not get our money (from 1/21) back so allowed this company to book us on a trip leaving March 2023. We were at the airport, boarding passes in hand, luggage checked, and they called to cancel the trip! We were in total shock and had to get our luggage out and go home. They promised to pay back our full refund, and within 14 days. It is now a month and we get no response. Website: down! Phones: no answer! We are going to contact our lawyer tomorrow. Do NOT book with these people. We hope we can find others who will join a class action legal challenge to these practices.
Original Review: We booked a cruise in January 2021 and paid in cash upfront. The cruise was for May 2022. Unfortunately we had to cancel due to family matters, and we did so well within the guidelines of our contract. Now, six months after cancellation, they refuse to refund that large sum of money, although they have acknowledged in writing that they owe it to us. Further, they refuse to tell us when they will pay us back. A shoddy organization with no intention of living up to their promises.
Reviewed April 7, 2022
RE: Heart of Brazil. Having written to you, and called multiple times, with no response to my letters and calls, I am writing one last time, and hopefully this letter will gain a response. As you are aware, the trip Heart of Brazil was cancelled totally. It was NOT postponed, and to date, no reason was given. Today, I received a new Vantage Travel book (159 pages) with a full listing of all of your trips. Nowhere is Heart of Brazil listed. In reading carefully the Tour Participation Agreement, on the last page, under Alterations and Modifications, top of third paragraph, it states ”If the tour is canceled by Vantage for any reason, Vantage shall have no liability beyond the prompt REFUND of all tour participants’ payments received.”
On 12/05/21, I paid you in full for my tour, by giving you access to my account for a direct withdrawal. Big mistake! In addition, I did pay for Travel Protection…. Which reads ”with the Vantage 100%Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel your trip for any reason right up until you depart and still retain full value. After you pay, you receive this notice, Travel Protection fees are not refundable.” I have not seen one review which was above 1 star. I personally would give them less.
Reviewed Dec. 7, 2021
I don't know how this company would average more than one star....although it would be zero stars if I could post that. This company needs to be shut down. IT IS A PONZI SCHEME. They have used deceptive practices to bring in large sums of money without being able to fulfill the terms they have advertised. And they refuse to refund customers' payments. My friends and I booked a "Last Minute Deal" South American cruise (Sao Paulo to Buenos Aires) with Vantage for Dec 3, 2021. The cost was $11,786. The tour was cancelled three weeks later because the countries' ports-of-call were closed, and had been closed for quite some time, due to Covid. Vantage response to our demand for a refund was: "We had to modify your tour due to government restrictions on travel. We made every effort to continue operating as scheduled; however, due to circumstances outside Vantage's control, we are unable to operate as originally scheduled."
This material fact was not disclosed to us at the time of booking. The company has declared the trip "postponed" and under their terms and conditions, they do not issue refunds for "postponements". (There seems to be some discussion on the www that denying refunds under these circumstances is not legal in Massachusetts, their home state.)
Regardless, this failure to disclose is fraud in the inducement as we booked the tour at the last minute deal based the price and time frame. The company cannot hide behind the terms of their "contract" when they knew at the time of the booking that they could not fulfill their terms of the bargain. We never had a legal, binding agreement. I pointed out the fallacy of their ways, but their staff cling to the notion that our money is now their money. This is a corrupt business and should be put out of business. Others will continue to be defrauded out of millions of dollars until they are stopped. I have written complaints to the Massachusetts attorney general's office and my home state's. I hope they do something sooner rather than later.
Reviewed Nov. 19, 2021
This company is completely non-responsive to the average traveler. They NEVER answer their phone. Have waited on hold for hours and no one picks up. Today was our departure day. The countries we were to visit are in Level 4 alerts for COVID. This is of no concern to Vantage. One of the countries where we were to spend several days visiting is in complete lockdown for vaccinated as well as unvaccinated people. This is of no concern to Vantage. Their solution was just to "surprise" us with a new itinerary. We would not even known this but for the fact that the group leader was able to get through with her "magic" phone number. No information from them came to us directly.
Vantage was of no help in every step along the way in the preparation for this trip. There were forms to fill out, covid testing to be done 72 hours before the trip and no one could help facilitate any of this. They NEVER answer their phone. Their "chat" line on the customer website site goes unanswered. We heard that this MUST be done to go and that MUST be done 72 hours before the flight to board. But no one from Vantage was helpful in facilitating and of the MUSTS.
To send a group of most elderly people to countries where covid is at a level 4 with no option for a cancelation is unscrupulous. From the reviews we have read, this company is in a dire financial situation and because of this has no regard for the customers they have duped. We made the decision to not go on the trip. We will try to recoup some of our money or take a voucher for another trip but don't hold out hope for either. However, we felt our money was wasted if we went or if we didn't so we opted to not go and save ourselves the agony of traveling in lock downed countries, not seeing the sites we had planned to see and generally being masked up at every turn. Not our idea of a fun time.
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2021
After many very good Vantage tours in the past, we booked Luxury on the Nile for 2020, with both the extensions, business class upgraded airfare, insurance, and the highest class cabin. We paid in advance. With COVID, Vantage of course cancelled our 2020 trip and scheduled us for 2021. Unfortunately, they later cancelled our preextension, so we looked to 2022, but no date with all of our purchases was available. So then we looked to 2023 and found a date with all the previously paid for items available. Problem solved, right? WRONG! Vantage insists we have to pay over $7,000 more to get what we already have paid for. They also tell us they will refuse to refund our original purchase price! We really want to do this tour in 2023 and have done many very fine tours before with Vantage. Their stubborn unwillingness to make good on our purchased tour and price means they have lost our confidence.
Reviewed Sept. 10, 2021
On August 13, 2019, we made a reservation for departure on May 10, 2020. We paid in full at the time the reservation was completed (Invoice/Reservation #......-..). We had enjoyed previous trips with Vantage. Due to serious acute medical problems, non-COVID-19, in January 2020, we cancelled our reservation on February 4, 2020, with Cristina, Concierge, who directed us to the “Cancel Team”. We called that day and followed all the steps in their voice message. Nick in the Cancellation Department called us later that day and confirmed our refund of $15,287.00 plus Trip Mate refund that would take 30 days to process.
On February 5, 2020, Henry ** sent a letter “keeping you in our thoughts and wishes you a full and speedy recovery”. March 11, 2020, WHO declared the COVID-19 pandemic, which we are sure Vantage knew about months before and we know the pandemic has been devastating for the travel industry. That being acknowledged, we still awaited our refund. May 8, 2020, I spoke with Patrick, Concierge, who confirmed the amount of our refund, said “refunds are processed by the date submitted… Haven’t yet processed cancellations dated February 4, 2020… No estimate of when it would be processed”.
On August 14, 2020, Vantage Customer Care replied to my email inquiry, “I see that your refund was initiated on 2/4/20.” Then stated, “staff limited... vendors backed up… working diligently…just going to take longer than normal.” On June 15, 2021, I emailed Vantage at Customercare@vantagetravel.com providing our Account #, Invoice/Reservation #, PO Code, requesting an update on when our refund could be expected. We did not receive a response by email, phone or mail which is exceedingly disappointing and very poor customer service!
Almost daily we receive a large volume of mailings and emails with travel itinerary information and continue today. Regrettably, serious ongoing medical problems prevent us from traveling now and making plans far out in the future. Now, over two (2) years after paying in full for our reservation and 19 months after cancelling, we have certainly not forgotten the Vantage promise of our confirmed refund and would appreciate the courtesy of communication informing us when we can expect our refund.
Reviewed July 29, 2021
I booked a trip to Egypt for December 2021. I had questions about final payment and a misspelling of a name. Customer service never picks up after long wait times. Chat does not work. I wrote 5 emails with no response to my questions other than to look online. Covid is not an excuse. I traveled to Botswana in April and was in contact with company in US the entire time. I will not travel with a company with no service personnel. I just cancelled by mail but I guess they will figure it out when they get no money. I will stick to companies I know that provide personal service and that will answer questions. Might cost a bit more but worth peace of mind. Go elsewhere!!
Reviewed July 23, 2021
I paid for "France Culinary Delights". They canceled the tour and substituted "Gems of the Seine". They refuse to refund my payment even though the terms state that they will return all payments promptly if the tour is canceled. They refuse all phone communication. Their terms state that they are registered with the California seller of travel program. The Office of the Attorney General states that that is not true.
Reviewed May 10, 2021
After three cancellations (one called postponement) we have not gotten our refund on our river cruise! They do not respond to anything! My attorney has written our demand letter, Chase Bank has given up on our credit card refund and I am having difficulty in finding the service agent here in California to sue them! What a mess. Vantage has not been licensed to do business here in California since 2017 under their supposed Vantage Deluxe World Travel name?
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to John’s review. We sincerely apologize for the severe delays that we continue to experience due to the continuing Covid-19 Pandemic. Our team would like to investigate your matter further. Unfortunately, we are unable to locate your account with the information provided to us by Consumer Affairs. Please send us an email to customercare@vantagetravel.com with either your customer number or reservation number so our team can locate your account, investigate your concerns and respond accordingly. We look forward to receiving your email and assisting you further.
Reviewed April 8, 2021
Sadly, we must join others who have been promised a refund from Vantage, but don’t get it. We paid in full in November 2019 and cancelled June 2020. We received an email on 8-5-2020 stating that “we are due a refund if $15,483 and we would receive it 10 days after we signed their release form which we sent the next day. Like many others, we have never received any refund and February 2021 we received a letter from Vantage Tripmate stating that they have determined that “the travel protection plan doesn’t cover our trip cancellation claim.” Now we continue to receive beautiful Vantage magazines offering “risk free cancellation.” This would have been our 4th trip with Vantage and we thought it was a company we could trust. Any future travel will be with Silverseas. We also had a trip booked with them. They refunded our money when they had to cancel before we even asked for it.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Kathleen’s review. We sincerely apologize for the severe delays that we continue to experience due to the continuing Covid-19 Pandemic. Our team would like to investigate your matter further. Unfortunately, we are unable to locate your account with the information provided to us by Consumer Affairs. Please send us an email to customercare@vantagetravel.com with either your customer number or reservation number so our team can locate your account, investigate your concerns and respond accordingly. We look forward to receiving your email and assisting you further.
Reviewed March 15, 2021
Although we are President Club Members, and have traveled with Vantage many times in the past without complaint, we are extremely disappointed in how Vantage dealt with us regarding the 9/8/2020 trip they cancelled in/about August, 2020. Some time after that time, Vantage scheduled us for an October 2021 river cruise without consulting us (Reservation # **).
We have emailed Vantage several times to cancel the 10/12/2021 trip. We did not ask for it or sign up for it. Vantage booked a cabin (our original trip had a suite). The trip does not have the events or tours offered for the original trip, nor does it have the free after-trip extension to Versailles. The ship (which Vantage does not own) does not have the features of the original ship (e.g. free laundry services, complimentary mini bar, etc.). The value of this trip is much less than what we paid for the 2020 trip. We have emailed Vantage at least 6 times asking them to cancel. Their response is that we have to talk to customer service. Several emails said that we would be contacted by customer service (we have not!!). Multiple attempts by us to call all end up with our being on hold, without getting through.
Today, their email said, in part; "Thank you for your email. You currently have an active reservation. Please understand that we are unable to begin any cancellation procedures via our email or chat portals. We require our guests to call us directly to initiate." Vantage will not address that we did not initiate the reservation. Per MA consumer law, Vantage is required to issue a refund for the 9/2020 trip they cancelled. Vantage refuses to do so. Today, I would give Vantage 0 stars, but the lowest rating I can give is 1 star. Shame on Vantage!!!
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Peter’s concerns. We share in his disappointment with our decision to modify and postpone our 2020 departures (and 2021 departures through August 25, 2021) due to the unprecedented Government restrictions imposed on travel due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Please understand, Peter is not due a refund as per our Terms and Conditions which were agreed to by the customer upon making their initial reservation. We specifically refer to our Alterations and Modifications Section where it clearly states:
“We reserve the right to modify tour itineraries and substitute hotels and accommodations in our discretion … Additionally, Vantage may, for any reason, without prior notice, cancel a cruise; deviate from the scheduled ports of call, route and timetable; call or omit to call at any port or place or cancel or modify any activity on or off the vessel; take any and all necessary action to comply with all governmental laws and orders given by governmental authorities; render assistance to preserve life and property; change the date or time of sailing or arrival, change the port of embarkation or disembarkation, shorten the cruise or substitute a vessel or other transportation or lodging. Vantage is not responsible for any losses you may incur as a result of such cancellations or deviations.”
These same terms are always available via our website www.vantagetravel.com and can also be found at the bottom of the webpage “Terms and Conditions”. Vantage reserves the right to postpone our journeys due to Force Majeure.
As such, Peter was given the option to move to a 2021 departure of the same trip and be price protected or receive trip cost credit plus an additional incentive credit amount to be applied towards any Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2022.
Currently, he has an active and open reservation our October 12th, 2021 departure of our Seine River Cruise. He can view this reservation within his My Portfolio Account. Please understand if the postponed departure date does not work for Peter, he may move to any other available Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour or accept the future credit offer including the additional credit incentive to be applied later towards any Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2022.
In conclusion, Peter is not eligible for a refund as stated above. Peter will need to contact us directly if he would like to modify his current reservation or accept one of the other options available to him. We regret that some callers are experiencing longer than normal hold times when calling, however our team is here answering incoming calls and responding to email correspondence during our normal business hours. We look forward to assisting him.
Reviewed March 13, 2021
We scheduled and prepaid for an expensive trip to Africa in August. The trip was cancelled to be rescheduled at a TBD date in March. We cannot make another trip like this for 3 weeks because we had planned for months on how and when we could take this 3 week trip. We paid $24,000 up front for the trip. We are now being denied a refund due to contractual obligations. We do not know when or if this trip will be rescheduled, and we do not know if Vantage is still going to be in business over the next 2 years due to the impact of the pandemic. We are engaging an attorney to assist us. If any of you are experiencing the same issues and want to engage in a class action suit, please reach out to me. I think this is outrageous under the circumstances and want my money back.
Reviewed March 1, 2021
Updated on 04/04/2022: This company is fine if you don’t need to collect on trip insurance. If you do, you will find it impossible to do so. Our travel companion’s wife DIED and this was not deemed a reason to submit a claim for reimbursement! Our trip, originally scheduled for 2020 but cancelled (covid), resulted in a broken promise to refund our money (even though we received a letter from Henry Lewis (founder and CEO) promising to do just that. They forced us to reschedule in 2022 and, during that period, our friend’s wife died. Vantage says it’s the insurer’s problem and Trip Mate (their insurer) says vantage will not approve the claim (Not a valid reason!). Neither will let us talk to a supervisor and efforts to reach a live person who can help simply go to hold and never get answered. Please beware of this company and pay attention to the scores of reviews with the same problem.
Original Review: After 5 (mostly) good trips with Vantage, I had a trip booked in spring 2020. Vantage canceled and rescheduled for a date I could not use due to previous obligations. I called and asked for a refund (which was promised in writing (in a letter from the President and CEO). The rep said refunds "were not an option". This was repeated on further calls. Their explanation was that, in the small print, they reserved to change terms when and however they want, the letter notwithstanding. With no other options, I rescheduled the trip for 2022, hoping they would still be in business. Then, they forgot to include the almost $1000 I had prepaid for excursions in the rebooking - another needless wrinkle I now have to fight... Try Viking, etc for more reliable trips and better policies.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Greene’s concerns. As we explained to Greene in our email to him dated February 11, 2021, the email from Mr. Lewis sent April of 2020, did not give blanket refunds into infinity but addressed the Future Travel Credits. This is clearly stated in the email Greene referred to: “You'll have 12 months from the date of issue to utilize your Future Travel Credit; if you are unable to use your credit after 12 months, Vantage will be happy to issue a refund of the original amount paid.”
Our records indicate that Greene chose to cancel his reservation and move the funds into a “Pending Reservation” or Future Travel Credit on April 07, 2020. We further show that on April 13, 2020 he chose to apply the Future Travel Credits/Pending Reservation into a confirmed reservation for our Portugal & Spain: Treasures along the Golden Douro River Cruise.
Please understand that on April 13, 2020 he chose to use his Future Travel Credits when he applied them to his current confirmed reservation. Once the Credits were converted to a confirmed reservation are then bound by our Terms and Conditions.
On November 27, 2020, Vantage made the decision to postpone his departure due to the pandemic. This made the reservation ineligible for a cash refund. We made him aware of this in our Terms and Conditions, within the Alterations and Modifications Section where it states:
“We reserve the right to modify tour itineraries and substitute hotels and accommodations in our discretion… Additionally, Vantage may, for any reason, without prior notice, cancel a cruise; deviate from the scheduled ports of call, route and timetable; call or omit to call at any port or place or cancel or modify any activity on or off the vessel; take any and all necessary action to comply with all governmental laws and orders given by governmental authorities; render assistance to preserve life and property; change the date or time of sailing or arrival, change the port of embarkation or disembarkation, shorten the cruise or substitute a vessel or other transportation or lodging. Vantage is not responsible for any losses you may incur as a result of such cancellations or deviations.”
We understand that his departure date has been modified and postponed a few times due to the ongoing pandemic and he currently has a confirmed departure for April 8, 2022.
Regarding the Optional Tours Greene References, for 2022, Vantage has moved to a more inclusive environment and are now including all touring for the majority of our journeys. Because if this and Greene’s ineligibility for a refund with this reservation, our Accounting Team is in the process of creating a Future Travel Certificate for $838.00 in Optional Tours that he previously paid for. We regret that this is delayed in processing, however once processed Greene will be able to see this Future Travel Certificate within his Travel Rewards section within his My Portfolio Account.
In conclusion, Greene’s reservation is not eligible to receive a cash refund due to our Terms and Conditions as explained above. We appreciate Greene’s continued patience while our team processes his Future Travel Certificate for the Optional Tours as explained above.
Reviewed Feb. 26, 2021
I scheduled a group trip to South America scheduled to depart April 2, 2020. I prepaid the trip using my checking account in the amount of $8233. The trip was cancelled by the travel agency. I was informed by my booking agent that I would receive a full refund within 60-working days. We are approaching the year mark and I have not received my monies. I have called numerous times to customer service and sent e-mails but I receive the same response that it is being processed in Accounting. The friends that paid by credit card received a refund. Those that paid by electronic check are being given the run around. Most recently, any calls to customer service you get music. Shortly after the cancellation, the company removed any information regarding the trip from my portfolio.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Elsa’s concerns. We sincerely apologize to Elsa for the extreme delays our company continues to experience due to the unprecedented Covid-19 global pandemic.
We regret that callers are experiencing a much longer than normal hold times when calling our offices, however our team is here during our business hours answering incoming calls and responding to email correspondence.
Our records indicate that we most recently corresponded with Elsa as recently as this past Friday, February 26, 2021.
We confirm Elsa is due a refund for reservation 575702. Our Team is working diligently to resolve every request, including her refund.
Unfortunately, we are still unable to provide her with a definite time frame for receipt. We recognize that our time frames have been completely outside our normal scope of business operations. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our severe delays. We thank Elsa and appreciate her continued patience as we work towards their resolution.
Reviewed Jan. 13, 2021
February 2019 the world was beginning to hear about COVID19. I had already paid my Tulip Cruise with Vantage at the beginning of February, according to their "rules". I called to take a rain check just to give me time to see what would happen with this virus. The rep told me I would have a hear to use the voucher. A few days later, after hearing in the news that Americans should not travel to Europe and will not be allowed to re-enter if they did, I called Vantage back and asked to have the trip Cancelled. The rep at that time told me it would take 30-60 days to get my refund.
In all the phone calls placed to Vantage, none of the reps ever mentioned anything about the possibility of not getting my refund back. They kept telling me that the "executive team would contact me soon". Eight VERY LONG HOLD phone calls later, when I called today, January 13th, the rep tells me that my "case has been reviewed and there was no refund due to the fact that I cancelled 27 days prior to departure and their 'terms and conditions' states 30 days". Now, why would the rep I spoke to when I called back to cancel inform me that I would not be refunded? Instead, leading me on saying the refund would take 30-60 days?
I asked the rep today to have them check the phone call recordings to which he replied that they already did. I asked to speak to a supervisor and he said they are backlogged and that he can put me on a list to call back but it would take 6-8 weeks! Another thing- I'm not able to go into their website to add a review. Not able to fore-warn other customers or potential customers how deceiving this company can be. The BBB classifies Vantage as an A+ company, but I urge they get reviewed once again.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Maria’s review. We appreciate her comments and the time she spent to share them. Maria reserved 2 separate journeys through Vantage. We will address both reservations in this response.
Regarding her reservation for our Essential Holland & Belgium Culinary River Cruise with a departure date of April 6, 2020. Our records indicate Maria contacted Vantage on March 10, 2020 via telephone, speaking with our agent Mark. In that conversation, Maria advised Vantage she had chosen to cancel this reservation due to concerns of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Mark advised her in that call she was cancelling 27 days prior to her departure date and would be in 100% Trip Cost Penalty. He further reminded her that she did not have a Travel Protection Policy purchased through Vantage, hence there would be no reimbursements coming to her from Vantage for this cancellation. Mark further advised that our Cancellation/Yield Team would be reaching out to her within the next few days to finalize her cancellation. This same call was later reviewed by our Management Team and the above was re-confirmed. We regret that the Cancellation Team was unable to call her within that specified time frame.
However, Maria called us on March 14th, 2020 and spoke with Marlene who offered a goodwill gesture to Maria to transfer her funds paid plus an additional amount of $250.00 into a Future Travel Credit applicable towards any Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2020. Keep in mind at that time, we had no way of knowing the pandemic would last as long as it has.
Maria then called us on April 13, 2020, speaking with Suzanne, and canceled her Future Travel Certificate, declining the offer previously made by Marlene. Maria then requested a refund of her funds, however she is not due any refunds as per our cancellation policy stated in our Terms and Conditions. It is important to note that Maria chose to cancel her reservation prior to Vantage making any determinations on her originally scheduled departure. What Vantage did after her decision to cancel is irrelevant. The offer of the Future Travel Certificate was a goodwill gesture on behalf of Vantage, which was accepted then later declined by Maria.
Maria also reserved our On Safari in Kenya & Tanzania Safari Package scheduled to depart January 14, 2021. Maria contacted us on June 17, 2020, 211 Days prior to the scheduled departure date, via our online chat portal advising she had chosen to cancel this reservation, also due to Covid-19 Pandemic concerns. Sabrina advised her in the chat that she paid a $500 deposit and by cancelling that day, she was subject to a $300.00 cancellation fee. Sabrina further advised she would receive a $200 reimbursement from this cancellation. Vantage processed the $200.00 refund back to Maria’s original Form of Payment on September 24, 2020.
In Conclusion, Maria is not due any refunds for Holland & Belgium River Cruise she chose to cancel. Vantage has already processed the refund that was due her from her decision to cancel her African Safari. Vantage now considers both matters closed.
Reviewed Dec. 31, 2020
If I could I would select zero stars. Myself and 3 other persons planned and paid for a trip to Greece to leave May 4th 2020. The trip was cancelled by Vantage because of the Covid pandemic and health safety issues. I was sent a letter regarding the cancellation and if I chose I would get a full refund for my trip. I chose the full refund. I was told I would get the refund. Everyone else in my party has gotten their refund returned. I have not received my full refund or any money at all. I paid the lump sum via e-check to take advantage of the discount in Sept.2019. The deposits were thru 2 different credit cards. Every one else paid via credit card and have gotten their money back. Vantage even sent my brother a check for his refund. After many calls Vantage admits owing me a full refund. I'm being told I will get a refund but no timeline as to when. Enough is enough.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Kathleen’s review. We sincerely apologize to Kathleen for the extreme delays our company continues to experience as the Covid-19 pandemic progresses. We confirm Kathleen is due a refund for Reservation 575791. Our team is working diligently to resolve each and every request, including Kathleen’s refund.
Unfortunately, we are still unable to provide her with a definite time frame for receipt. We recognize this is completely outside our normal scope of business operations. We thank Kathleen and appreciate their continued patience as we work towards her resolution.
Reviewed Dec. 22, 2020
My husband and I scheduled & paid for a trip to Kenya and Tanzania departing in February 2021. On Nov. 21st I logged into My Portfolio and discovered to my dismay that our Feb. trip was cancelled and rebooked for June 2021. No one from Vantage called me or emailed me about the cancellation or about the rebooking. I finally got through their phone system & spoke with Kathy. I told her that we had a conflict with the rebooked departure date and asked her to process a refund for our 30K trip. She said she would start the refund process. On 12/5 I again logged in to My Portfolio and found that all evidence of our Kenya/Tanzania trip was GONE and no indication of a refund or voucher was made.
I immediately sent an email through their online Customer Concierge Staff email system requesting an update on our refund or voucher (supposed to be no more than a 48 hr. response time). Went online on 12/12 -- still no response; went online 12/16 -- no response. I started calling the President's Club "exclusive" number and finally hanging up after repeatedly waiting 30 minutes or longer with no one picking up. It has now been a month since I was promised a refund or voucher and I have yet to see any indication of a refund or voucher coming my way.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Linda’s concerns. We share in her disappointment with our decision to modify and postpone our trips due to the unprecedented Covid-19 Pandemic. We further apologize for our continued delays and long hold times as we continue to navigate through these difficult times.
Please understand, Linda is not eligible to receive a refund as per our Terms and Conditions (Alterations & Modifications Section) which were agreed to by the customer upon making their initial reservation. These same terms are always sent to the customer after making a reservation with Vantage and are always available via our website www.vantagetravel.com at the bottom of the webpage “Terms and Conditions”.
As such, Linda was given the options to move the same trip to a 2021 departure of the same trip and be price protected, move to any of our other available trips with no penalty or receive trip cost credit plus an additional incentive credit amount to be applied towards any Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2022.
In conclusion, Linda is not eligible to receive a refund as stated above. She currently has a Future Travel Credit on file (with Additional Credit Incentive) within her Customer Account at Vantage (**) valid towards any Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2022. We ask Linda to please contact us directly if she has any questions regarding her Future Travel Credit, or the options available to her.
Reviewed Dec. 21, 2020
In Dec. 2019, we made deposit for a March, 2021, trip to India/Dubai. Final payment by e-check was made in April, 2020, and totalling almost $19,000.00, including insurance! On Dec. 3, 2020, we went online to our account and saw our names were put on a trip in 2022, 13 months later than scheduled, without receiving any word of the cancelled 2021 trip.
We immediately called Vantage and requested a full cash refund for the cancelled trip. We were told we are not due a refund. We would like to know why some people are promised a refund and others not? We did not cancel this trip, Vantage canceled the trip and we should be entitled to a refund as requested. They alternately offered a voucher valid until end of 2022. We said we could not travel in 2022 and wanted to speak to a supervisor. We were told it would take 8-10 weeks to hear from a supervisor!!
Vantage refers to their terms and conditions. This is not a change in schedule, this is a canceled trip and they put us on the same trip 13 months later without contacting us to find out that we are not available to go 13 months later. We want our full refund, not a run around or a voucher. How can they treat customers this way? We did not cancel, Vantage did. Please have someone contact us about our refund.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to David’s concerns. We share in his disappointment with our decision to postpone his departure due to the continuing effects of the unprecedented Covid-19 Pandemic.
Please understand David is not due a refund as per our Terms and Conditions which were agreed to by the customer upon making their initial reservation. We refer to the Alterations and Modifications section of our Terms and Conditions, where it states:
“We reserve the right to modify tour itineraries and substitute hotels and accommodations in our discretion … Additionally, Vantage may, for any reason, without prior notice, cancel a cruise; deviate from the scheduled ports of call, route and timetable; call or omit to call at any port or place or cancel or modify any activity on or off the vessel; take any and all necessary action to comply with all governmental laws and orders given by governmental authorities; render assistance to preserve life and property; change the date or time of sailing or arrival, change the port of embarkation or disembarkation, shorten the cruise or substitute a vessel or other transportation or lodging. Vantage is not responsible for any losses you may incur as a result of such cancellations or deviations.”
These Terms are emailed to the customer after making their reservation and are always available via our website www.vantagetravel.com at the bottom of the webpage “Terms and Conditions”.
As such, David’s reservation was automatically moved to the same ship route, however on our sister ship Odyssey and a similar date within the same season, but in 2022. If he does not wish to stay on that departure, he can also move to any of our other available departures with no penalty. David can also accept a Future Travel Certificate (with additional credit incentive) to be applied towards a future Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2022.
In conclusion, David is not eligible for a refund for the reasons stated above. We ask David to contact us directly if he has any questions regarding the options available to him.
Reviewed Dec. 19, 2020
Friend and I booked trip in June 2019 for April 2020 Tulips in Holland. Vantage cancelled in March and offered credit for same trip year later. Did not want to commit to that so instead of taking refund we were persuaded by Vantage rep to look for substitute trip in 2020. Ultimately booked trip to Patagonia in October 2020. This was canceled by Vantage in July. When we asked for refund, were told for first time that it was not refundable and only recourse would be to book same trip following year or get credit for later date.
Due to my age, 83 in February, and moving into senior facility, have no wish to make commitment for further trips, just want he $7000 refund. It was suggested I could give my credit to my children or grandchildren, none of whom would be interested. I asked what happens if I die without using credit and was told it would go to my heirs. What a Ponzi scheme this is. Will never recommend Vantage to anyone, quite the opposite.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Ms. Judith’s concerns. We share in her disappointment with our decision to modify and postpone our trips due to the unprecedented Covid-19 Pandemic.
Please understand, Ms. Judith is not eligible to receive a refund as per our Terms and Conditions (Alterations & Modifications Section) which were agreed to by the customer upon making their initial reservation. These same terms are always sent to the customer after making a reservation with Vantage and are always available via our website www.vantagetravel.com at the bottom of the webpage “Terms and Conditions”.
As such, Ms. Judith was given the options to move to a 2021 departure of the same trip and be price protected, move to any of our other available trips with no penalty or receive trip cost credit plus an additional incentive credit amount to be applied towards any Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2022.
In conclusion, Ms. Judith is not eligible to receive a refund as stated above. She currently has a Future Travel Credit on file (with additional Credit Incentive) valid towards any Vantage Cruise or Adventure Tour departing on or before the end of 2022. We ask Ms. Judith to please contact us directly if she has any questions regarding the options available to her.
Reviewed Dec. 9, 2020
Background: In September of 2019 I booked a 21 day trip to Africa with Vantage Deluxe World Travel departing August 20, 2020. I prepaid the full amount of $28,124 for the trip. On March 11, 2020, Vantage issued their first Travel Health Advisory. Many additional advisories were issued since that time in which I closely monitored. On May 8th, out of increased concerns regarding the escalating worldwide serious health risks and overall travel impacts, I sent an email to Vantage initiating the cancellation process. On May 15th, I spoke with the Vantage cancellation specialist and my cancellation was finalized. Since the cancellation was greater than 90 days prior to departure. I was informed that Vantage’s standard cancellation policy fee would apply and I would be charged a $500 per person fee. Vantage would NOT waive the fee in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Per Vantage standard cancellation policy, I am due a refund of $27,124
On May 16th, the day after my cancellation discussion, my Vantage online portfolio was totally scrubbed. All references to my trip and the copy of my fully pre-paid invoice were no longer available. Complaint: It has now been 7 months since my cancellation was initiated and I have not received my refund. I want my refund now.
• Scheduling a refund is a standard accounting system transaction.• My prepayment should be held in a customer escrow account to be used at the time of the trip.
• There is no valid reason a standard refund, in accordance with their cancellation policy, should be delayed for 7 months.
• I want my refund now.
• The only reason Vantage will not provide the refund must be due to liquidity issues or misuse of customer prepayments.
• Vantage is deceptively using the Covid-19 crisis an excuse to delay standard refunds.
• Vantage does acknowledge that I am due the refund but refuses to give any additional information as to when.
• I have written numerous emails to customer service and even sent a certified letter to their CEO.
• The CEO would not reply directly. All replies are the standard customer service script apologizing for the delay and thanking me for my patience.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Linda’s review. We confirm that Linda was reserved on our Best of Africa Safari departing on August 20, 2020. We further confirm that Vantage did not make any decisions on this departure’s postponement or modifications due to the Covid-19 Pandemic until July 23rd, 2020.
Linda initiated the Cancellation Procedures with her email to us dated May 8th, 104 days prior to her scheduled departure date. She was then contacted by our Cancellation Team on May 15th when she spoke with Doug and finalized her request to cancel. As per our Cancellation policy, cancellations that occur within 120-91 days prior to their departure date are subject to a $500 per person cancellation penalty.
Our records further indicate these guests did not purchase Travel Protection offered by Vantage. If they purchased this elsewhere, we recommend they submit a claim on their Travel Protection Policy for reimbursement of the penalized amounts.
We confirm Linda and Jeanette are due a refund minus applicable penalties as stated above for reservation 576385. Our Team is working diligently to resolve every request, including their refund.
Unfortunately, we are still unable to provide them with a definite time frame for receipt. We recognize that our time frames have been completely outside our normal scope of business operations. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our severe delays. We thank Linda and Jeanette and appreciate their continued patience as we work towards their resolution.
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2020
On March 29 my husband wrote to Vantage asking how to proceed to cancel our reservation number **, Majestic Rivers of Europe Wine Cruise, departing July 23, 2020, due to the COVID-19 situation. Vantage answered on April 6, telling us that they received our cancellation request, and were going to contact us within 5 to 7 business days to go over the full cancellation procedure, and to discuss the refund, voucher or re booking options. Since nobody contacted us, we wrote again, on April 19, and 2 more times after that date. Finally, we spoke with someone of the cancellation team on July 9, and he said that we were going to receive our money back in about one month. But it’s been 6 months and we haven’t get any refund. We are very frustrated and disappointed of Vantage Deluxe World Travel, because we thought that it was a reliable company.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to David’s review. We sincerely apologize for the extreme delays that Vantage continues to experience due to the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic.
Our records indicate the guest chose to cancel their reservation upon their call to our office on April 6, 2020. This was then followed up by their written confirmation of their decision to cancel that was received later that same day. Unfortunately, we do not show any record of a March 29th email in our system. As per our cancellation policy, the guests cancelled within the 120-91 days prior to the departure date of their trip and are subject to loss of deposit, $500 per person. The guests would have been within this same range if cancelled on March 29th (115 days prior) or April 6th (107 days prior).
We confirm the guests are due their refund, minus the applicable penalties for canceled reservation #**. We understand that our standard policy with refund timeframes is to refund within 30 days, however due to the continuing effects of the ongoing pandemic, we are unable to meet that time frame. We further confirm their refund continues to be delayed with Vantage.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide them with a definite time frame for receipt. We recognize that our time frames have been completely outside our normal scope of business operations. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our severe delays. We thank David for his continued patience as our team continues to work towards his resolution.
Reviewed Nov. 29, 2020
I purchased a tour from this company (Majestic Rivers of Europe) that was canceled because of Covid 19 - Nobody can fly to or visit other countries. I am 75 years of age and at high risk for Covid 19. Even my doctor advised me not to travel. I have been waiting for over a year for a refund. I have called several times and they just tell me they are behind. They don't have a supervisor you can talk to. They also want to impose a $300 penalty for canceling a tour which cannot take place due to Covid 19 and they cancelled it themselves. It only takes a few minutes to issue a refund. They certainly didn't have any problems taking the money from me and processing.
Taking over a year to process a 5 minute refund is way beyond 'delayed'. There must be a time limit for the amount of time that a business can take to issue a refund especially since the service was never provided. They use Covid 19 as an excuse for everything. I think the real problem here is that they don't have the money to return. They have used it themselves. I was told it would take 5-7 business days for me to get the refund. So they did not fulfill this statement either since it was over 365 days and still has not been issued.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Nancy’s review. We sincerely apologize for the extreme delays that we continue to experience due to the ongoing pandemic.
Our records indicate that Nancy voluntarily chose to cancel her reservation on April 3rd, 2020 when she contacted our office and sent a subsequent email to confirm her desire to cancel her reservation. Please understand whatever Vantage did after her decision to cancel is irrelevant as Vantage did not postpone this departure until July 23, 2020. As such, her reservation was assessed the Cancellation penalties as per the cancellation policy stated within our Terms and Conditions. She is due the remainder balance of monies paid (minus these applicable penalties). It is this refund that is currently delayed with Vantage due to the continued effects of the ongoing pandemic.
Please note: Nancy should claim any penalized amounts on their Travel Protection Policy for reimbursement.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide them with a definite time frame for receipt. We recognize that our time frames have been completely outside our normal scope of business operations. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by our severe delays. We thank Nancy for her continued patience as our team continues to work towards her resolution.
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2020
Four friends and I purchased The Best of Africa for 5/21/20-6/11/20 and paid in full ($11,740) by 10/29/19. Vantage cancelled the trip on April 9, offering us the opportunity to receive a full refund or use the money for a future trip in '20 or '21. We chose the refund and were told (by phone and in writing) it may take up to 3 months to issue a refund. It has been almost 7 months and we have received nothing. When we call, they either don't answer or tell us that we are on a waiting list for refunds. Emails yield the same responses, if any. Letters sent certified mail have gone unanswered.
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Marilyn’s concerns. We sincerely apologize to Marilyn and her four traveling companions for the extreme delays our company has been experiencing due to the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic. We confirm Marilyn and her friends are due a refund for the following reservations: 569689, 569687, 569690, 570199 & 579655. Our Team is working diligently to resolve each and every request, including their refund.
Unfortunately, we are still unable to provide them with a definite time frame for receipt. We recognize that our time frames have been completely outside our normal scope of business operations. We further apologize for the inconveniences caused to them by our company’s delays. We thank Marilyn and appreciate their continued patience as we work towards their resolution.
Vantage Deluxe World Travel Company Information
- Company Name:
- Vantage Deluxe World Travel
- Year Founded:
- 1983
- Address:
- 90 Canal Street #100
- City:
- Boston
- State/Province:
- MA
- Postal Code:
- 02114
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.vantagetravel.com