Someone took money from my PayPal account! Shes just relieved to finally be able to put this awful battle behind her. The airline was still waiting for payment by Vantage Travel the airline had nothing to refund. ONE OF VANTAGES MOST VALUABLE ASSETS APPEARS TO BE ITS DATABASE OF MORE THAN 3.6 MILLION CUSTOMERS. Log in to My Portfolio Vantage This small ship ocean cruise is defined by unparalleled luxury and first-class service. TripMate accepted the claim for review to determine if the couple has coverage protection for the cruise and ground portion of the trip $14,400. When Michael Meyers wife took a terrible fall earlier this month, the couple knew that meant the end of the plans for their Vantage European river cruise, scheduled for this June. "People that had planned and saved for these trips of a lifetime that had been erased. Vantage Cruise Reviews - Cruise Critic If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert. Business travel and leisure travel have always been two distinct but related activities. WHAT YOU SEE ONLINE IS THE TRUTH. He had been persistently pursuing his cash for over two years. How the negotiations over a sale may affect refunds is uncertain. My mom cried when she opened her mail. Some people who are owed money said they hoped a sale may prompt a quicker refund from whoever operates the travel company. If your state has such a rule, you may be able to recoup some of your money through that fund. A safari canceled, a refund long delayed Vantage Travel One of Vantage's most valuable assets appears to be its database of more than 3.6 million customers. In 2015, Named Plaintiffs purchased Vantage's "5 Star Luxury" river cruise to Austria, Germany and Hungary on MS River Voyager that was set to begin in July 2016. Refunds began to slowly but consistently appear. On its Facebook page, Vantage said: Were currently experiencing a network disruption that has limited our abilities to access our network and impacted our ability to perform certain operational tasks. Vantage Travel On the companys end, customer service calls are typically recorded and kept on file. Reykjavik 3 days from $1,499 ($500 per day) Ireland 3 days from $500 ($167 per day) Golden Circle & Blue Lagoon 2 nights. The Moulds had wisely purchased travel insurance for their luxury cruise. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, business travel has come to a virtual standstill, leaving many to question the future of this once-thriving industry. Charles and Lea Moskowitz, both 75 of Daytona Beach, are also waiting Travel Health Advisory Update | Vantage Travel We asked for a comment on the bankruptcy hearing and the potential new buyer and have not received a response. Vantage The company continues to operate with a focus on safety protocols and providing tailored experiences for their clients so they can enjoy their travels with peace of mind. Luxury travel company Vantage Travel Services appeared in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Wednesday after admitting in court documents it owes customers $80 million for If all else fails, you might want to consider the legal route and hire an attorney who knows travel law, such as one with the International Forum of Tourism and Travel Advocates, experts said. In bankruptcy cases, there are two basic types of creditors: secured and unsecured. Your base will be the Ocean Odyssey, a game-changing vessel that brings a relaxed refinement to ocean travel while navigating the smaller ports and hidden gems where larger ships cant go. But to Meyers surprise, after his phone call with the Vantage agent, he soon received notification that he should file a travel insurance claim with TripMate. I checked with our claims team and they let me know that the cancellation product purchased by Vantage customers is a waiver product. We payed over $66,000 total for this trip. Hert also said his group is very concerned about the voluminous personal data customers have provided to Vantage, including bank and credit card information. He called the offer of future credits ridiculous.. Dunbar said the big question he wants answered in the bankruptcy proceeding is what did Vantage do with the tens of millions of dollars that customers paid to the company in advance for now canceled or postponed trips. Vantage will have 30 days to respond and explain itself. It appears that they have taken down their website and they are not reachable by phone. But trips are still being canceled, Couch-Friedman said. It seemed that 2023 could be the year that Vantage returned to its former pre-pandemic status of a trustworthy provider of deluxe travel. Important Notice: The above day-by-day itinerary is preliminary and subject to change. As a public speaker, her expert guidance has been cited in Consumer Reports, CNN, CNBC, The Furthermore, the message says that a ransomware attack discovered on April 20 affected Vantages call center, website, email and other internal systems for at least eight days, but none of the trips had been affected specifically by this incident. Vantage Travel My vacation rental has mice! Warm regards? The answer is not straightforward, and it will depend on the industry and company in question. WebVantage Travel Service Inc. Vantage Travel Service, Inc. operates as a tour operator. Many of the customers are seniors. As I began to tackle these cases, I had great optimism. "The truth is it has devastated people's lives financially, emotionally," he said. Ocean Explorer The purported internal memo surfaced on June 2 on Consumer Rescue, a consumer advocacy website. [The credit card company has permanently] credited our account!!!! When I read through Bovas paper trail, I hoped that an AI chatbot had written the responses she received to her pleas. Join our family of smart consumers today! I am booked on a Vantage trip and have a question relating to it. Two of Vantages ships, Ocean Explorer and the Ocean Odyssey, are now docked in Caen, France, according to the online cruise tracking website cruisemapper.com. "I'm curious about a couple things," Hert said. But they'd have to spend more money to get any value from that. That agency is responsible for making sure insurance providers are paying claims in a timely manner. Michelle Couch-Friedman, who operates the website, sent a copy of the five-sentence memo to the Globe on Monday. Vantage Travel Services, Inc. doing business as Vantage Deluxe World Travel, Inc. Founded in 1989, the company has been in business for more than two decades and is one of the most well-known travel service providers in the industry. If you dont book with a travel agent, you dont have that leverage., Added consultant Phyllis Horodner: Without a travel agent, youre on your own.. Janet Bava is leaving AmaWaterways for Windstar Cruises, Katina Athanasiou's view of Celebrity and cruise trends, Explora Journeys pushes back first cruise to Aug. 1, Variety Cruises returns to West Africa with river cruising, philanthrophy in mind. See all alerts Bankruptcy: On 06/29/2023, In court, an attorney for the Australian company Aurora Expeditions told the judge it could wire money for a new deal "tomorrow" if Vantage's current agreement with United Travel falls apart. Vantage Travel Service, Inc. Company Profile Founded in 1989, the company has been in business for more than two decades and is one of the most well-known travel service providers in the industry. Communication between my team and the Vantage team has ceased. On April 28, Lewis said four trips to the Netherlands had been canceled due to the ships readiness, and two trips to Egypt were canceled over safety concerns. Report: Embattled cruise operator Vantage is selling the company Our ocean discovery vessel, the m/s Ocean Explorer has 15 solo cabins (11 for expedition cruises) and 15 triple-occupancy cabins each, with a maximum capacity of under 150 passengers on each sailing. Vantage Travel The cancellation notice she received from Vantage on June 3 was virtually identical to the one Terry received. BOSTON, June 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Travel Services, Inc. ("Vantage") today announced that United Travel Pte. Vantage, based in offices on Canal Street, employed about 70 people to market and book travel packages with third-party operators and to arrange air But more cancellations continued in May and into June. Why is it taking so long to get a cruise refund? - Elliott Report The Post sent inquiries to one of the company's executive vice presidents as well as the former outside communications firm, but did not receive a response at the time of publication. When I received his complaint, I was hopeful that I could bring a quick and successful end to his lengthy battle. WebContact Information. On the day last week that Vantage announced it was filing for bankruptcy, it also disclosed it had reached an agreement in which United Travel would purchase the customer list for $1 million. 22, 2023, I went on Uniteds website to review our flight reservation for some additional information and found out that our flights to Europe had been canceled on April 18, 2023, by Vantage. Vantage Travel But Vantage, a Boston travel mainstay for 40 years, has only a tiny fraction of what it owes customers in cash $4,207, the filings say. IT WAS A SURPRISE. Thanks for your suggestion and support. As these local laws pertaining to the Covid Pandemic are still very fluid, our Cruise Directors and Program Managers will advise guests throughout the cruise/tour of any bubble requirements. Air Promotion. 7 simple ways to get excellent customer service and fix any problem! I want to update my email information for "My Portfolio". The company has earned its reputation by offering exceptional customer service and unique itineraries that have given travelers memorable experiences. MSN That question is apparently not answered in the hundreds of pages of documents filed in court, according to a filing by Eric K. Bradford, counsel to the Office of US Trustee, whose role is to enforce bankruptcy laws, according to an online description of a trustees responsibilities. Business travel and leisure travel have always been two distinct but related activities. But can it last? 1 year ago Save Is Vantage still in business? What can you do if you sent money to a stranger by mistake? Two problems immediately became clear. The waiver also includes post-departure benefits such as those for medical emergencies. McGrath soon had good news for me as well. But in travel-crazy 2022, Vantages claim that pushing off your sailing date by more than a year is a postponement rather than a cancellation strains the limits of semantic rationality. This is a cruise industry problem in general and a Vantage problem in particular. The Vantage Travel cruise ship Ocean Explorer docked at the Gloucester Cruiseport on April 27, 2023. For the next several months, the couple looked forward to their dream trip, scheduled for October 2020. Meyer was stunned. Those companies, like Vantage, that are failing to make reasonably immediate refunds for valid reasons will be losing a lot of customers. Some got to the airport to find their trip canceled as Vantage Deluxe World Travel shut down. The trip insurance policy Meyer held was issued in 2019. Vantage That leads us to the situation in April 2023. This is a cruise industry problem in general and a Vantage problem in particular. Michelle Couch-Friedman is a dedicated consumer advocate and reporter who focuses heavily on travel-related issues. But travel experts say theres no level of protection by doing this, and consumers should instead book travel with a credit card. Vantage Travel, a well-known Boston-based international travel company for four decades, last week was apparently hacked. By Lisa Hughes April 24, 2023 / 11:23 PM / CBS Boston BOSTON - Disappointment for a Rhode Island couple who found out their European river cruise If youve purchased third-party travel insurance for your trip, check your policy or call your insurer to find out if youre protected in this way. Many cancellations look like for Vantage did not pay its vendors and air lines in time. But recently, the number of pleas for help from customers of the troubled tour operator has skyrocketed. Customer Review Rating. The agent said Vantage was still selling cruises but not departures that would take place over the next "three or four months. Once we approve a customers cancellation claim, it is their responsibility to provide the refunds their customers may be entitled to. Vantage Deluxe World Travel may be in trouble. How Long Has Vantage Travel Been in Business? Vantage Web79 reviews Filters Cruise Line Ship Destination Show more filters 1 - 10 of 79 Vantage Cruise Reviews Great ship but HORRIBLE ITINERARY change at last minute! Vantage Hannah Morse covers consumer issues for The Palm Beach Post. Vantage Travel "In court, an attorney for the Australian company Aurora Expeditions told the judge it could wire money for a new deal "tomorrow" if Vantage's current agreement with United Travel falls apart. If it doesnt respond within those 30 days, you will win the dispute and the credit will become permanent. Truth is, cruise lines dont like to issue refunds. Vantage Travel As of June 20, Vantage had laid off all employees except DelGreco and four other top executives and postponed all trips for at least three months in light of our impending transaction, according to an, Dating back to at least 2021, Vantage customers have complained of getting the runaround when they demanded refunds. He had long ago paid Vantage for those Lufthansa tickets. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Lufthansa have alerted some surprised would-be passengers that Vantage never paid for their airline tickets. According to the couple, Vantage agreed to fully refund the $15,044 they spent to book the trip. Vantage Travel owes more than $170 million, bankruptcy filings We immediately tried to contact Vantage. We canceled a wait-listed trip with Vantage Deluxe World Travel. With just 77 cabins total 80% of which feature private verandas these sister ships provide a level of intimacy and opulence that After the pandemic, cruise lines were desperate to keep customers money, so they offered them 125 percent future cruise credits that expired in two years. I booked two Airbnb rentals by accident. An e-mail seeking comment from DelGreco and other Vantage executives and lawyers went unanswered. WebVantage Deluxe World Travel has announced new expedition and small ship cruise itineraries for 2023 and 2024. So what can you do if you are one of the unfortunate consumers waiting for giant refunds from Vantage Deluxe World Travel? With its strong reputation, commitment to customer service and dedication to sustainability, its clear that Vantage Travel is still in business and will continue doing so into the future. Prepare to embark on a luxury cruise fit for a pharaoh, featuring Vantages own all-suite, 5-star Nile cruise ship, the h/s Nebu. 07070 USA Telephone: (201) 902-2000, The Ocean Odyssey, a Vantage expedition ship. The travel company will offer their own insurance, but its possible to get insurance through a travel agent or other provider. A few days later, a member of Vantages Yield Management Team called and verified that we are due a $5,586 refund. Switzerland, the Heart of the Rhine & Moselle Video below: Luxury cruise line's customers could lose big in bankruptcy planVantage's attorney told the judge the deal needs to be completed quickly, calling the situation a "melting ice cube" since Vantage has no revenue coming in and only enough loans to keep operating for 45 days. But months went by with no refund. He did and there is now an active credit card dispute investigation about this charge. Average of 1 Customer Reviews. Meister said its better to get a policy around the time of your first deposit for the trip, but it can also be purchased right up until the start of the trip. Jim Terry, of Concord, said he was scheduled to board the Ocean Explorer on June 12 in Ireland for a now-canceled cruise circumnavigating Ireland. Its not hard to guess that this company owes refunds in the high six-figure, probably seven-figure, range. WebTravel Service, Inc. d/b/a Vantage Deluxe World Travel and Vantage Adventures (hereinafter Vantage). Vantage is negotiating for the sale of the company, the company said in an e-mail to the Globe on Tuesday morning. Kaknis has been at the helm of the Ocean Explorer since the ship was delivered from a Chinese shipyard in 2021. 15 Sep 06. Vantage Travel, the Boston company that has canceled numerous cruises since April and come under fierce criticism from customers for long-delayed refunds, is negotiating for the sale of the company, the company said in an e-mail to The Boston Globe on Tuesday. The credit card company is going to give you protection against financial insolvency, said Dan Meister, who owns Boca-Raton based Top Group Travel. Yesterday, she got a pleasant surprise when she opened her mailbox. Ask 384Jerryc about Vantage Deluxe World Travel We filed a Business Vantage Deluxe World Travel has had just under 800 complaints lodged against them since January 2020, according to the state Attorney Generals Office. Contact your states attorney general to find out if this applies to you. Hopefully, Vantage Travel will somehow recover from this latest event whatever this event actually is for the sake of all those customers who have been waiting and waiting for their money. This is a lower than average score with the overall rating of Vantage Deluxe World Travel employees being 2.4 out of 5 stars. WebFind specifications for Keystone Vantage Travel Trailer RVs. More:Dropped by your property insurance provider? and that is falconry. It offers everything from flights to accommodations, rental cars, cruises, sightseeing tours, and more. In the meantime, Vantage is still offering vacations, and at a discount. But they'd have to spend more money to get any value from that. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, business travel has come to a virtual standstill, leaving many to question the future of this once-thriving industry. Take in beautiful views and unprecedented natural splendor as you explore Ship to Shore: The Vantage Safe The Company creates and delivers river cruises, small ship cruise, and escorted land tours to WebIt is evident that Vantage Travel is still in business despite recent challenges due to COVID-19. Vantage Travel acknowledged that it owed her the refund and representatives repeatedly thanked her for her patience. How can I get it back. Of the $108 million owed to customers, $80 million is for trips that have been indefinitely postponed, $23 million for trips that were canceled, and $5 million for approved travel insurance claims against the company, the filing says. Hert currently manages a Facebook group to collect their complaints. Vantage got paid many millions of dollars for trips that never happened, he said. But as weve already determined, the pre-departure cancellation waiver product of the claim, if valid and approved, will revert back to Vantage for payment. Experts suggest sending letters to the attorneys general of your home state and that where the company operates, submitting comments to the Better Business Bureau and filing a complaint with the Federal Maritime Commission. I lost $1,721 in the TripAdvisor long term rental scam! But true to form, the Vantage Travel representatives had emotionless responses not even condolence for Bovas devastating loss. Mark Twain wrote that "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." Your states bar can recommend an attorney who can guide you. Michelle Couch-Friedman -- Consumer reporter and ombudsman They gave the company a reminder about the need to pay the couples insurance claim. Besides the $108 million it owes to customers, Vantage is $62 million in debt to vessel managers and other vendors and suppliers, for total liabilities of more than $170 million, the filings say. Getting travel insurance can help in the event you get sick or have an accident, but depending on the policy, it could also help if the company files for bankruptcy or is otherwise not able to meet their obligations, Meister said. Youll also be able to: Research, manage, and plan your future journeys with your personal Travel Planner; Manage payments and view Got a problem? So people are so, so angry.". Company Refused to Refund Travelers More After some cordial introductions, it became clear that his replacement was not cut from the same caring cloth. Ahi Travel is an international travel agency based in the United States. To this consumer advocate and reporter, the latest turn of events is ominous. Price of gas jumps 9 cents. In its filings, Vantage is asking Judge Janet E. Bostwick to approve of the sale of Vantages remaining assets, which includes the agreement to provide credits for customers who are owed refunds estimated to average about $20,000. Controversial luxury cruise company Vantage Deluxe World Travel announced Thursday it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is falling under new ownership.. United Travel Pte. Settled in the Delta Sky Lounge at Tampa International Airport in late March, Lynne Schrum and her husband, David Hall, were ready to head out on their two-and-a-half-week vacation to Western Europe. As others before Meyer discovered, most emails to Lewis go unanswered at this time. The deal still needs to be approved by a judge. Please! Vantage Travel Vantage Travel Vantage River Cruise ? - Senior Travel Forum - Tripadvisor What you'll get: Our super-friendly and informative weekly email. Unfortunately, the Vantage customers youve just read about today represent a tiny fraction of the cases which are sitting in my advocacy folder entitled Vantage Deluxe World Travel owes these customers lots of $$$. This folder is growing in size by the day as the future of Vantage is unclear. Banning the Bible? Something tells me that Vantage will not be fighting this credit card dispute. Many Vantage Travel customers are reporting that the company has Vantage THEYRE TRYING TO RUSH THIS THROUGH IN COURT AND ATTORNEY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN COMPANY AURORA EXPEDITION HAS TOLD THE JUDGE THAT IT COULD WIRE MONEY FOR A NEW DEAL TOMORROW IF HIS CURRENT AGREEMENT TO SELL TO UNITED TRAVEL FALLS APART. "I'm curious about a couple things," Hert said. You can also consider booking with travel companies that have certain certifications or proven financial stability, such as members of the U.S. Tour Operators Associations who put up $1 million in collateral in the event something happens, or suppliers listed with Trusted FIT Services, said Jeffrey Ment, a travel industry lawyer from Hartford, Conn. The office is helping Massachusetts consumers seeking refunds from canceled trips, of which there were 70., The office of the attorney general is reviewing consumer complaints and has been in contact with Vantage but could not provide additional details at this time., Vantage earlier this year was promoting expedition and small-ship itineraries for 2023 and 2024, including cruises to Antarctica and the line's first journeys to South America..
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