ATL1234

The July Ports of Timeless Wonder invoice shows a TPP Certificate credit of -$500 per person, so this mist have come from the Allianz claim for Jewels of Scandinavia.

Also - technically Allianz does not owe any Vantage Traveler the Part B refund, they were doing this as a good will gesture although they played no part in Vantage's ultimate demise. As per the invoices, the TPP is non-refundable.

Confusing - If you already used the Allianz TPP and then received a credit of $500 per person which you applied to a new trip; and then on that trip you purchased 3rd party insurance and were subsequently reimbursed nearly the entire dollar amount, including the value of the TPP vouchers - Why would Allianz owe you another refund of Part B? Makes no sense at all, and could be considered fraudulent if I am understanding correctly. I also saw your post on a FB page, and I am not understanding why you believe Allianz owes you Part B.

Most recent Boston Globe article about the Vantage bankruptcy: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/vantage-travel-is-bankrupt-but-what-about-its-owner-two-lawsuits-say-he-should-reimburse-customers-who-lost-millions/ar-AA1hc8Hs?fbclid=IwAR2Y0zMsGnOMRdVX-9y1_Ts0iA4VIde6ygcpNfJrK--7IiDxL6FMa9TRUqA#image=AA1g8uIo|1

Lots of people have had successful charge-backs and ach reversals. Consumer Advocate Michelle Couch Friedman has helped many customers, especially due to the Fair Credit Billing Act. You can check out this Facebook page that is helping former Vantage consumers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/954817572208587

https://consumerrescue.org/news-and-alerts/vantage-travel-bankrupt-what-need-to-know-guide/

I don't think anyone within the government is saying refunds will be possible from a bankrupt company

The FB Restitution group is doing the same things as the Complaints group, yet the Complaints group is led by consumer advocate journalist Michelle Couch Friedman who has been working behind the scenes, and has facilitated tons of media coverage which will continue. I believe the restitution group feels somehow they will be refunded at the end of the bankruptcy and new sale proceedings.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/07/07/business/vantage-travel-bankruptcy/

There has been much confusion and frequent misconceptions about Travel Protection/Travel Insurance: If Vantage cancels a trip, Vantage is responsible for reimbursing you. However, as we know, they have apparently closed due to major financial issues, so there is no one there right now to issue any refunds (and apparently no money). Staff reported they were permanently laid off as of 6/20/23. There is still no announcement from Vantage. If you purchased Allianz Travel Protection directly from Vantage, unfortunately there is no insolvency coverage. The plan you purchased included cancellation coverage (YOUR OWN cancellation); and on trip coverage such as medical, emergency evacuation, lost luggage, missed flight connections, etc. If you purchased Travel Insurance independently, check your plan details to see if there is insolvency/cessation of services coverage. If so, you may have a claim that could lead to reimbursement by your insurance provider. If you made your payment with a credit card, you can dispute the charge. If you made an ach payment, contact your bank and its Fraud Department.

And to close up shop with no explanation leaving thousands of people in the dark, and sadly not realizing their trips are canceled and their money is gone. And the Mass AG taking credit for getting back 1.2 mill in refunds since January 2020 (maybe 75 customers in 3 1/2 years?) -- but doing nothing as a result of the events that started to spiral in April 2023.

In addition - sells a product they know they cannot deliver. Over and over again.

Splinter - Vantage has permanently laid off all staff and have ceased all operations - phones and emails non-op.

Lexie31 - So what do you plan to do?!

Vantage has not posted anything. Employees reached out to consumer advocate Michelle Couch Friedman to advise they have been permanently laid off and the company has ceased all operations, This is on the Vantage Complaints FB page. The phone number just has the standard outside hours closed message as of now. Staff were just notified this morning in coordinated meetings.

Vantage has permanently shut down -- ceased operations. This has just been announced on Vantage FB page. Several employees reached out to consumer advocate to advise. No other info at this time yet local Boston media has been advised.

This was on the Facebook complaints page - "Many of you have reported that when you call Vantage and speak with a customer service rep or a sales rep, they don't seem to know that Vantage is in financial trouble, or that two of the ships have been re positioned to France. Let me assure you, they have to be very aware. In fact, they recently lost all benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, disability, etc. The HR Provider, 'Insperity' - Insperity Corporate Office: Contact Insperity's Corporate Headquarters, advised one employee that they have severed ties with Vantage, thus abruptly cutting off all benefits without notice. Some employees found out they no longer had insurance when picking up a prescription, or having medical procedures denied, etc. In addition, they were all afraid that last week's payroll didn't go through, as their pay was not deposited in time, and was up to 3 days late for many employees. It is troubling to hear that they will still try to sell you "an exciting trip" and take your money, especially since they do not currently accept credit cards and they know the trips may not operate. It is reported that Vantage also remains silent to employees, with virtually no communication from anyone on the "Leadership" team. So whereas they are most definitely aware of the current difficulties Vantage faces, they are also in the dark as far as we know, and have had no assurances that trips will operate after 8/28."

A comment on Boston Globe article - looks like this was a response to someone saying Henry Lewis is solely responsible for the mess of Vantage: "He is #1, but all his team of sycophants are also responsible for the apparent fraud that is occurring and has occurred for a few years. He employs those who will say yes to him, without regard to what’s ethical or even legal. He and they think they are smarter than everyone. They are still directing staff to make reservations and take cash payments from unsuspecting victims who don't know what is going on. His exec team includes Greg DelGreco, Deirdre Dirkman, David Rosen, and managers Palmira Delgado-Britta, Cheryl Sheehan, and the general counsel Rossella Mercuri. (Linked in) They have not acted in the best interest of the consumer, employees, and suppliers. How can they sleep at night knowing what they are doing and have done. Even the staff they manage are reportedly saying their mental health is affected. When is the AG going to step in?"

PA AG Lawsuit Press Release: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/taking-action/lawsuit-older-pennsylvanians-lost-thousands-of-dollars-in-risk-free-travel-scheme-run-by-vantage-travel-services/?fbclid=IwAR0KaRNwNS_yCkn5XnlNi806zaVgcAz9bF3SenlyJBIQeD5E2a8P-uPoBfY Here is the document: https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023.06.08-Vantage-Travel-Service-Inc.pdf

All Vantage trips cancelled through August 28, 2023: https://consumerrescue.org/travel-troubles/vantage-travel-canceled-cruise-customer-guidance/?fbclid=IwAR2uzawAOG8qpJSX0wD9diY35tzvk57AoljeyWGCQIDTA19uot6zLc-C6zE

See this article - all Vantage trips cancelled through at least August 28, 2023: https://consumerrescue.org/travel-troubles/vantage-travel-canceled-cruise-customer-guidance/?fbclid=IwAR2uzawAOG8qpJSX0wD9diY35tzvk57AoljeyWGCQIDTA19uot6zLc-C6zE

https://www.boston.com/news/business/2023/06/01/complaints-mount-against-mass-based-travel-company/?fbclid=IwAR2oj6-1HlA332FriKZNkLy68DGmhcC4_gKVUIBUghIWt8dOfZzb8iwDTNw and https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/finance/vantage-travels-ocean-explorer-ocean-odyssey-go-layup?fbclid=IwAR2pQvAxWtao_d885iVW1T4zX0_k76M1OuOv7oCzPT73osFlv65lydnATfo

This Facebook group is for affected Vantage travelers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/954817572208587

https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/mass-ag-780-complaints-made-against-boston-cruise-company/THMBQAEKDNDRVGK4PC3YCN2MUM/?fbclid=IwAR15EFsoM-W40Yi-ukRonG7w3o1MCPbx74Wzd4RYzkFmgAYkuYvTvBun_1w See Boston 25 News report on Vantage.

Why is Vantage delaying telling so many customers that their trip is canceled? Obviously, the Ocean Explorer and the Ocean Odyssey are not going anywhere soon as they are now both sailing to a docking location in Caen, France. Furthermore, River Splendor hasn't moved and is presumably still being held by the river management company due reported non-payments from Vantage. The Douro Serenity also canceling - again due reported vendor payment issues. Land trips being canceled as well. All Hurtigruten Norway trips also canceled for 2023 - again non-payment reported starting with a trip in April. All the while Vantage is selling trips to unsuspecting consumers who don't know that most likely Vantage knows that their trip will not be operated. How is this legal? Obviously not ethical to not be honest with your customers. This should be reported to the MA AG - even if you don't live in the state. Click on File a Consumer Complaint - https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-the-attorney-general