fireworks1

Hi, please see the recent POST #32 above quoting the email sent by @twototravel directly to executives of Vantage and the reply given. Interesting in the light of your experience where you were told your upcoming November 5 cruise was canceled, when they were still advertising it on their website. If you’d like, suggest you write to then to confirm if your cruise is canceled or not. Their email reply above gave a positive update but nothing very specific. Maybe they can now tell you in light of developments they mention what the definite first cruise Ocean Odyssey will be sailing, on what date, from which port, and finally which Vantage cruise tour. They should be advising each customer of such cancellations way in advance and update their website accordingly.

@twototravelThanks for sharing! I thought you wrote a very good email, but what do think about his reply? I’m not in your situation but IMHO it sounds like a form letter drafted by Legal. But I do hope this is the honest truth about the situation and because your travel date is next year, there will be zero problems then. It would have been nice if he acknowledged that they were aware of the problems posted online and elsewhere and at least given some sort of explanation or apology for their inaction, but there was not a single word. Maybe he should explain what “the ship will be put into active service?” exactly means. He didn’t say “it will be ready to embark on its first cruise on this date and at this port for this voyage.” When will they announce this on their website or give advance notice to individuals passengers already affected? There have been so many complaints posted about these last minute cancellations with only vague reasons given. You should not be learning about these from many complaints on social media, the BBB, NY Times and other articles. What is the definite first Vantage Travel cruise that Ocean Odyssey will sail, from what port and on what date? There should be no moving targets anymore. Hopefully other posters with closer upcoming cruise dates would also write.

Forgot to add, also contact your State’s Attorney General about this and see what they suggest. - https://law.georgia.gov/contact-us People used to contact Massachusetts AG where Vantage is based but apparently they have been asking people to file a complaint with their local state.

@twototravel You have a wonderful, positive attitude and an excellent suggestion. Yes Vantage can and should be actively looking for another cruise ship for your Feb 2023 cruise (not sure if that’s enough time but let’s hope so) or be honest enough to give you and others a full refund. Why not try contacting the top executives of Vantage, this link from a well known consumer advocacy website has their names, direct email, etc. If any of the info is not accurate, let me know. Just be persistent and frank with them and tell them exactly what you need. Keep copies and records of your communications. There’s nothing to lose. 🔴 Vantage Travel company executives - https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/vantage-deluxe-world-travel/ 🔴 I would advise anyone else who has a similar problem or concern with this company do the same. Please post if you get any results good or bad, it will help others in a similar situation. Would also help if those of you similarly affected form a group, share experiences and contact them as a group. Cruisecritic is great but doesn’t allow direct private messages, TripAdvisor does.

@twototravel Found this link to NY times article u were looking for. No paywall. https://www.tumsozluk.com/help-im-93-my-postponed-cruise-has-been-postponed-again-and-id-like-my-money-back/ If u got ur insurance from Vantage, there are numerous posts about bad experiences with this (can post a link here if u like or read BBB complaints). The reasons you list above don’t sound like a CFAR policy so always best to read the policy for any insurance you buy and get only from reputable 3rd party with A rating from A.M.Best. Never get from the tour operator itself. Paying with credit card also gives added protection, you may be able to get some compensation from them for purchased services not rendered. So very sorry to hear this is happening to you and many others.

@DonnaMW Good that you were persistent in reaching someone! I really hope I’m wrong but I’m surprised Vantage is still giving the Oct 17 date because the ship is still in China right now. Has NEVER been delivered to the owner SunStone. The very first sailing was supposed to be in August, then September, and now October and November. When will they admit that something is not right? Plus impossible to travel from China to Greece in 9 days! That alone can take around 30 days, even more. Not to mention so many other tasks needed before it can start cruising. LAFuncruiser said she was told her Nov 5 cruise was canceled. Almost cruel for them not to be more honest with their loyal, paying passengers so they can decide what their next step should be, like call a lawyer maybe.

Below are 2 screenshots from a tracking website with the info TODAY that Ocean Odyssey is still in China since Sept 15. Haven’t seen any info on whether it has been delivered to the owner SunStone. Vantage leases these ships from them for its cruises.

Hi Donna, any news on your flight or if your Nov 5 cruise is leaving as scheduled ? I checked Tracking websites as of today and it shows that Vantage ship Ocean Odyssey is STILL DOCKED IN CHINA SINCE SEPT. 15! It’s troubling because by now it should have departed the shipyard in China, then gone maybe to Asia to pick up crew, then sail to the Mediterranean for hotel crew and supplies. This can take up to 2 months. Only then can it travel to Greece so you can begin your cruise. Have tried to research why it’s still in China less than a month before a scheduled cruise and have found nothing, Vantage should be advising you by now what the real status of your cruise and not wait till the very last minute as they seem to be in the habit of doing. Pls check ur online account at Vantage and call the airline for you flights. If no info, call them and mention this information. They likely think that the less their clients know, the better. That is never the way to run a business responsibly or successfully.

To TWO TO TRAVEL of Jekyll Island, GA: I can gift you the complete article if you wd like. You wd hv to give me your email though cause private messaging is not allowed here. Just write it out like John Doe 123 at aol dot com for example.