Another one.

Yep they do have their resources.

Cheers, Larry :-)

Oh and speaking of broadening your mind see the link I provided above. It's a different point of view, one you should appreciate and most probably politely disagree with.

Regards, Larry.

Sorry guys, but my positive June 8 posting was not in the least prompted by GCT and I doubt they have seen it. No begging here. I am simply tired of the negative...and now it seems we have added insinuations to boot.

Larry, your link didn't appear to post. I'm always curious to broaden my horizons.

I'm actually quite curious how GCT handled the recent flood situation on the European rivers. Add that to the European air traffic controllers' strike and one could develop some serious sympathy for the folks caught in the mix.

Thats the topic I was searching for when I tripped over this thread initially.

We just returned from two back to back river trips with a Paris layover arranged by GCT in France March 31-April 28. As usual, we had a great time. We also did a delightful month long Black Sea to North Sea river cruise last September, on the very rivers that have been subject to the current disasters. I am very curious as to how GCT handled the current situation.

I have reviewed Fodor's quite a bit over the years but am not much inclined to be a poster. OPOs (other people's opinions) are interesting to review but not determinative for my travel decisions.

That is especially true when I can base my choices on direct personal experience. Not a terribly illogical approach, one would think.

And yes, I do bear the burden of striving to maintain polite and appropriate manners in all discourse. Whether in dogs, horses or people - breeding does tend to show.

Why was this ancient post brought up again and you all responded to it. Start a new post if you have something new to say, please.

Oxark bill. I wasn't referring to you as you are a long time poster. No issues and sorry for any misunderstanding. I thought when I refered to the bland new posters, one time posters you would see this was not referring to you.

TJ: The link works fine for me.

Your statemnt about breeding is basically a contradiction as in polite discourse there's no place for snide insinuation.

Again, regards, Larry :-)

Typo. I meant "brand" and not "bland"

Bangell is a case in point. Been around for a while but has only posted twice. Both to about GCT

Ozarkbill and a few other Fodorites have posted good and bad about GCT/OAT. Their info is useful.

But the vast majority of GCT posts (easily 90%) are from one-time/only-time posters. They register, post, then disappear (probably to post on other travel websites).

It is those 'shills' who are obviously doing GCT's bidding.

Are we talking about the same company? We have been on 7 OAT trips. The guides have always been superb- I can not imagine any company has better guides. The accommodations are fine for the price - and on our recent pre/base and post trip in Turkey unusually charming. We are serious about food and wine and will take advantage of free nights to find the best local restaurants infrequently visited by tours. in sum we recommend OAT in the highest possible manner. I strongly suggest that you look at their traveler reviews to find out if you are likely to enjoy a particular trip

GCT certainly have their supporters but also have their dissatisfied customers too Linda. See the link above. Seems there is no middle ground.

There usually isn't much middle ground when things go wrong on a vacation.

A bad guide, a big delay that makes you miss your tour, cruise, no luggage the whole time, disappointing cancellation, etc. can really wreck things and upset everyone.

OAT/GCT certainly get complaints from some; I've read them, but I've never had any problem with them. Most of their issues seem to stem from the main office; you have to remember that their sales people are not tour guides, and aren't experts. Doing some of your own research is always a good idea.

If you want to specifically see a certain museum or site, make sure it will be open the day you will be there. Sometimes the local guides change the itinerary a bit to account for weekends, closed days, etc. If you have your own agenda, make independent plans and go do your own thing instead of being a grumpy group member.

Be sure you understand the cancellation/refund policy, and get insurance. OAT does seem to have listened to the complaints. They have changed their air policy so you can make your own air travel plans and arrive earlier/stay later/use miles, etc. Big improvement. They seem to have changed the way they book pre/post trips. You used to pick a main trip, sign up for the pre/post, and hope there were enough folks to make them a go. Now they limit the pre/post availability to help avoid that, and signing up for the pre/post is mandatory if you pick that date.

I never experienced any hassle about traveling as a solo, but they do limit them on some trips. After being on a few, I can see why. Cabins on the small boats are limited, and if you only put one single guest into each one, you can't take very many travelers. The company needs to have a certain number in a group to cover the costs. There are only so many tents available in the Serengeti, too. On our Africa trip, we had two singles who were in their own tents, and two of us paired up by OAT. The rest were couples or friends traveling together. On trips where you stay only in land hotels it's probably not as big of a problem. As with anything else, the earlier you sign up, the more choices you have.

I've traveled with OAT to Turkey, Egypt, Serengeti, MP/Galapagos, and enjoyed each trip. They were reasonably priced, good guides, decent accommodations, organized. I'm actually a fairly independent traveler; the Turkey tour was my first ever group tour, and I LOVED it.

Turkey is a large country with somewhat limited transportation (to the ancient sites) and I would have never seen so many places in such a short time doing it solo. I did stay after for 5 days and rent a car to visit some sites we did't see and had fun with that as well. I would NEVER recommend visiting Egypt/Jordan solo, especially as a female. Just getting from Cairo to Alexandria and back on the train was an ordeal, and that was before all the unrest started.

You have to join a safari group in Africa if you're a solo unless you are independently wealthy. Our guides used to work for A&K and treated us like first class passengers all the way. You can do Peru on your own, but you'd have to sign up for a Galapagos excursion with a boat, so we opted for the ease of having it all planned out for us.

OAT travelers aren't all old, I was in my 40's when I started traveling with them. I took my 13yo DD with me to Egypt/Jordan and she loved it. Others in our group were mid 80's and some of the most interesting, fit people I've met in years, and they loved having DD along. The Peru/Galapagos trip had us- 50's plus two 18yo's and a big family from 40's to 70's. We had a blast.

I have gone on 2 GCT Cruises and booked another trip this June. First trip was by myself and had the same accommodations as everyone else. Always had room that I picked at booking time. Last year they were over booked and called us up to consider changing plans. We said no thanks and that was fine..this year, they called because of over booking and we took the change. We were offered $500 each for the change. Not only did we book for next year but got upgraded in cabin but got $1000. Refunded.. I have met so many people on these trips that love OAT/ GCT and have gone on more than 10 vacations with them. The crew couldn't be better and since I haven't had a problem I do recommend them. Sorry you had an issue with them.

This thread started in 2011...don't you all think it is time to let it die? Or start a new thread?

Barbara, I'm sorry you feel you didn't have a great experience. I can say with total confidence that I've had a great experience every time I have traveled with OAT. It has been four times so far, and all four of them have been as a single. One of them was also the trip to Turkey that included an amazing cruise off the southern coast of that incredible country, and all the cabins were virtually the same. I've always had good rooms, and in Stresa, Italy, I actually had one of the most amazing rooms I've ever stayed in. . . and I've traveled a lot. Furthermore, any time I've been on one of their trips and someone wasn't happy, the tour guide knocked themselves out to make the client happy, which, inevitably, they always were. My aunt has gone on five equally amazing trips with them, and is going on their Vietnamese trip this fall, also as a single. They must be doing something right, because she has literally traveled with almost every major tour company. . . . hope things improve for you.

Barbara, I'm sorry you feel you didn't have a great experience. I can say with total confidence that I've had a great experience every time I have traveled with OAT. It has been four times so far, and all four of them have been as a single. One of them was also the trip to Turkey that included an amazing cruise off the southern coast of that incredible country, and all the cabins were virtually the same. I've always had good rooms, and in Stresa, Italy, I actually had one of the most amazing rooms I've ever stayed in. . . and I've traveled a lot. Furthermore, any time I've been on one of their trips and someone wasn't happy, the tour guide knocked themselves out to make the client happy, which, inevitably, they always were. My aunt has gone on five equally amazing trips with them, and is going on their Vietnamese trip this fall, also as a single. They must be doing something right, because she has literally traveled with almost every major tour company. . . . hope things improve for you.

Another one. :S-

I seem to notice that the people who hop onto the Forum for one time only are those who have a complaint. Also, Grand Circle in now rated A+ by the BBB in Boston. All complaints were several years in the past and have long been resolved. I will soon be leaving for my 16th trip with OAT and have never had a complaint.

This is true but also there are those who are one time posters who shill for a company. There are quite a few on this thread. If GCT is as you say then no shilling is needed. They can and should stand on their own merits. JM2C.

I agree with Piperpat. Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel got an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau in 2012:
http://www.bbb.org/boston/business-r...oston-ma-3848/

Part of the accreditation process includes how responsive they are to complaints & issues. This particular thread was started over 2 years ago. Despite the original post, the more recent posters with issues have indicated that they got satisfactory resolutions and/or had great experiences. So, it looks like they're moving in the right direction.

Its nice to see that there are some who realize that GCT had issues and are working to resolve them as opposed to those who have turned a blind eye to the many complaints over the yrs. and cheer lead no matter what. I am glad they are moving forward in the right direction. Keep it up! :-)

My husband and I have been on 11 trips with OAT, and for the most part they have been good, however when things go wrong they are not much help; we were in Peru on 9/11, I must tell you OAT did nothing to help, but we felt that was such an unusual situation it was forgivable. Then we booked to Turkey, bad weather caused a flight cancellation, OAT made us find our own way to Turkey then when we got there we had to find our own way and finance our trip to the hotel, now we had a trip to the Serengeti booked for Nov 24 2013 they just called us on Sept 13, and cancelled it, we had paid early march to get good buy plan, they did not offer to give us any credit for keeping our money so long, the credits they give you for taking a previous trip will even go down in value. My husband and I are not complainers, but I fail to see how this is good business sense, to treat your best customers this way

Well, as I said long ago, we went on 2 that were grand, and then the last one horrible., totally mismanaged..so with those odds, we have never tried it again.

Again my response on this outdated thread with GCT complaints...but on a positive note. We recently went on our eighth tour that was well run. This time to Maritime Provinces.
http://www.fodors.com/community/cana...-provinces.cfm

Bill in Boston

How can you really trust what is on the web? Anyone of whatever motivation can post. Why should complaints be dismissed simply because they are first time one time posters? At the same time there are certain posters who seem to be cheerleaders for some companies. My feeling is that there are a lot of companies offering travel, and if one gets bad marks from a couple of posters, why even consider it? Go with one with good reviews.

Tjoyfin - We apologize for any inconveniences you've experienced traveling with us. We regret that we had to unexpectedly cancel one of our Safari Serengeti departures. While our alternative offerings did not fit your schedule, we do hope that you will give us another opportunity to impress you in the future. Justwishin, if you would like to discuss your experience on your last trip, please contact us. -Michelle, GCC Web Community Manager

I find travel companies to be much like dating. Sometimes you have fun, sometimes you wish the guy offered more, sometimes you love the guy immediately, sometimes you don't like him at all. However, my mother gave me some good advise when I was young. Date everyone 3 times before you make a decision. We have enjoyed Grand Circle, OAT, Viking and Vantage. Honestly, in the dark they are pretty much all the same just like a date.

We have had good and less than good times on all 4 of them. Less than good memories often provide the most laughter when it's over.I try to keep the attitude,"It's about the journey, not the trip that you will remember."

Good travels!

I have traveled with OAT four times and with GCT once, and have signed up for OAT's Turkey's Magical Hideaways trip next October. I prefer OAT because the groups are smaller. There have been a couple of problems on two of my trips, which were beyond their control, but OAT issued refunds. I have found their trips exceptional, with wonderful guides and accommodations. I have traveled as a single and my rooms have always been as good as those with double accommodations. I have been to Peru, VietNam/Cambodia, India/Nepal, Italy and have just completed the Nepal and the Mystical Himalayas trip, which was incredible. In spite of OAT's warnings about how difficult this trip could be, I had no problems at all, and I will be 79 next March. The only trip I did not like was India, but that wasn't OAT's fault, it was India's. I just couldn't stomach the filth. I think you have to have an adventurous spirit to appreciate these trips. They're not like staying in Hiltons. By the way Travel and Leisure Magazine has rated them tops.

Why do people keep resurrecting this old thread from 2011? Strange to me...
It is best to start a new thread instead of compounding on top of one so old.

Because I just discovered it,SusieQQ, and felt it necessary to comment on what I consider disparaging remarks about what I consider an excellent tour copany.

>>Why do people keep resurrecting this old thread from 2011? Strange to me...
It is best to start a new thread instead of compounding on top of one so old.<<

Probably because OAT/GCT encourages their customers to post on-line reviews on travel sites. A sleazy policy by a reasonably good company . . .

(They mostly get deleted by the moderators because they are mostly one-time/only-time/hit and run members.)

Yes, these one time posters register just to defend a tour company... it does give the appearance of sleazy policy.

BobbieH, Hope you continue to participate on these forums and aren't a "one time wonder".

"Yes, these one time posters register just to defend a tour company... it does give the appearance of sleazy policy."

Why do you consider it an appearance of sleazy policy? I love reading reports of all companies-good and bad. That's how people gain information, help make decisions, etc. You have to take some with the grain of salt, snicker at some, be glad you weren't traveling with some individuals, etc. That is what travel sites are for- to learn.

Does being a first time poster immediately discount their creditability? First time posters also love to discredit too along with defending. I think most posters are intelligent enough to make their own decisions. Who cares how old a thread is if contains interesting information.

>>Does being a first time poster immediately discount their creditability? <<

No -- but there is a looooooong history of OAT/GCT customers registering to praise the company and their tours and then never ever come back. Hit-and-run. Some even have used the same wording/syntax. Some OAT guides must provide suggested reviews for their passengers to post on-line.

Really? And that's a absolute fact or hear say? My question is "Who really cares?"

OMG!

Does this never end...let's all agree, some people have had good experiences with OAT/GCT and some have had bad experiences with them (including myself).

But, there are just too many first time posters with exceptional praise.

Let's all stop this nonsense....

Yes, this is ridiculous so let's cease...from eight times travelers who have no complaints whatsoever. You know we are NOT from GCT as we are posting often here and there on Fodors.

Bill I have no issues with your post as I stated earlier, about 6 mos. ago :) but there are clearly at least 4-6 one timers who have shown up to defend GCT and then are never heard from again. If only most of the posters were as believable as you there would be no issues. However there clearly have been with many others. They too matter.

Yes southeastern, really . . .

>>>No -- but there is a looooooong history of OAT/GCT customers registering to praise the company and their tours and then never ever come back. Hit-and-run. Some even have used the same wording/syntax. Some OAT guides must provide suggested reviews for their passengers to post on-line.<<<

They aren't the only company that does this. I often think the one time hit-and-runs are actually employees required to post reviews as part of their job to drum up business. Gate 1 and a few other lower end package tours do the same thing. You can copy and paste those posts into Google and turn up the exact same wording across multiple travel forums.

Kybourbon as a bourbon fan I must ask if you have a favorite.
Thank you. Larry. :).
Mine is Jeffersons Reserve BTW.