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Vacations To Go review: scam? 56

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8:08 am EDT
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i'm looking at booking a cruse with this company and because they give such a good deal are they a real and true company or are they a scam?
thanks.
peter j

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

56 comments
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Phillip01
Raleigh, US
Jun 10, 2023 10:12 pm EDT
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Fast deal 24566

When clicking single rates your site indicates an inside is $1399

When booking your agent quotes this room as $2746

This appears to be a ‘Bait and Switch’ pricing scheme

If you are not honoring the price on your site it should not be on your site

Erika Burchfield
Erika Burchfield
New York, US
Mar 19, 2019 10:58 am EDT
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They sound like a scam to me. Just read several Vacations To Go reviews: https://vacations-to-go.pissedconsumer.com/review.html.

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Trina c
Weston, US
Sep 04, 2013 4:35 pm EDT

Vacations to go quoted a price for an interior balcony on the Allure of the Seas that had no more cabins available at that price. Was told there was a few more available overlooking Central Park for almost $100 more per person, but it was only a window. Vacations to go only offered a customer service guesture of 10% of my next cruise, really? So they can overcharge me again? Bad Customer service from management who doesn't seen to care, even tho it was my moms 1st cruise and birthday...

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AngeliqueAC
, US
Apr 30, 2016 11:32 pm EDT
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Do not book with vacations to go. I paid over 5, 000 and booked three cabins and because I had to make changes to my booking more than 15 days before we cruise they took over 1, 400 from me, took away my large ocean view room and cramped 4 people in a room with no windows. I was told it would be investigated;however, the owner had the supervisor call me to say that I should have understood the changes. They made me pay for my son twice because he went from one room to the next a room already paid as well. DO NOT BOOK WITH THEM, PLEASE THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT WORKING CLASS PEOPLE . I'm looking for others that had the same problem or any problems. We can get together and focus on changing policies or looking more into this company . I travel on May 21 and will be looking for other to help me in this fight.

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Pee owed
, US
Mar 19, 2016 2:30 pm EDT

I understand that cruise prices change. What I do not understand is why the cruise prices on VTG go up and down. How can the price go down the closer you get to the sailing? And why would it go up and then go down? I paid the highest price for this cruise as when I saw the prices were going up I figured I had better book before it went up anymore. Imagine my surprise to find the same cruise listed 10 days later for $138 less! I think I am going to use the Groupon or Living Social websites for my vacations from now on.

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Mike Bertalot
, US
Sep 23, 2015 9:24 am EDT
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Stay away from them Peter. Save your money.

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DNP1992
, US
Nov 10, 2014 3:13 pm EST

Booked a cruise out of Charleston after Leslie Wright harassed us for a week straight with phone calls at dinner time! Drove 4 hours to the port, paid $90 to park car for a week, boarded the ship AND THEN WERE TOLD THE CRUISE WAS NEVER BOOKED FOR US! WE HAD ALL THE RIGHT PAPERWORK BUT THE CRUISE LINE WOULDN'T LET US STAY! WE HAVE BEEN KICKED OFF AND NOW THEY CAN'T FIND OUR LUGGAGE! THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE OUR 25TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY TRIP! THEY HAVE SCREWED UP OUR ENTIRE ANNIVERSARY WEEK! EXPENSIVE WEDDING GIFT HAS BEEN LOST WITH THE LUGGAGE! WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! Manager is Vacations to go is rude. Told us that he could only book us a later cruise AND it would be more expensive! These people have no decency about them! They can call everyday harassing people but they can't actually book a cruise! Now we are stuck in a city with no reservations, no clothes, and no anniversary gifts. Instead of Bahamas we have cold Charleston!

NEVER BOOK WITH VACATIONSTOGO OR LESLIE WRIGHT

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Dombrowski Family
Dade City, US
Aug 16, 2014 7:11 pm EDT
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Vacations To Go website has a real good price
for an inside cabin on a cruise on their website, you call to book it.
They claim that rate is for two bunk beds. You simply want a double bed as in
all hotel rooms, $50 MORE PER PERSON. Scam artists at VTG.

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Dombrowski Family
Dade City, US
Aug 16, 2014 7:04 pm EDT
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This VTG outfit does this on the phone too. They quote a real good price for an inside cabin on a cruise on their website, you call to book it. They claim that rate is for two bunk beds. You want a double bed as in all hotel rooms, $50 MORE PER PERSON. Scam artist at VTG.

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Mem7
Talladega, US
Aug 08, 2014 9:32 am EDT

I have been a VTG customer for several years now and they are WONDERFUL! My husband and I have taken trips to Mexico, DR, and Jamaica always to all inclusive resorts (we don't like cruise ships) and had a wonderful trip every time! I have a wonderful agent that I work with and she knows exactly what we want in a vacation and always delivers 100% for a great price! I would not book through anyone else! Everything is taken care of from the moment you get to the airport until you are back home again. The first year as a newbie I must have called her 20 times before the trip with questions that were silly but she always took the time to help me and made me feel special and like I was her only customer. We have worked hard all our lives and are now in our 50's and finally able to enjoy some of the fruits of our labor. It is nice to know everything will be taken care of and we can enjoy a stress free trip.

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Jason8547
Montgomery, US
Jul 11, 2014 2:53 am EDT

Vacations to Go is ok but check out finditnetwork.com for the best prices.

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Bqc333
Milpitas, US
Jan 18, 2014 12:13 pm EST

My mother was a totally independent woman and a worldly traveler before she had her stroke. She was VERY DEPRESSED being totally handicapped, wheelchair bound, semi-paralyzed who ended up living in a Care home because she can't take care of herself. She went into deep depression losing her independence. She wanted to travel again so I was planning to take her on a trip but I couldn't figure out how to push her in her wheelchair, carry the luggage, feed her (dietary needs) and had to pack and repack for every location and obtain medical help if she needs it. Someone suggested a cruise. We were on a limited budget.. I work a full time job, caregiver to my Mom, I have my own family. I found Vacationstogo.com in 2005 (Cruise Trip to Mexico). When you get on their website, they assigned a cruise advisor that works with you. This cruise advisor was great! I send in the health alert forms, dietary needs, mom's condition. They passed it on to the Princess Cruise line staff. When we got to the entry dock to start our cruise, the cruise staff pushed Mom in her wheelchair and escorted us on board. I didn't have to lift anything. The luggage was delivered to our cabin. I got a handicapped room with a roll in shower. Diabetic meals can be made upon request. On the OFF SHIP excursions, they arranged wheel chair accommodation. The Ship has a full in house 24 hr. & clinic which they let me and mom tour. I was really impressed. It snapped Mom out of her depression because she was able to travel again (even without her legs).
Two years later, in 2007, we did the Alaskan cruise with vacationstogo.com ...same ship, same crew...the crew remembered us. We had a great time...thanks to Vacationstogo.com
I recommend vacationstogo.com to all my friends...even to you who I don't know.
P.S. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and left thousands homeless, Vacationstogo. help out a lot, requesting donations from its subscribers and got a lot of the cruise ships to go there to house the homeless.

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Rustic Rose
Porter Ranch, US
Sep 18, 2013 3:54 pm EDT
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We booked our New England cruise on the Queen Mary 2 through Vacations to Go. They were wonderful, and personally called us if there was a change in times or weather problems in the ports we were visiting. I wouldn't hesitate to book through them again. I totally agree with UK Jim in the comment above. I have nothing but praise for Vacations to Go.

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Trina c
Weston, US
Sep 04, 2013 4:31 pm EDT

Vacations to go quoted a price for an interior balcony on the Allure of the Seas that had no more cabins available at that price. Was told there was a few more available overlooking Central Park for almost $100 more per person, but it was only a window. Vacations to go only offered a customer service guesture of 10% of my next cruise, really? So they can overcharge me again? Bad Customer service from management who doesn't seen to care, even tho it was my moms 1st cruise and birthday...

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adprofessional
, US
Jul 06, 2012 9:12 am EDT

Stay from Vacations To Go in General and Kari Lee in particular. They will rip you off, don't grant refunds when appropriate. See [redacted].com for complaints out of Galveston Texas. You can book directly with cruise line and save 2 to 3 hundred dollars. They have special pricing for their favorites, They copied a rival cruise company and illegally obtained emails. Don't ever give them your email or they will spam you several times a week, and it is impossible to get off their email list. Kari Lee, cruise director is arrogant, rude, insensitive, totally incompetent, and alan fox ceo is also a joke, Stay awy from or they will rip you off.

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bearcorner
Wichita, US
May 22, 2012 9:18 am EDT
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Vacation To Go, is scam. We were first time cruisers and they did not give us all the correct information on the documentation needed for our cruise. When we arrived to board our cruise, we were denied due to lack of documentation. That was $2150.00 down the tubes that they weren't even willing to credit anything back. Plus, we had to pay for a stay in Fort Lauderdale, until our flight out. Very disheartening. Yes, I was looking for a travel agency with true integrity, and follow through of customer service, that looked after our best interest. My family of four was so incredibly disappointed, words can't express how discouraged we were and still are. When we went to the port the first questions one of the Carnival cruise employees asked us was who did you book the cruise through? I said, "Vacations to Go", and the employee exclaimed, "well that was your first mistake"! So, sad that this agency is even able to operate, they are a total rip off, do what is best for you family and go else where to book you vacation.

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buttersugar#1
Torrington, US
Feb 06, 2012 10:59 pm EST

I have always had a great experience with VTG. I have a great contact there and she is VERY accommodating. She has always followed through with an after the cruise survey to see if anything can be improved. She also sends us a bon voyage e mail. She has done 4 cruises for us and I DEFINATELY would recommend her and her company. The prices she gets us beats every other agency I have dealt with. I had one problem but it was solved when I booked my next cruise and the price error for the stateroom credit was corrected plus some extras thrown in for my trouble.It all depends on the agent . Mine is great and an asset to her company.

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Robert Lange 76
, US
Jan 15, 2012 5:50 pm EST
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I have noticed that there are two companies with similar names:
vacationstogo.com and VacationsToGo.com I have booked several cruises with the first one, none with the second one. I have always been satisfied.
The second one often shows up on computer request for the first, so use care.
I find that insurance is often less costly when booking directly with the cruise line and cost is most always the same for the base price of the cruise.

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jbfirebird
nowhere, US
Aug 05, 2011 10:41 pm EDT

take it for what its worth. i havent dealth with this agency at all. But, with all of the good reviews that this particular inquiry has brought up would still make me wonder.
for this in particular, just about all of the ones that have given good replies about them, have 1 post. and that one post is within this thread. that is enough to make me wonder if they werent just created accounts to post good stuff to help in a possible scam.
i could be wrong, but unless you hear it from someone that seems to have been around these boards longer, from word of mouth, etc. i would still beware to an extent. i dont know their reputation. so, you may still want to be careful

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Ynorman
Lawrenceville, US
Aug 05, 2011 10:29 pm EDT

I, too, have used VTG before and had excellent customer service and no problems with accomadations etc. This time we had a different agent, mentioning no names, and he was a lot less helpful and a bit snotty I thought. I finished my unhappy call with him, turned around and called back for a manager, Savannah, she was so helpful and polite and addressed the issues that I had very satisfactorly and promptly. I will give VTG another chance later next year, but with a new agent, referred to me.

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Village Vicarage
Bexhill on Sea, GB
Jun 20, 2011 2:38 pm EDT

I have been travelling with Vacations To Go.com for just a bit longer than eight years. Not only have I found the prices fantastic, but the service, the opportunities, and the commitment of the staff to be beyond my expectations. Whilst I can understand some people may be sceptical, such as the offensive comment by 'Josh09261984, ' I can attest to the integrity of the business I have dealt with. I've bought transatlantic sailings on the QM2, a positioning sailing with a Royal Caribbean ship, and numerous Holland America sailings and cruises - all providing me with combinations of multiple upgrades and substantial discounts. If you're a novice to sailing or cruises, please ask someone, such as the staff at VTC to explain the difference between options, guaranteed grades vs booking specific cabins.

VTC also recently assisted me in securing a necessary type of cabin for someone suffering from advanced MS. No one else would have gone to such trouble!

If anyone has a specific doubt, I don't mind sharing my experience and I give you my word I'm not someone who has been provided an incentive to make these comments.

I wish you peace in all your journeys. Father Bill Haymaker+ www.ProjectNewLife.org

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LoveCruising
, US
Jun 16, 2011 6:54 pm EDT

Vacations To Go is a legitimate business which I have used several times, and because I have had only good experiences, I hate to think others would feel the company might not be legit. It is an online travel (cruise and resort vacation) agency, with whom you as the the customer deal exclusively via email or phone, so there is no face-to-face contact. Thus, using VTG may seem a little impersonal to those who are not used to doing business online; those people should probably consider using a brick and mortar travel agent in their hometown, where they can discuss their plans in person. (We have done that, too, but it was not easier for us nor more more beneficial in any way to using Vacations to Go.) Using VTG, an online agency, is exactly the same as if you contacted the cruise line itself to book your cruise, except in our experience (we have booked both ways), the cruise line will not assign you a specific "travel agent" to handle your reservations and booking -- whoever is available when you call the cruise line will handle your needs. (This policy may vary with cruise lines, though.) However, if you contact VTG, you will be assigned a single travel agent who will deal with your needs through booking, confirmation, cabin assignment, etc., right up until you board the ship. (Others at the office can also help you if your particular agent is, say, out of the office when you call and you need immediate assistance.) One thing it is important to know is, no travel agency, including Vacations to Go, will offer you a lower price for a cruise than the cruise line itself will (ultimately) offer. (The price of each cruise will vary as time passes, and as the ship fills up.) They are not allowed to (except perhaps in cases of chartered cruise/group travel), and if you were to have bought a cruise passage for some ridiculously low price (lower than that offered by the cruise line for the same accommodations), you would definitely have been scammed and the cruise line would not let you board! What VTG offers is a great website where you can get LOTS and LOTS of useful information about practically every cruise line, ship, and voyage, and they also offer (in certain cases) extra perks like Priority boarding passes, free champagne in the cabin, onboard credits, etc. (which also may be offered by the cruise lines -- you must check.) I will say that I have never had a problem with any cruise I have booked, so I have never had to test the problem resolution policies or practices of Vacations To Go. (Nor have I had to test any any cruise line in this regard, but I have read online that many are extremely bad in their problem resolution.) Neither have I used VTG for booking a resort vacation.

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acura252
Houston, US
Jun 09, 2011 5:19 pm EDT
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Love Booking Cruises thru VacationstoGo with Lex Harryson! Everytime I go on a cruise, I make sure to request him! His service is Top-Notch & he goes over & beyond to make sure you have a great time when you have a special event going on! Whenever I have a question or concern, he is available to answer my question. I haven't met a more efficient agent. He is the only one that I will work with! Last year during my Birthday, I booked a Princess Cruise & Lex made it very memorable for my guests & me! He upgraded my room & we had two connecting cabins...LOVED IT! Can't wait to book my Anniversary Cruise with you Lex & VTG!

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UncleBob
Texas, US
Jun 06, 2011 2:19 pm EDT
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Come on people, we all know there a legitimate company. They give the best prices possible and still remain in business. It cost money in overhead to operate. Sure there making money, but that's business. In my opinion they provide an excellent service at a fair and reasonable price. No one gives any thing away.

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smaggs
Fort Wayne, US
Jun 06, 2011 11:19 am EDT

This is a legitimate company, but do your homework...you are still paying a middle man they arent giving you a better deal than you would get directly...i almost booked with them once and then decided to check the cost directly and glad i did, it was cheaper. The give you a discounted version of a discount already being offered by the original company.

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UncleBob
Texas, US
Jun 02, 2011 8:59 pm EDT
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That's the way to go. Congratulations! !

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UncleBob
Texas, US
Jun 02, 2011 8:58 pm EDT
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That's the way to go. Congratulations!

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BADAZ
, US
Jun 02, 2011 8:13 pm EDT

Just recently booked Transatlantic Queen Mary with Tal at VTG. He was pleasant, informative, AND IN TEXAS!. I had seen what looked like a great price, $800, a 'flash' promoti0n, so I booked it. A couple of days later (or was it next day, can't remember) I checked their 'deals' and saw that the price had been reduced by a further $100. I didn't expect much, but, phoned Tal and asked him what possibility of getting my booking changed to reflect the lower deal. He called Cunard and Whizzo! they rebooked us and our cost was reduced by $200 (for 2). Guess what? I'll be going back to Vacations to Go. NO SCAM!

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Nancy in RSF
Rancho Santa Fe, US
May 29, 2011 3:04 am EDT
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I am about to book my third cruise with Vacations to Go. They have gotten us good deals, given us great advice and have made us feel like important customers whenever we have used them. I am not affiliated with the company and have not been solicited to make this comment. I am just a regular old repeat customer and I recommend them if you want to get a fair deal on a cruise. Nancy in RSF CA

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ericrouge
Dorchester, US
May 19, 2011 7:21 pm EDT

Vacations to Go has customer service that won't admit mistakes. So those here who have said that the folks who complain here haven't tried to solve problems with the Houston HQ are dead wrong. VTG attitude is if we didn't provide you with what we promised, or if our staff was rude, tough luck. I suppose they assume no one will bear the cost of a lawsuit? eric the red

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EPP
Louisville, US
May 07, 2011 9:20 pm EDT

We have booked multiple cruises with VTG and have beeen very satisfied.
Some years ago, I booked with an on-line only agency, cruise got canceled due to ship problem,
they never told me. I found out by accident, and fixed it myself. they are now out of business.
With VTG, I had one issue with a on board credit not showing up but one quick phone call got the problem resolved in an hour. This a top notch organization. Always perform as promised.

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Derek - S
, GB
May 05, 2011 6:55 pm EDT
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I see someone has commented that only those people who wish to make a complaint or are suspicious in some way would visit a complaint site. Not So! I googled vacations to go as I wanted to plan my next trip and saw one of the options was "Vacations to Go - A Scam?" As an always happy customer I was intrigued to see what was being said. On balance the majority view matches mine. They are a very good company who give good value. I've been with them three times and now looking for a fourth. As a retired senior policeman from the UK I think I know a scam when I see or experience it. Vacations to Go is not such an enterprise - nor am I in their employment.

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UncleBob
Texas, US
Apr 26, 2011 4:52 pm EDT
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VTG is a classy company. We had a cruise booked, arrangements with airlines and Holland American for provisions to take a small 3 wheel electric scooter due to a back disablement. The back could not wait, so we had to cancel all arraignments. It went very smoothly, VTG took care of everything in a timely manner (1 day). Thank God for travel insurance. We was reimbursed for everything. Travel insurance
is a must. You never know what will happen, especially when you never expect it.
We are still going to take that cruise as soon as I'm healed, which will be next cruise season. It with out a doubt be with VTG. We have never had a glitch. If there was one VTG handled it with the cruise line. We didn't have too.

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Navy Mom
, US
Apr 26, 2011 3:20 pm EDT

People go to complaint forums to complain or to research a company. My husband was concerned because he found a complaint forum about VTG but can't view it at work. We've traveled a lot--I've organized student travel for years through a student travel company. There are ALWAYS glitches--some minor, some major. When we want to travel on our own and have someone take care of us, I go to VTG. Once the reservation is made with the cruise line, it's them, not VTG that you have to deal with. Never had a problem at all.

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bbcruiser
St. George, US
Apr 22, 2011 11:04 pm EDT
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Every time I try to bring up VTG on my computer, the screen locks and I cannot navigate through their site. I have no problem with any other travel site. Anyone else have the same problem?
If so, how did you solve it? VTG says it's my computer, but like I said, no problem with any other site. Help.
bbcruiser

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RoyKo
Willits, US
Mar 23, 2011 12:35 am EDT
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We have used Vacations To Go four time now for some of our trips. We have had NO problem with the company or any of their staff, and are now booking a Alaska cruse through VTG. Again, no problems. I am quick to complain about bad travel companies and I know that people seldom write good thing about any company in a form of this type. Again no problem. No, I am NOT with VTG, nor do I know anything them, other then booking with them. Thanks

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UK Jim
Solihull, GB
Mar 19, 2011 10:25 am EDT

I have used VTG on two separate Transatlantic crossings, and cannot give them enough praise. The price we paid for each cruise was unbelieveable, the service and help we recieved from VTG salespeople was second to none. There are no words in the English dictionary to praise this company high enough. I would, and indeed have, recommend them in a heartbeat.

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UncleBob
Texas, US
Jan 19, 2011 7:57 pm EST
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We have just booked our 7th cruise with VTG. They are more than helpful each time. This time, I will be required, due to health reasons to take a electric scooter on this trip. They took care of everything including getting my scooter taken care of en route and return on the airplane, and they set me up for the scooter to be handled on the ship. How could I ask for more. Some people are feeding bad information about VTG. You couldn't ask anymore from a travel company. The small fly by night, hole in the wall agencies are the one's you have to be careful of, NOT VTG.

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seasonedcruzr
Rio Vista, US
Jan 19, 2011 2:53 pm EST
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We have been using VTG for many years. They have ALWAYS performed perfectly! Be it known that most of the major cruise lines are extremely dependent on agencies like VTG to fill up these huge ships. VTG is the biggest agency that they depend on. If you heve had a problem, it is most likely you weren't diligent in knowing the details of your trip. I will say that nobody is perfect, and the agents at VTG are no exception. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Incidently, their prices are about the same no matter who you book with! VTG always throws in a little something extra. Just ask. Thanks VTG! seasonedcruzr

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invicbc
Victoria, CA
Jan 05, 2011 10:32 pm EST

Agree with UncleBob. Few folks with good experiences look for complaint sites. Have used VTG and was completely satisfied with the booking and follow up service for our Southern Caribbean cruise. Also provided airfare price comparisons from Canada so we had more info for booking our flights. Would not hesitate to use them again although we do tend to deal directly with the crusie line these days. Recieve their weekly email for cheap cruises and find it is helpful in future bookings.