Overseas Adventure TravelReviews of oattravel.com

After researching OAT’s European cruises on Travelzoo, I noticed a significant discrepancy in their advertised rates. Packages were promoted from $995 per person for select dates, but when clicking through to the OAT website, actual prices for similar itineraries were much higher—often starting above $3,000 per person, even after advertised discounts. This made me feel that the marketing strategies might be misleading for travelers expecting a low-cost experience. If you’re interested in a European cruise during the low season, consider flying over and booking directly with local agencies or cruise operators. From my experience, this often results in better deals and more transparent pricing than booking through large travel websites or agencies advertising “special offers”. I’m glad I read reviews and did some research before making such a substantial commitment, and recommend others take the time to compare prices and read recent traveler experiences before booking. For the best value, don’t be afraid to explore local options once you’re in Europe.

Two weeks prior to take off, OAT shortened the itinerary by one day. Since I bought my own airfare, it was too late to change. This left me in a scramble to find a hotel to cover their lapse. Two of the meals were cheap buffets. Never again. Very poor communication with Boston Headquarters. Guides can't help with any problems you might have with the headquarters.

I booked a trip with OATS in December 2024. When I booked with OATS their operator assured me that I could cancel the trip and obtain a full refund as long as i cancelled 90 days prior to departure. I sent a letter no response, so I called, then I filed a complaint with better business bureau.

I recently booked a trip with Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT), a subsidiary of the Grand Circle Corporation, and my experience was nothing short of a nightmare. This company engages in deceptive pricing practices, refuses to take accountability for their mistakes, and has an absurdly slow refund process—all while taking your money in record time. Here’s what happened: I booked a trip with OAT and was assured by their representative that it included everything I requested, including Business Class airfare. Just two days later, I was informed that, in fact, Business Class was not included, and that if I wanted it, the price would increase by a staggering $7,800. This was a clear case of bait-and-switch. When I pushed back, OAT refused to take any responsibility for the misinformation their own representative provided. Naturally, I requested an immediate refund. Their representative initially told me it would take 30–45 days. Yet, when I booked the trip, they had no problem charging my credit card within six hours. This is completely unacceptable and raises serious questions about their business ethics. How is a company like this still in business? They mislead customers, refuse to acknowledge their own mistakes, and hold onto refunds for an unreasonable amount of time. If this is how they treat customers before the trip even begins, I shudder to think what would happen once you’re actually traveling with them. I strongly advise anyone considering Overseas Adventure Travel to think twice before booking. Do your research, and don’t fall for their misleading sales tactics. I certainly won’t be booking with them again.

We booked an Eastern Europe to the Black Sea River Cruise with GCT on 26 Nov 2024 during their Black Friday Special. The deal on their special has cruise fare "with airfare". When we spoke with Sales (Breault), she stated that we are "getting free airfare" and kept pestering us for upgrading to Premium Economy with more upselling for Pre- and Post-Cruise to which we said "NO" several times in the conversation. She provided a lot of false information and misrepresentation. What she did NOT discuss was the information in the invoice especially about the airfare. I sent my issues to OAT support as they own GCT. Never heard from them -- no response to the email. Called them up, CS Agent Gabby said that there is no supervisor and that they can't do anything about the complaint. I raised the issue through Better Business Bureau in 04 Dec 2024. Travel Relations French said that Sales was correct. GCT was charging the airfare from Boston for $1,250 per person. Their Black Friday Special Ad stated "FLY FOR FREE -- a savings up to $1,600 per person -- on March and May-June departures". Yet, GCT only gave a $1,100 discount per person leaving us to pay a total of $300 for airfare. How is that FLY FOR FREE (free airfare) as claimed by their Sales (Breault) and their promotional Ad? We have screenshots to prove our assertions. After reading reviews about OAT, it seemed that most of their issues are about the integrity of their Sales. Their Customer Service and Travel Relations is a joke. At best, their Sales agent was deceptive and their Travel Relations are dishonest. I would NEVER recommend this company. DO NOT TRUST Grand Circle Travel or Overseas Adventure Travel.

I had originally booked my second tour with OAT in Oct 2019. Covid happened, then Russia invaded Ukraine (not far from our destination), so I was able to change my date several times. In a nutshell, I found out yesterday after hours on the phone that my money had been transferred to a non refundable certificate which had expired, and $500 had been deducted. At no time was I notified of this. OAT has agreed to renew the certificate but my $500 is gone. And my promise of a refund does not exist. After reading other reviews here maybe my experience is not so bad, but I am a single senior and really didnt want to travel anymore.

Waiting $25,000 refund. Same as many below. More excuses every time I call. It's been almost 2 months and now they say another 3 weeks. I doubt I will see the money. The two trips I have taken went well, and I have prepaid for the third one (to replace the cancelled one) but I will never trust them again.

Pricing scam. . Changed price after I booked. Had everything written down. Added $400 for no reason. Said they cannot reconnect me with my representative. Said call was recorded but all prices were beeped out for security purposes. But somehow some number that I never heard and is not written in my notes was not beeped out? Complete liars.