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AG Henry Reaches Settlement with Vantage Travel Services which Allows Litigation to Move Forward Against Company Owner

HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry today announced that the Office of Attorney General has reached a settlement with Vantage Travel Services, Inc., subject to court approval.

In 2023, the Office of Attorney General sued Vantage Travel Services and its sole owner, Henry Lewis, for allegedly engaging in deceptive and unfair business practices by promoting risk-free travel to consumers who ultimately never received their trips or a full cash refund from the company. Since then, Vantage has filed for bankruptcy, representing that it has minimal assets and more than $100 million in liabilities to consumers nationwide.

In the bankruptcy case, Vantage and Lewis have further sought to temporarily prevent the Office of Attorney General’s litigation from moving forward against each of them. The settlement only resolves the pending litigation against Vantage Travel, not Henry Lewis, whose case remains pending.

The settlement agreement with Vantage seeks to resolve both legal proceedings as it relates to Vantage. Through the settlement, the Office of Attorney General is seeking a final order against Vantage that permanently prevents the company from engaging in future tour operations in Pennsylvania.

Vantage exploited Pennsylvanians by holding their refunds hostage, Attorney General Henry said. If Pennsylvania consumers pay for goods or services and get nothing in return, our office will fight for those victims.

Any consumers who believe they or someone they know may be a victim of these practices should file a complaint with the Bureau of Consumer Protection at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/consumer-complaint/ , call 800-441-2555, or email [email protected] .

The Vantage Travel Services litigation has been handled by Deputy Attorney General Kevin R. Green.

Contact the Press Office

Mailing Address: PA Office of Attorney General / Press Office 16th Floor, Strawberry Square Harrisburg, PA 17120

Phone: 717-787-5211 Fax: 717-787-8242 Email: [email protected]

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Vantage Travel Service, Inc. 90 Canal Street Boston, MA 02114 Tax ID / EIN: xx-xxx6344 dba Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Michael J. Goldberg Casner & Edwards, LLP 303 Congress Street Boston, MA 02210 (617) 426-5900 Fax : (617) 426-8810 Email: [email protected] A. Davis Whitesell Casner & Edwards, LLP 303 Congress Street Boston, MA 02210 617-426-5900 Fax : 617-426-8810 Email: [email protected]

John Fitzgerald Office of the US Trustee J.W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse 5 Post Office Sq., 10th Fl, Suite 1000 Boston, MA 02109 TERMINATED: 06/30/2023

Eric K. Bradford Department of Justice 5 Post Office Square 10th Floor, Suite 1000 Boston, MA 02109-3934 202-306-3815 Fax : 617-565-6368 Email: [email protected] TERMINATED: 06/30/2023

Richard King Office of the US Trustee J.W. McCormack Post Office & Courthouse 5 Post Office Sq., 10th Fl, Suite 1000 Boston, MA 02109

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Travelers looking for refunds from Vantage Travel may not get them in full

Our nbc responds teams have heard from consumers across the country who want their money refunded after their vantage travel vacations were canceled, by leslie gaydos • published july 5, 2023 • updated on july 5, 2023 at 6:31 pm.

The Boston-based Vantage Travel services filed for bankruptcy protection last week, leaving a lot people out big money after trips were canceled.

But the details in the bankruptcy court filing indicate that travelers hoping for refunds may not get the full cost back.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Our NBC Responds teams have heard from consumers across the country who want their money refunded after their Vantage Travel vacations were canceled.  There were people who paid  $10,000, $20,000, and in some cases even more than $20,000 for their trips.

Ellen Messina paid more than $11,000 for a three-week trip to central Europe, making her final payment in April.   On June 3, she was notified that the trip was canceled and although she was told she was eligible for a full refund, there was no timeline given for when she would get her money back. She is hoping for the best after the bankruptcy filing.

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“I have traveled enough that and I've never had a problem,  never,” said Messina.  “Who would have thought I mean that Vantage would go bankrupt...it had such a great reputation....but still, nonetheless, this is in the courts now. And this I’m sure will just drag on."

Vantage announced on its website that it is selling its business operations to United Travel PT, an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and Heritage Expeditions.  

In the bankruptcy court filing, it said United Travel has agreed to provide a credit for future tours to Vantage customers who purchased trips before May 11, 2023.

Consumers would receive a maximum credit of 20% of the price of the Vantage trip they purchased,  which would be good for a year after the closing of the proposed sale.

The filing still needs the approval of a bankruptcy judge. 

We reached out to Vantage Travel and United Travel for comment, but have yet to hear back.

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office said it is still encouraging residents who are seeking refunds from Vantage Travel to file a complaint with their office online. Out-of-state consumers are encouraged to file with their state Attorney General.

The Mass. AG’S office said their Consumer Advocacy and Response Division has recovered more than $1.2 million for consumers from Vantage and they will continue to work with the company to secure refunds for consumers.

According to the court filing, Vantage Travel lost more than $29 million in 2020.  And while travel rebounded in recent years, court papers say it remained below Vantage’s pre-pandemic levels, resulting in continuing losses despite their attempts to down-size and reduce costs.

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Notice to Passengers Regarding Vantage Travel Services, Inc.

The Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) is aware that Vantage Travel Services, Inc. (Vantage) has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

The bankruptcy petition has been assigned Case No. 23-11060 and is  currently pending in the United States  Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Consumers should consult  the Vantage website  for information regarding the status of the company’s business and operations.

Information  about bankruptcy proceedings  can be found online.

The Commission is monitoring this situation and will provide updates as warranted.

The Commission is not a party to the bankruptcy, nor does it have any role in its proceedings, however individuals with questions may contact the FMC Office of Passenger Vessel Operators (PVO) at  [email protected] .

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Luxury cruise line vantage travel's bankruptcy case heads to federal court in boston.

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Boston-based Vantage Travel, a troubled luxury cruise company that was the subject of hundreds of consumer complaints and at least one lawsuit , brought its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case to a federal courtroom on Wednesday.

The company announced last week that it had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts and agreed to be acquired by United Travel Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and Heritage Expeditions.

A dense and lengthy hearing for creditors in the bankruptcy case was held Wednesday at the Moakley courthouse.

Prior to that hearing, the United States Trustee for Region 1 submitted an objection to the court in which he sharply criticized Vantage's actions, including the timing of their bankruptcy filing during the holiday week.

"The filing appears to have been orchestrated to limit notice and to prevent parties in interest from having an adequate opportunity to review the filing and raise objections," he wrote.

According to the Trustee's document , Vantage fired all but 5 of its employees and had just $4,207 and liabilities totaling more than $170 million as of the petition date. The company used $80.3 million in customer deposits to fund pre-bankruptcy operations, borrowed $35 million in 2023 and owes an additional $28.5 million in customer refunds and cancellations.

As of last week, the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office said it had received at least 1,120 consumer complaints against Vantage since Jan. 1, 2020, including 478 filed this year. Of those, a total of 108 complaints came from Massachusetts residents, including 50 this year.

The AG's office also said its Consumer Advocacy and Response Division has recovered more than $1.23 million for consumers to date.

Video below: Customers may be left high and dry

According to the company's bankruptcy court filing , the vast majority of customers who booked and paid for trips on or before May 11, 2023, won't see any refunds, even if the company was responsible for canceling their trip. The only compensation they'd receive would be a maximum credit of 20% toward a new cruise booking with the company hoping to buy the remnants of Vantage, United Travel Pte., a Singapore-based tour company.

The bankruptcy code does require customer deposits received by a company prior to filing for bankruptcy to be paid before many other debts, but in this case, Vantage's filing says, "it is extremely unlikely that there will be assets available to pay even a fraction of these priority claims."

Ocean Explorer

Last month , Boston-based attorneys and a client from California filed a class-action lawsuit against Vantage in federal court. They claimed that customers who suffered short-notice cancellations have sought refunds for canceled trips, but "all of them have been stonewalled and misled."

Prices of trips detailed in the lawsuit ranged from $18,099 to $34,634.

Vantage's bankruptcy filing says customers who booked and made payments on or after May 12, 2023, for future travel will either have those trips take place as scheduled or customers will receive refunds. Those funds were put into a separate account, totaling $2.1 million, but that's a small fraction of the total amount Vantage says it owes customers.

Video below: Unhappy customers sue Vantage Travel

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Vantage appears in bankruptcy court, says it owes customers $80 million

Luxury travel company Vantage Travel Services appeared in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Wednesday after admitting in court documents it owes customers $80 million for future trips.

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last week and announced it is under an agreement to sell its assets to United Travel Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and Heritage Expeditions. The deal still needs to be approved by a judge.

In court filings, Vantage attorneys said the company has no cash and terminated all but five of its employees on June 20. The company estimates it owes between 10,000 and 25,000 creditors and has liabilities between $100 million and $500 million, according to court documents.

“As was the case throughout the travel industry, COVID-19 had a substantial impact on the Debtor’s operations,” a Vantage attorney said in a motion filed on June 29.

Vantage has been under fire for months after hundreds of consumers complained about a lack of refunds for cancelled or postponed trips. The Mass. Attorney General’s Office said it has received at least 1,120 consumer complaints against Vantage since January 1, 2020.

“Right now, our office remains focused on resolving consumer complaints and securing refunds for affected customers,” an AG spokesperson said in an email last week.

Vantage said United Travel has agreed to provide a 20 percent credit on future travel for customers who booked trips with Vantage before May 11, 2023.

Michelle Couch-Friedman, founder of Consumer Rescue and moderator of a Vantage customer Facebook group with more than 1,400 members, wants to see more done for the thousands of Vantage travelers who lost money.

“I think it’s not a good deal for consumers at all,” consumer advocate Michelle Couch-Friedman said. “Of course, it’s better than nothing, but the customers I speak to? They have no interest in traveling with a new company.”

Vantage’s attorneys are asking the judge for a speedy process.

“The uncertainty surrounding the Debtor’s operations and the status of trips booked by its customers has resulted in a growing amount of negative publicity, which could, absent an accelerated sale process, cause further deterioration in the value of the Debtor’s brand name and other Intellectual Property,” Vantage said in a June 29 motion.

However, a U.S. Trustee accused Vantage of trying to ram the bankruptcy and sale through the courts.

“The Debtor filed its voluntary chapter 11 petition late last Thursday afternoon, just before the Fourth of July weekend, and sought a first day hearing immediately following the Federal holiday…The filing appears to have been orchestrated to limit notice and to prevent parties in interest from having an adequate opportunity to review the filings and raise objections at the first-day hearing,” U.S. Trustee William Harrington wrote in his objection filed July 5.

Couch-Friedman said a hearing will be scheduled for later this summer so that Vantage customers can ask questions and voice their concerns.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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vantage travel bankruptcy docket

Vantage Travel is bankrupt. But what about its owner? Two lawsuits say he should reimburse customers who lost millions.

W ith the sale of its remaining assets in bankruptcy court last month, Vantage Travel went out of business, bringing to an ignominious end one of Boston’s oldest and most successful international travel companies.

But the battle continues for the thousands of Vantage customers who are still owed large refunds for trips the company postponed or canceled.

Attorneys general in New York and Pennsylvania have set their sights on Vantage’s founder and longtime owner Hank Lewis, suing him personally in an effort to recoup some of the $108 million owed to customers whose trips never happened.

And while the corporation he founded is bankrupt, a check of court records through last week showed no filing by Lewis for personal bankruptcy.

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a suit on Sep. 13 against Lewis personally, and Vantage as a corporation.

“By virtue of the conduct alleged … [Lewis and Vantage] have engaged in repeated and persistent fraudulent conduct,” the suit says.

In June, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry filed a similar suit that accuses Lewis personally (and Vantage corporately) of engaging in unlawful “deceptive and unfair business practices.”

Yet, the Massachusetts attorney general has not filed suit against Lewis or Vantage. Instead, the AG’s office chose to go after Vantage while it was still in business. But that approach has resulted in just about a dozen settlements for Mass. residents for less than $200,000.

Since 2020, the Massachusetts attorney general’s office has received more than 1,500 complaints about Vantage, including 134 from Massachusetts residents. Thirty of those in-state complaints were resolved without the attorney general’s help, and of the remaining 104 complaints, the attorney general’s office helped mediate 13 for a total of $162,000 in refunds, or about $12,500 each.

The attorney general’s office also successfully mediated on behalf of 72 out-of-state residents for a total or almost $1.2 million, or about $16,500 each.

A spokesperson for Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the office opted to pressure Vantage to make refunds while it was still in business, rather than sue the company, as a strategy most likely to produce quick results. Campbell’s predecessor as attorney general, now-Governor Maura Healey, oversaw the issue through the end of 2022.

Almost 80 complaints are still pending at the attorney general’s office. But since Vantage filed for voluntary bankruptcy on June 29, Campbell’s office has been blocked from mediating those complaints due to bankruptcy rules and the company’s recent sale to an Australian travel company.

But Campbell’s office supports the efforts of the New York and Pennsylvania attorneys general and is in regular contact with them, according to her office.

Last month, under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, Vantage sold its customer list and the Vantage name to Pacific Travel Partners, a subsidiary of the Australia-based Aurora Expeditions, for $2 million.

But the bankruptcy case is not closed. A committee representing creditors, including the thousands of customers who are owed refunds, is investigating whether assets controlled by other Lewis-owned companies should be subject to distribution to creditors.

The New York and Pennsylvania lawsuits against Vantage as a corporation are stayed for now under bankruptcy rules. And even if the stay were to be lifted, the company has few, if any, remaining assets to satisfy any eventual court judgment against it, bankruptcy court filings show.

But it’s a different story for Lewis.

“The bankruptcy of a company may protect it from lawsuits, but it doesn’t protect the owner from being sued personally,” said Francis C. Morrissey, a bankruptcy lawyer and Boston University adjunct law professor.

“If the owner of a company personally has money, he’s got exposure,” he said.

Founded by Lewis 40 years ago, Vantage operated expensive river and ocean cruises and land tours around the world, with a customer base of predominantly travelers 60 and older. He was Vantage’s president, treasurer, secretary, chairman, sole director, CEO, and CFO, according to the recently filed suits.

Multiple emails seeking comment on behalf of Lewis were sent to Lewis’s bankruptcy attorneys, who are listed in filings by the New York attorney general’s office with its lawsuit, but were not answered. An email to Lewis at his former Vantage address “could not be delivered,” and there was no response to emails to other Vantage executives seeking comment on Lewis’s behalf.

The New York suit alleges that for more than three years, Vantage, with Lewis at the helm, repeatedly canceled scheduled trips, but instead of acknowledging them as cancellations, called them “postponement.”

The suit says calling them postponements opened the door for Vantage to refuse refunds while instead offering future travel credits, which the suit says violated the company’s own agreement with customers to provide “prompt refunds” for a canceled trip.

The suit cites the example of a 92-year-old woman who paid Vantage more than $20,000 in advance for a cruise scheduled for August 2022.

“Vantage canceled the trip, claiming that it had merely been ‘postponed’ until a year later,” the suit says, noting that the customer by then would have been one month shy of her 94th birthday.

“Vantage told this consumer that she could not get a refund because the trip was not canceled,” the suit says.

When the customer protested she couldn’t wait another year for the trip, Vantage offered her an earlier one.

“But then five weeks before that departure, Vantage again supposedly ‘postponed’ that trip” for more than a year, the suit says.

Vantage offered the woman a credit for future travel “but refused to provide a refund,” the suit says.

In another example, the New York suit cites a couple who wanted to cancel due to a recently diagnosed medical condition. But when they called to demand a refund of $18,000, a Vantage representative told them the company didn’t have to provide a cash refund under a new government policy meant to protect struggling travel companies, allowing them to instead offer a voucher for future travel, the suit says.

There was no such government policy, the suit says.

The New York suit says Lewis had “knowledge of and participated in the deceptive practices … and is therefore liable for” them.

“In emails to consumers who cancelled their trips due to Covid-19, Lewis repeatedly mentioned a ‘risk-free cancellation policy’ for future trips and offered credits or other incentives for consumers to book new trips, which Lewis knew or should have known could not be fulfilled,” the suit says.

In almost every communication, Lewis mentioned the high volume of calls to Vantage’s customer service line and often added that this was “resulting in unusually long wait times,” the suit says.

Despite Lewis’s awareness that consumers could not promptly reach customer service to discuss “postponed” trips, this problem was not rectified, the suit says.

The New York suit seeks an unspecified amount in “restitution and damages” for aggrieved consumers. It doesn’t say how many New Yorkers are owed refunds, but makes reference to 31 customers listed in a “representative sample” provided by Vantage under subpoena.

The Pennsylvania suit seeks “restitution to all customers who have suffered losses” without a specific number. When the suit was filed, the attorney general’s office asked anyone who may be a victim to contact that office.

The Pennsylvania attorney general, in her lawsuit, says Lewis and Vantage promised “‘risk-free’ travel, but in reality, [they] misapply their [contractual] terms and conditions by taking large sums of consumers’ monies and then fail to provide meaningful relief for consumers when they cannot travel.”

“Vantage took advantage of older Pennsylvanians by continuing to hold their refunds hostage,” Henry said in announcing the suit.

“If Pennsylvania consumers pay for goods or services and get nothing in return, our office will fight for those victims,” she said.

The Vantage Travel cruise ship Ocean Explorer docked at the Cruiseport Gloucester Marine Terminal on April 27.

Consumer Rescue

Welcome to Consumer Rescue

Fiascos and Fixes

Vantage Deluxe World Travel refund still possible, Ocean Explorer ship on the sea, VDWT operated this ship

From despair to victory: How we recovered $93,500 in refunds for Vantage Travel victims

Photo of author

Michelle Couch-Friedman

Consumer reporter and ombudsman

December 31, 2023

Consumer Rescue had a bonanza of refund wins for Vantage Travel customers as we sprinted to this year’s finish line. Since early November, our advocacy team has retrieved nearly $100,000 for victims of the Vantage Travel bankruptcy. 

Here’s some good consumer news to end the year.

Vantage Deluxe World Travel revealed a $170 million debt when it declared bankruptcy last June. A significant portion of that stunning figure the company owed to customers who prepaid for tours that will never operate.

The unpleasant reality is that most of those nearly 10,000 Vantage Travel customers will not recover the refund that the bankrupt tour operator owes to them. 

The reason? Instant ACH bank transfers were the preferred payment method of Vantage Travel. Consumers can’t reverse those transfers and they don’t come with purchase protection – even if your tour operator goes bankrupt and cancels all trips.

Additionally, customers discovered too late that the pricey trip protection Vantage Travel sold them was worthless if the company went bankrupt.

However, for two categories of Vantage Travel customers, there was some light on the horizon:  

  • Those who resisted the ACH discounted rate and instead paid for their tour with a credit card. 
  • Those who purchased a comprehensive travel insurance policy directly from a third party that included insolvency protection. 

But then those “lucky” Vantage Travel customers discovered the bankrupt tour operator appeared to have one last trick up its sleeve. 

Here are the frustrating but ultimately successful refund battles our team fought for these Vantage Travel victims in the past several weeks.

Booking a special family trip with Vantage Travel

Last year, Carolyn Horich, 81, decided to plan an amazing adventure with her two adult daughters. They would take a river cruise with Vantage Deluxe World Travel through Spain and Portugal on the tour operator’s River Splendor. 

The total cost of the trip was $26,000 – which Horich paid via an ACH bank transfer.

The Vantage Travel river cruise this customer hoped to take, Canceled trip, river cruise

As a savvy world traveler, Horich knew to avoid the travel protection Vantage was selling.

That “protection” provided no benefit at all to the traveler if the company went bankrupt or insolvent and was unable to pay its bills. Unfortunately, most Vantage Travel customers didn’t know that and bought the soon-to-be worthless travel waiver. (Read just how worthless the Vantage Travel Protection Plan was for customers with canceled cruises . )

Horich, though, declined that quasi-travel insurance policy and instead chose a comprehensive travel insurance policy from Seven Corners. 

With all the details of the trip planned, mom and daughters excitedly looked forward to the adventure. 

But a few days before it was time to leave, Horich got a surprising phone call. 

A customer service agent from Vantage Travel had bad news for Horich: the company was canceling the trip.

“I was all packed. We were ready to go,” Horich recalled. “I expected this to be my last international trip.”

The worst was yet to come. 

The unraveling of a once well-respected tour operator

Confusion ensued as Horich tried to get additional information, still hoping that there was some mistake. But there was no mistake. 

The unraveling of Vantage Deluxe World Travel had begun long before the day Horich received word of the cancellation of her cruise. Although it would be quite some time before the tour company would admit it was bankrupt, it would never operate another trip. 

Even as Horich and her daughters packed their bags in anticipation of their vacation, there was no chance it would happen.

The River Splendor, the ship they were scheduled to board, had not moved since January. The official explanation for the stationary river boat was “operational issues.”

Vantage Travel becomes insolvent

Throughout early 2023, week after week, just before eager customers headed to the airport, a Vantage Travel representative would make the same call: The trip was canceled due to those undefined operational issues. 

Unfortunately, some travelers, like Geena Tharp and her husband, didn’t get the call at all.  They found out Vantage Travel canceled their trip in the most jarring way: at the airport when they tried to check in for flights that the bankrupt tour operator never paid for . 

There is little doubt about what those operational issues were. In its wake, Vantage Travel was leaving unpaid bills everywhere. In the end, it owed that $170 million to crew, airlines, vendors, tour leaders, contractors, employees, and, of course, customers. 

Missing refund complaints from Vantage Travel customers were exploding at Consumer Rescue and The Points Guy . 

  • Vantage Travel Deluxe World Travel: Here are the true tales from bewildered customers

The tour operator was completely insolvent and had lost all ability to pay the expenses to operate any trips — or refund the customers for those canceled vacations. 

However, Vantage Travel refused to admit what was actually happening and continued selling nonexistent trips to unsuspecting travelers. Employees began sending me internal memos and called to tell me the unpleasant details of staff meetings. 

And then, finally, the company fired everyone and admitted what anyone who had been following the situation already knew: Vantage Travel was bankrupt . 

Travel insurance that covers insolvency

Like so many other victims of the Vantage Travel bankruptcy, Horich was looking for a way to retrieve the money she had invested in the canceled trip. 

Combing through her Seven Corners insurance policy, she got a pleasant surprise.

“Suddenly, I saw an insolvency clause I didn’t even know was in there,” Horich recalled. “I was so happy that I wouldn’t lose the $26,000 after all.”

But Horich’s happiness didn’t last long. Soon after she filed her insurance claim, she received the first of many rejections. 

“First, they said Vantage Travel canceled my trip for operational reasons, so I wasn’t covered,” Horich recalled. “Next, they said the company declared bankruptcy after my policy coverage had ended.”

Six months and three official rejections later, the final verdict from Seven Corners was that Horich wasn’t covered.

“My $26,000 was gone. I had no other way to get a refund for my canceled Vantage Travel trip,” Horich told me. “That was really tough to accept.” 

NewsNation reports on this consumer catastrophe

I first became acquainted with Horich when NewsNation contacted Consumer Rescue as it was covering her unpleasant experience. 

After that piece aired, Horich asked me to review the details of her policy.

I had a look and agreed with her interpretation. The clause covered insolvency with or without an official filing of bankruptcy.

SECTION VII GENERAL DEFINITIONS Financial Default or Financial Insolvency means the total cessation of operations due to insolvency, with or without the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the total cessation or complete suspension of operations following the filing of a bankruptcy petition, whether voluntary or involuntary by an airline, cruise line, tour operator or other travel provider provided the Financial Default or Financial Insolvency occurs more than 14 days following Your Effective Date for Your Trip Cancellation Benefits. Horich’s Seven Corners policy

On the day Vantage Travel canceled her trip, there is no doubt it was insolvent.  The reason Vantage Travel canceled her much-anticipated journey was because the company had no money to operate it.

I reviewed the response from the Seven Corners adjuster. It was clear that person had not looked at the overall picture of the situation and had relied on the documented facts in front of her: Vantage Travel reported it had canceled Horich’s trip on May 14 due to undefined operational issues and didn’t declare bankruptcy until June 29. 

But that wasn’t the whole story.

It was time to ask Seven Corners to have a closer look at Horich’s case. 

Asking Seven Corners to have a manual review of this claim

I have a Seven Corners customer, Carolyn Horich, who has an ongoing problem with the policy she purchased for a trip scheduled for May 26, 2023.  Unfortunately, Carolyn has been caught up in the bankruptcy of Vantage Deluxe World Travel — a company that filed for bankruptcy on June 29, 2023 but had stopped operating in April 2023 due to its insolvency. At the time of its bankruptcy, it was revealed that this company had been able to accrue a stunning debt of $170 million. $108 million of that debt is what it owes customers for tours it sold which it was not able to operate because of its insolvency.  There is no question, based on the bankruptcy proceedings, that Carolyn’s trip that was scheduled for May 26, 2023 was canceled because the ship was repossessed due to non-payment by Vantage.  Many, many customers had no recourse but to join the bankruptcy proceedings as unsecured creditors and, of course, they’ll likely receive nothing since there is no money left and the company owes secured creditors nearly $80 million.  However, Carolyn should have been one of the lucky ones because she purchased an independent travel insurance policy that has a clause to protect her against the insolvency of her tour operator “with or without bankruptcy.”  On May 26, 2023 Vantage Deluxe World Travel was completely insolvent and never operated another trip. Carolyn’s cruise was canceled due to the insolvency of Vantage which filed formal bankruptcy on June 29, 2023.  Carolyn has contacted me in hopes that I can reach an executive at Seven Corners who can review the actual details of this situation and approve her claim for payment for the money she spent on this cruise — a trip she was greatly looking forward to and one that she spent a lot of money on and protected with her Seven Corners policy… the rejection of her claim seems to be an error based on the perils listed in her policy and the timeline of the events.  I have attended every bankruptcy hearing concerning this case and there is no question that Vantage Deluxe World Travel was insolvent on the date it canceled her tour — and on that date, she was covered by her Seven Corners policy.  Thank you for your attention to this matter. I appreciate it! Thank you! Michelle Couch-Friedman, Ombudsman

Seven Corners approves the $26k refund claim for this former Vantage customer

The good news for Horich came shortly. Seven Corners manually reviewed all the details and reversed its decision — she would be getting her refund after all.

Seven Corners Insurance reverses its decision and approves the claim.

Finally, six months after that fateful call from Vantage Travel canceling her trip, Horich received her $26,000 refund and she couldn’t be more thrilled. 

Michelle, I believe you are blessed with great powers of persuasion!  Look what arrived in my inbox yesterday.  Needless to say, I filled out the forms immediately and received the next response within hours.  It is below.  I have been holding my breath for the past 24 hours expecting to receive a third email saying it was all a mistake but I have gotten none. I owe this all to your wonderful assistance.  Without it I would still be pursuing insurance company..  You are a godsend to the many lost travelers.  Thank you a thousand times. Carolyn Cefalo Horich

Nationwide should have covered my parents for this bankruptcy

At the same time Horich was battling with Seven Corners, Molly Siddall and her parents were having a fight of their own with Nationwide.

Siddall contacted Consumer Rescue after her parents’ travel insurance claim concerning their Vantage Travel cancellation was repeatedly rejected. 

Her parents had planned a trip through Switzerland at a total cost of $18,946 and paid nearly $2,000 for Nationwide to insure it. 

When Vantage Travel canceled their trip due to “operational issues,” Nationwide had the same response as Seven Corners.

And multiple rejections ensued. 

Dear Sheryl Siddall, We are in receipt of the ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Trip Cancellation claim you filed with our office on 7/05/2023, as well as additional documentation on 7/25/2023, 8/15/2023 and 11/07/2023. Upon review, we have determined that your claim is not eligible for payment. According to the documentation ­­­­provided, your trip was canceled on June 3, 2023 by the travel supplier Vantage Travel due to operational reasons. You are requesting reimbursement of the prepaid expenses to Vantage Travel. The Trip Cancellation coverage will reimburse you, up to the Maximum Benefit shown on the Schedule of Benefits for pre-paid non-refundable cancellation charges imposed by the Travel Suppliers, if you cancel your trip for any of the listed reasons that are Unforeseen and takes place after your Effective Date. Regrettably, your claim does not qualify for reimbursement because the policy purchased does not indicate cancellations by the travel supplier, due to operational issues, as a covered peril under the plans provisions. Additionally, coverage ends on this plan once the trip is cancelled.  Because the trip was cancelled on June 3, 2023 prior to June 29, 2023 when Vantage filed for bankruptcy, we are unable to provide benefits under the Bankruptcy or Default of a Travel Supplier peril of the policy. Nationwide

After three rejections to her parent’s claim, Molly hoped Consumer Rescue might be able to help. 

Will Nationwide approve this Vantage Travel claim?

I reached out to Nationwide to see if they could also do a manual review of this claim.

Hey there! I have a couple here who are Nationwide Travel Insurance customers, William and Sheryl Siddall. They have an ongoing problem with the policy they purchased for a trip schedule for July 1, 2023.  Unfortunately, the Siddalls have been caught up in the bankruptcy of Vantage Deluxe World Travel — a company that filed for bankruptcy on June 29, 2023 but had stopped operating in April 2023 because it defaulted on many, many payments to vendors, suppliers and contractors. At the time of its bankruptcy, it was revealed that this company had been able to accrue a stunning debt of $170 million.  $108 million of that debt is what it owes customers for tours it sold which it was not able to operate because it had no money to do so.  In early May, both of its ocean ships were repossessed by the company that leased the ships to Vantage because of unpaid bills. The crew members that were meant to serve those two ships were all let go (unpaid as well). This ship this couple was scheduled to sail on was taken out of service, also because of the company’s inability to pay the bills necessary to operate the ship. There is no question based on the bankruptcy proceedings that the Siddalls’ trip that was scheduled for July 1, 2023 was canceled because the ship was repossessed due to non-payment by Vantage. .. … There is no question that Vantage Deluxe World Travel was insolvent on the date it canceled her tour — and on that date, she was covered by her Nationwide policy. Michelle Couch-Friedman, Ombudsman

Good news: Nationwide will approve your $18,926 refund

Siddall was amazed to soon receive the good news that her parents’ battle was successfully over. 

Hi Michelle, We got a positive response! After further review of this matter, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company has agreed to a one-time exception for our Trip Cancellation claim. We are getting a full refund. I’m shocked at how quickly Nationwide changed their decision. Your advocacy was invaluable. Thank you so much for all of your help! My parents and I are so grateful. Best, Molly Siddall

Now, we were on a roll for Vantage Travel victims, and I sensed more refunds were in our immediate future.

Why is my credit card dispute being denied against Vantage?

Vantage Travel sent Tori Housh a reminder in April 2023 to pay $12,919 on her Wells Fargo credit card for a trip scheduled for October.  There is no doubt the company knew it was about to declare bankruptcy at that time and would be unable to operate the trips that it was asking customers to pay for. 

But Housh didn’t know, so she paid the bill. 

When Vantage Travel declared bankruptcy and canceled her trip, the company owed her a refund so her credit card dispute should have been a slam dunk. The Fair Credit Billing Act protects consumers from merchants who take money from their customers and don’t provide the service or product. 

But her chargeback case wasn’t a slam dunk. Instead, Housh lost the dispute.

And the reason she lost that credit card dispute was quite bizarre.

An anonymous objection from someone claiming to be from Vantage Travel responded to Wells Fargo. In that challenge, haphazardly typed on a plain white background with no letterhead nor signature, the author accused Housh of somehow gaming the system and insinuated that Vantage Travel wasn’t down for the count.

I’ve been reporting on this particular situation for months now. It isn’t an isolated incident. Based on our complaint files, what’s clear is that across the industry, credit card companies are receiving similar letters from someone trying to block consumers from filing valid credit card disputes against Vantage Travel.

  • How did I lose a credit card dispute against a bankrupt company?

But Housh is a regular reader of Consumer Rescue and part of our Vantage Deluxe World Travel customer support and information Facebook group, so she was already aware of this strange phenomenon, which amounts to fraud on the part of whoever is responding to these disputes. 

Although it didn’t come as a complete surprise when Wells Fargo denied her claim based on this letter, it still left her money in the hands of the bankrupt company that took her cash and refused to refund it. 

Fraud, Vantage Travel fraud, who is sending these credit card dispute rebuttals, this is fraud.

Asking Wells Fargo to review this Vantage travel refund rejection

Housh hoped I might be able to convince Wells Fargo to have another look at her rejected credit card dispute. That was my hope as well.

I’ve been following the downfall of this company for several years now. It finally filed for bankruptcy on June 29, 2023 and is currently in the liquidation phase of the process. Unfortunately, prior to going bankrupt it collected $108 million from its customers for future trips that it would never operate. In fact, in April 2023 right up until the third week of June 2023, this company kept its sales team busy marketing nonexistent trips to unaware customers. Most of these customers paid with an ACH bank transfer because that was the preferred payment of the Vantage Deluxe World Travel — obviously so credit card disputes wouldn’t be a problem.  HOWEVER, your customer Tori Housh insisted on paying with her Wells Fargo credit card (s) She made one payment of $2,149 on April 7, 2023 and a final payment of $12,919 on April 19, 2023 for a trip that was to occur on Oct. 13, 2023. Vantage Deluxe World Travel accepted money from your customer Tori Housh for a trip that never had any chance of operating and will never operate. There are currently multiple lawsuits accusing this company’s former CEO and executives of fraud.  These lawsuits have been filed by the PA Attorney General and the NY Attorney General and there will likely be more lawsuits filed soon. As you know, the Fair Credit Billing Act protects consumers from fraudulent merchants. Ms. Housh paid VDWT via her Wells Fargo credit card for something that company never delivered and will never deliver. However her credit card dispute has been repeatedly rejected by Wells Fargo based on yet another fraudulent aspect of this case: Someone is sending rebuttals to various credit card companies — anonymously — claiming that VDWT did not go out of business and suggesting that there is a chance these canceled trips will operate. These letters are unsigned and contain outright untruths and it remains unclear why any bank would accept this unsigned fraudulent letter to reject a customer’s valid credit card dispute. I’m hoping Tori’s request can be escalated to the executive level at Wells Fargo and be reviewed based on what has actually happened at Vantage Deluxe World Travel. Tori’s payments should be reversed.  Thank you for your help! Michelle Couch-Friedman, Ombudsman

Good News: Here’s your money back

As with many of our cases, the good news came quickly for Housh too.

I can’t say enough good things about how helpful [you’ve] been.  If not for [your] tenacity and diligence, there is little chance we would have recovered our credit card debt even after the merchant clearly failed to deliver.  Our situation of booking a cruise, paying the cruise company in full, and having the company go bankrupt leaving us all hanging seemed like a no brainer to have credit card protection cancel our debt.  But the banks and the merchant somehow managed to avoid that situation and we were not at first successful.  I am very happy to say that you were able to find the right people in the right high places and our debt is now canceled and my payments refunded.  I couldn’t possibly thank you enough for helping us to this successful end of a terrible situation. Tori Housh

I’m thrilled we were able to help put Housh’s $15,000 back where it belongs – in her bank account.  🙂

The bottom line

There are many other Vantage Travel refund success stories to tell, but those will be for another time.

The total refunds we’ve facilitated for Vantage Travel customers just since Nov. 1 is $93,500 – including cases from Chase, Citi, Barclay, and others. There are likely other victims of this bankruptcy who may still be eligible for a refund or approved claim. *

* Feb. 6, 2024 update: Since this article was published several weeks ago, we’ve had another surge of refunds for Vantage Travel customers. There are likely more people who are rightfully owed refunds via insurance claims and credit card disputes.

If you’re a former Vantage Travel customer and you believe your claim has been rejected in error, contact Consumer Rescue, and we’ll be happy to investigate and help you, too.  ( Michelle Couch-Friedman, Consumer Rescue)

Before you go: Are you a Vantage customer who made a mistak e and rejected your credits? Here’s what to do now.

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NBC Connecticut

Vantage Travel customers waiting for refunds may not get all their money back

Nbc ct responds has uncovered more details since the company filed for bankruptcy last week., by caitlin burchill • published july 6, 2023 • updated on july 6, 2023 at 4:35 pm.

Boston-based Vantage Travel Services filed for bankruptcy, leaving a lot of people out of a lot of money, including folks here in Connecticut , after their trips were canceled.

But this week, we’re learning more details from the bankruptcy filing indicating travelers’ looking for a refund may not get back what they’re hoping for.

Free 24/7 Connecticut news stream: Watch NBC CT wherever you are

Vantage announced on its website that it is selling the business to United Travel, an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and Heritage Expeditions.

In the bankruptcy court filing, it says United Travel has agreed to provide a credit for future tours to Vantage customers who bought trips before May 11, 2023.

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But here’s the hitch - consumers would receive a maximum of 20% of the Vantage trip they purchased and it would be good for a year after the proposed sale.

This still needs the approval of a bankruptcy judge. We’ve reached out to Vantage and United Travel for comment multiple times, but have not heard back.

NBC Responds teams across the country have heard from frustrated consumers who want their money back after their Vantage trips were canceled.

vantage travel bankruptcy docket

People across CT take steps to repel mosquitoes, prevent spread of disease

vantage travel bankruptcy docket

Audit details DEEP criticism

Some out thousands and thousands of dollars like Ellen Messina of Windsor, who honored her late husband’s wishes to continue to travel after his passing.

“I have traveled enough and I've never had a problem, never,” she said.

Messina paid almost $11,000 for a three-week central Europe cruise and land excursion that was canceled one month before her departure this summer.

“Who would have thought, I mean, that Vantage would go bankrupt? It had such a great reputation,” Messina said.

As for the bankruptcy filing, she said, “This is in the courts now and this, I’m sure, will just drag on.”

The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General has received a handful of complaints from travelers so far this year and says consumers living in our state can always reach out to them for help getting back a refund. Click here for the best way to file a complaint with the AG's office.

Vantage Travel lost more than $29 million in 2020, according to the bankruptcy filing.

And while travel rebounded in recent years, court documents say sales remained below vantage’s pre-pandemic levels, resulting in continuing losses despite their attempts to down-size and reduce costs.

We’ll keep consumers posted on any updates we learn.

This article tagged under:

vantage travel bankruptcy docket

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New management of bankrupt Vantage Travel to reimburse customers who had trips canceled 100% in travel credits

Jilted customers will receive full credit on future trips.

‘The Points Guy’ Brian Kelly discusses the uptick in international travel and shares tips for travelers to save on vacation plans.

Brian Kelly on international travel surge: This year is all about Europe

‘The Points Guy’ Brian Kelly discusses the uptick in international travel and shares tips for travelers to save on vacation plans.

Jilted customers of Vantage Travel , the luxury cruise line that went bankrupt in June and canceled trips worth thousands of dollars, will receive 100% reimbursement to put toward future travel thanks to new buyer Pacific Travel.

According to details of an agreement outlined in federal bankruptcy court Wednesday, customers will have until Nov. 30, 2028, to book travel with the new company, and caps will be imposed for how much value can be applied to individual services.

Cruise ship

A cruise ship is seen off Port Douglas in Cairns, Australia, in 2012. (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images, File / Getty Images)

Oceangoing travel credits will be capped at 50% of the trip's cost, while credits toward river cruises and land travel, like safaris, will be capped at 20%. Credits can be applied toward either a deposit or later payment but cannot be used toward airfare, according to the agreement.

AIRLINES SEEK TO EXTEND CUTS TO FLIGHTS IN NEW YORK-AREA AIRPORTS AMID STAFFING SHORTAGE

Credits are also transferrable to friends or family and be spread across multiple trips .

Vantage Cruise Lines

The embattled Boston-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June. (Vantage Cruise Lines / Fox News)

The news comes after Boston, Massachusetts-based Vantage Travel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy June 29, had agreed to be acquired by United Travel Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and Heritage Expeditions. Last week, however, Pacific Travel of Aurora Expeditions in Australia, placed a $2 million bid to assume Vantage's assets, WFXT Boston 25 reported .

In the bankruptcy filing, Vantage admitted that customers lost $108 million for trips they had paid for, but never got to take.

AIRBNB IS IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO BENEFIT FROM AI: CEO BRIAN CHESKY

"Vantage has sought customary relief from the court to preserve the status quo pending completion of the sale," the company wrote in a statement. "Vantage has sought approval to complete the sale promptly, subject to any higher and better offers that may be submitted through the court-supervised sale process."

money in hand

Vantage Travel has been under fire for months after hundreds of consumers complained about a lack of refunds for canceled or postponed trips. (iStock / iStock)

Boston 25 reported that the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office said it received more than 1,120 consumer complaints against Vantage since Jan. 1, 2020. 

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The customers complained that they did not receive any refund after their luxury cruise was unexpectedly canceled.

Vantage Travel did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

A final ruling on the purchase will take place Monday.

vantage travel bankruptcy docket

Vantage Travel Service, Inc.

Assets: $1M-$10M

Liabilities: $100M-$500M

Docket

On June 29, 2023 Vantage Travel Service, Inc. dba Vantage Deluxe World Travel filed for chapter 11 protection in the District of Massachusetts (Case No. 23-11060). The Debtor reports Assets of $1M-$10M and Liabilities of $100M-$500M. The Petition states funds will not be available to Unsecured Creditors.

Michael J. Goldberg

Casner & Edwards, LLP

90 Canal Street

Boston, MA 02114

Map to Debtor

Bankrupt Vantage Travel used expensive ships. Why aren’t they listed as assets in court?

The Vantage Travel cruise ship Ocean Explorer docked at the Cruiseport Gloucester Marine Terminal on April 27, 2023.

Until its recent bankruptcy filing, Vantage Travel operated a small fleet of ships worth tens of millions of dollars.

One might think that those vessels would be a target of former customers owed a staggering $108 million for trips never taken.

But the five ships are not actually owned by Vantage. They are owned by companies controlled by Vantage founder and owner Hank Lewis and leased to Vantage for European river cruises and trips elsewhere around the world, according to bankruptcy filings.

The close affiliation of Vantage and Lewis’s ship-owning companies has raised questions among Vantage creditors, their lawyers, and others about whether the ships should be treated as assets in Vantage’s ongoing bankruptcy case. Vantage says in court filings that it only has about $1 million in assets and that “it is extremely unlikely that there will be assets available to pay even a fraction” of the amount owed to customers.

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But that could change if the assets of Lewis’s various companies are consolidated with Vantage’s assets in bankruptcy court.

Bankruptcy law allows such consolidations, but only for good cause, such as fraud or comingling of funds, according to Francis C. Morrissey, a bankruptcy lawyer and Boston University adjunct law professor.

“A bankruptcy judge has the discretion to consolidate assets, but only after a fact-intensive investigation into the relationship of the various entities,” he said.

There has been no filing in the Vantage case asking for consolidation of assets. But the relationship between Vantage and Lewis’s other companies has caught the attention of Eric K. Bradford, counsel to the Office of US Trustee, a Department of Justice office whose role is to enforce bankruptcy laws.

In filings before Judge Janet E. Bostwick in US Bankruptcy Court in Boston, Bradford wrote that the various companies affiliated with Vantage, including the ship-owning ones, “are owned through trusts that are, in turn, controlled by [Vantage’s] sole director, Mr. Henry R. Lewis.”

“Several of these affiliates hold controlling interests in other affiliates that, in turn, own river vessels,” he wrote.

“Transactions with insiders must be carefully scrutinized,” Bradford wrote.

vantage travel bankruptcy docket

But Vantage has provided too little information about its relationship with those companies, Bradford wrote.

“Many questions cannot be answered based” on Vantage’s filings to date, Bradford wrote. “For example, where did the $108,714,003.19 in consumer deposits go?”

Bradford wrote that “grounds may exist” for the bankruptcy court to replace the current management of Vantage with a court-appointed trustee. Vantage is no longer booking or operating trips, but it has kept several high-level employees on the payroll to act on behalf of the company while bankruptcy proceedings continue.

“The appointment of a trustee may be the only means of examining [Vantage’s pre-bankruptcy] transactions with Mr. Lewis and his trusts,” he wrote.

Ronald W. Dunbar Jr., a lawyer who represents customers, said in an interview that “I’m looking closely at the assets of the affiliates and of Mr. Lewis himself to see if there is good cause to bring those into the bankruptcy estate for the benefit of creditors.”

Robert Hert, co-founder of a group of Vantage customers, said his group has submitted a petition signed by 500 people asking for the appointment of a committee of customers to participate in the proceedings.

“We hope a full-scale investigation will be launched into what happened to all the advance payments made by consumers for tours and cruises that never operated,” he said in a press release. “This should include thorough financial forensics into Vantage Travel, its affiliates, and owner Henry R. Lewis.”

Even if the ships were to be subjected to bankruptcy proceedings it’s not clear how much equity, if any, Lewis’s companies have in them. In an email responding to questions from the Globe, a Lewis representative said the ships are heavily mortgaged.

Deirdre Dirkman, Vantage executive vice president, also said in the email that “Vantage revenues were not used to acquire” the ships. She did not say how much, if any, equity the Lewis ship-owning companies have in the ships.

“The structure of having vessels owned by a separate entity and chartered to the trip operator is common throughout the travel industry,” she said.

But that appears to be at odds with an October 2021 press release in which the company said it “owns and operates its own fleet of luxurious river cruise ships” and was adding to its fleet the oceangoing Ocean Explorer, with plans to add another oceangoing ship. (The Ocean Odyssey was launched one year later.)

The Ocean Explorer, when it was christened in 2021 in Boston Harbor, was described in a Globe story as a “$70 million” ship.

At the time it filed for bankruptcy in late June, Vantage listed more than $170 million in liabilities and only $1 million in assets. No ships were listed as assets.

The Vantage Travel cruise ship Ocean Explorer docked at the Cruiseport Gloucester Marine Terminal on April 27.

Bankruptcy proceedings are intended to allow creditors like Vantage customers to get at least a portion of what is owed to them from a bankrupt company’s remaining assets.

Vantage, a Boston travel mainstay for decades, wants court approval to sell “substantially all” of its assets to United Travel Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore, for an agreed upon $1 million.

Under the proposed agreement, Vantage would sell its customer list to United Travel for that amount. The list, which includes the names and contact information of 3.7 million past and prospective customers, is described by Vantage as its only remaining asset.

If the sale goes through, United Travel would offer customers who are owed refunds a maximum 20 percent credit for future trips with the company, according to the terms of the proposed sale.

An estimated 6,000 customers are owed refunds of about $18,000 each.

It has been a stunning downfall for Vantage, a once well-regarded, high-end international travel company that specialized in tours for relatively small groups.

As recently as 2019, Vantage offered customers a menu of 65 river and ocean cruises and land excursions around the world. It operated about 500 tours annually. At one time it employed about 70 people.

Vantage pointed to the COVID pandemic as a source of its troubles, saying its revenues plummeted from $130 million in 2019 to $10 million in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. (It received $4.3 million in federal payroll protection program grants, the filings say.)

As its finances worsened, Vantage used “cash reserves generated by pre-pandemic bookings to fund its working capital needs,” the filings say.

“[Vantage’s] finances have continued to decline, and its cash reserves have been exhausted,” the filings say.

Dating back to at least 2021, Vantage customers have complained of getting the runaround when they demanded refunds. The Globe published a story in 2021 about two local couples who had been fighting for about 18 months for $46,000 owed to them by Vantage for a canceled safari to Africa. (After the Globe got involved on their behalf , Vantage refunded the couples’ money.)

Since 2020, more than 1,150 customers have filed consumer complaints against Vantage with the office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

Since 2020, more than 1,150 customers have filed consumer complaints against Vantage with the office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.

Got a problem? Send your consumer issue to [email protected] . Follow him @spmurphyboston .

  • River Cruising

Viking Vs. Vantage

By mugeda , August 9, 2005 in River Cruising

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Cool Cruiser

Anyone been on both for European river cruises?

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travelnnana

DH & I have been on Viking - Great Rivers of Europe. They are a great company and we enjoyed the cruise very much. We had a good size room. However, the rooms on the lowest deck on Viking are very small DH would never stay in one. Vantage is owned by the brother of the owner of Grand Circle. I have heard good things about them. We prefer Grand Cirlce to Viking. We prefer the room layout; compelmentary wine with dinner. SOmething to remember if price is a consideration. If you book ahead on Viking, you might pay more but since you book VIking through a travel agent; you may get a deal if the ship is not full. GCT (we have done 2 river cruises with them) and Vantage bookings are direct - I think they sail with nearly full ships every time.

Hope this helps

  • 2 weeks later...

richard hurley

I have written a longer review about our experience on the vantage russian river cruise in another section of this webb site--the thing i would urge you to consider is to have a plan so that you can spend some quality time-a minimum of 2-3 days on your own in st. petersburg and moscow: vantage is not the only tour company that will blitz you with so many many sights that you miss the forest for the trees: for example, anyone who has been to st. petersburg and not spent at least 2 full days at the Hermitage has missed a travel experience of a lifetime. I would think the most important aspect of your planning then would be how you can experience as much as possible of moscow and st. petersburg, making secondary such things as comfort on the ship, food, cabin size, etc. regards, r.hurley

You have to look at both companies and what they offer - apples to apples for the price. I think you will find that Viking is a little more expensive that Vantage. We just returned from a Vantage Holland to Hungary cruise and were really pleased. As far at the rooms go, we had a cabin on the bottom level of the River Odyssey and loved it. About 150 square feet with fold down beds. Plenty of room for us. Loved the way Vantage organized everything. The food was super as were the program directors. Would I recommend Vantage, yes. Would I trave with Vantage again, in a heartbeat.

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This docket was last retrieved on February 1, 2023. A more recent docket listing may be available from PACER .

Use the links below to access additional information about this case on the US Court's PACER system. A subscription to PACER is required.

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IMAGES

  1. Cruise Company Vantage Deluxe World Travel Declares Bankruptcy

    vantage travel bankruptcy docket

  2. Vantage files for bankruptcy, Singapore travel company to purchase its

    vantage travel bankruptcy docket

  3. Vantage Travel owes more than $170 million, bankruptcy filings show

    vantage travel bankruptcy docket

  4. Boston-based cruise company Vantage files for bankruptcy, agrees to

    vantage travel bankruptcy docket

  5. Vantage Travel owes more than $170 million, bankruptcy filings show

    vantage travel bankruptcy docket

  6. Vantage Travel Bankruptcy with Michelle Couch Friedman

    vantage travel bankruptcy docket

COMMENTS

  1. Vantage Travel Service, Inc.

    On June 29, 2023 (the " Petition Date "), Vantage Travel Service, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The Debtor's bankruptcy case was assigned Case No. 23-11060 and is pending before the Honorable Janet E. Bostwick in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of ...

  2. Vantage Travel Service, Inc.

    Vantage Travel Service, Inc. Case Number: 23-11060 (JEB) District of Massachusetts. Voluntary Petition First Day Pleadings Plan & Disclosure Statement ... Court Docket Items Per Page: 25 | 50 | 100 | View All. Sort By: Docket No. Docket No. Date Filed. locations California. 410 Exchange Ste 100 ...

  3. Vantage Travel is bankrupt. Here's what customers need to know

    Here's what customers need to know. Michelle Couch-Friedman. Consumer reporter and ombudsman. July 16, 2023. Vantage Deluxe World Travel finally pulled the plug on itself and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on June 29. This move was no surprise to anyone following the troubling situation at the once well-respected tour operator.

  4. AG Henry Reaches Settlement with Vantage Travel Services which Allows

    Since then, Vantage has filed for bankruptcy, representing that it has minimal assets and more than $100 million in liabilities to consumers nationwide. In the bankruptcy case, Vantage and Lewis have further sought to temporarily prevent the Office of Attorney General's litigation from moving forward against each of them.

  5. Company Bankruptcy Information for Vantage Travel Service, Inc

    May 21, 2014. Specialty Hospital of America, LLC. 11. 1:14-bk-00295. Chapter 11 voluntary bankruptcy case Vantage Travel Service, Inc. filed on Jun 29, 2023 in Massachusetts Bankruptcy Court with 41 docket entries. Judge Janet E. Bostwick.

  6. Vantage Travel bankruptcy may leave customers without refunds

    The Boston-based Vantage Travel services filed for bankruptcy protection last week, leaving a lot people out big money after trips were canceled. ... There were people who paid $10,000, $20,000, and in some cases even more than $20,000 for their trips. Ellen Messina paid more than $11,000 for a three-week trip to central Europe, making her ...

  7. Notice to Passengers Regarding Vantage Travel Services, Inc

    The Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) is aware that Vantage Travel Services, Inc. (Vantage) has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy petition has been assigned Case No. 23-11060 and is currently pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts. Consumers should consult the […]

  8. Vantage Travel's bankruptcy case heads to court in Boston

    BOSTON —. Boston-based Vantage Travel, a troubled luxury cruise company that was the subject of hundreds of consumer complaints and at least one lawsuit, brought its Chapter 11 bankruptcy case ...

  9. Under new buyer, jilted Vantage customers to receive 100% travel credit

    The embattled Boston-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in June. Vantage had been under fire for months after hundreds of consumers complained about a lack of refunds for ...

  10. What Vantage Travel customers need to know before rejecting their

    But in the vast majority of cases the deposit amount required by Vantage was only $500 or $1,000 per customer. The only dollar figure the Court will consider as a priority claim in this bankruptcy case, is the initial deposit. Customers who paid for their travel arrangements in full do not qualify for a priority claim.

  11. Vantage appears in bankruptcy court, says it owes customers $80 ...

    2. Vantage appears in bankruptcy court, says it owes customers $80 million. Luxury travel company Vantage Travel Services appeared in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Wednesday after admitting in court ...

  12. Vantage Travel is bankrupt. But what about its owner? Two ...

    Last month, under the supervision of the bankruptcy court, Vantage sold its customer list and the Vantage name to Pacific Travel Partners, a subsidiary of the Australia-based Aurora Expeditions ...

  13. Vantage Travel Service, Inc.

    Cases Vantage Travel Service, Inc. Case Number: 23-11060 (JEB) District of Massachusetts. Voluntary Petition First Day Pleadings ... United States Bankruptcy Court District of Massachusetts John W. McCormack Post Office and Court House 5 Post Office Square, Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02109-3945

  14. From despair to victory: How we recovered $93,500 in refunds for

    Unfortunately, the Siddalls have been caught up in the bankruptcy of Vantage Deluxe World Travel — a company that filed for bankruptcy on June 29, 2023 but had stopped operating in April 2023 because it defaulted on many, many payments to vendors, suppliers and contractors.

  15. Vantage Travel customers waiting for refunds may not get all their

    Vantage Travel lost more than $29 million in 2020, according to the bankruptcy filing. And while travel rebounded in recent years, court documents say sales remained below vantage's pre-pandemic ...

  16. PDF Frequently asked questions

    As noted above, Vantage closed the sale of its assets on August 18, 2023. The transaction was approved by the Bankruptcy Court on August 16, 2023. • Wasn't the sale supposed to be made to United Travel? What happened to United Travel? When Vantage initially sought Bankruptcy Court approval to sell its assets, it

  17. New management of bankrupt Vantage Travel to reimburse customers who

    The news comes after Boston, Massachusetts-based Vantage Travel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy June 29, had agreed to be acquired by United Travel Pte. Ltd., an affiliate of Nordic Hamburg and ...

  18. Vantage Travel Service, Inc.

    Docket. Pacer Link $$ Claims Agent. On June 29, 2023 Vantage Travel Service, Inc. dba Vantage Deluxe World Travel filed for chapter 11 protection in the District of Massachusetts (Case No. 23-11060). ... -Real Time Filing Alerts -Real Time Filing Alerts- Filter by Liabilities *-Daily Filings Summary*-Daily Bankruptcy and Restructuring News ...

  19. Bankrupt Vantage Travel used expensive ships. Why aren't they listed as

    Until its recent bankruptcy filing, Vantage Travel operated a small fleet of ships worth tens of millions of dollars. One might think that those vessels would be a target of former customers owed ...

  20. Viking Vs. Vantage

    SOmething to remember if price is a consideration. If you book ahead on Viking, you might pay more but since you book VIking through a travel agent; you may get a deal if the ship is not full. GCT (we have done 2 river cruises with them) and Vantage bookings are direct - I think they sail with nearly full ships every time. Hope this helps

  21. Pennsylvania Middle Bankruptcy Court

    Suite 528 Scranton Life Building 538 Spruce Street Scranton, PA 18503-1816 570 963-7878 Fax : 570 963-7850 Email: [email protected]

  22. Rench et al v. Moscow et al 3:2021cv00138

    Date Filed Document Text; May 12, 2021: Filing 12 LITIGATION ORDER AND NOTICE OF TELEPHONIC SCHEDULING CONFERENCE Telephonic Scheduling Conference set for 6/1/2021 11:00 AM in Boise - Courtroom 7 before Judge Ronald E. Bush. On or before MAY 25, 2021, the parties must file with the Court the JOINT Litigation Plan and Discovery Plans.

  23. Bankruptcy of Debtors: Creditors' Risks

    The issue of abuses that occur in bankruptcy cases and are performed by debtors' affiliates, whose artificially created claims towards the debtor have been included in the list of the creditors ...

  24. Faa Reauthorization: Examining the Current and Future Challenges Facing

    Present-day demand is strong, as is evidenced by hiring rates.\8\ Both mainline and regional pilot pay has increased in recent years; in 2021, the median wage for airline and commercial pilots was $134,630.\9\ Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the overall employment of airline and commercial pilots to grow six percent from ...