“We lost our entire vacation”

Kay Schroll says she lost $6,820 — the price of two cruises — when she bought travel insurance through Legendary Journeys, but then had to cancel her vacations for health reasons. Her case is just one of many that have landed on my desk since the bankruptcy of Prime Travel Protection, the Colorado company that offered these unlicensed policies.

Florida authorities are now investigating travel agents who sold or gave Prime Travel Protection to their clients.

Schroll had booked a 14-day Spain and Western Mediterranean cruise and a 17-day Panama Canal itinerary.

For the first cruise, our agent sold us what she claimed to be travel insurance through a company called Traveler Protection Services, later called Prime Travel Protection. For the second cruise, our agent sold us travel insurance through Prime Travel Protection.

We had to cancel both cruises for health reasons. My husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer and was undergoing weekly treatments during the time of the first scheduled trip. Shortly before time for our second trip, I experienced severe abdominal pains and was going through various tests and was on antibiotics, with additional tests scheduled. It was necessary to cancel trip number two for medical reasons, also. Travel insurance should have covered both of these cancellations.

It turns out Prime Travel Protection wasn’t travel insurance. In fact, a few months after we paid Legendary Journeys $602 for our “policies,” Prime Travel Protection went bankrupt, and we lost our entire vacation.

We have tried to contact Prime Travel Protection. Whenever we called, we were initially told they can’t answer because of “heavy volume,” and now we’re told they are in the process of liquidating. We’re upset at our agency for selling us what appears to be bad insurance.

According to Florida regulators, Prime Travel Protection wasn’t authorized to sell insurance, and neither were travel agents.

I asked Legendary Journeys to look into her claim. I heard back from Stew Carrier, a customer service specialist and group tour coordinator, almost immediately.

I’m impressed with the company’s response. Instead of sending me a cease-and-desist letter, which seems to be the preferred method of dealing with unhappy customers and the bloggers who write about them, Carrier took the time to carefully answer Schroll’s question:

As you may be aware, Prime Travel Protection/Universal Assurance group worked with about 150 Travel Agencies across the state of Florida. At the time of their bankruptcy we estimate there were several thousand policies and claims that have been affected.

Since the notification, Legendary Journeys has sent communication to all of our guests whom have yet to travel and had a policy affected by this claim. We offered all of our guests an alternative policy, because their Prime Travel Protection policy is no longer valid, and we also offered all guests a future travel credit in the same amount as their new policy purchase. Legendary Journeys is the only travel company in the state of Florida, to the best of our knowledge, doing anything on this scale currently.

In reviewing the two bookings below I discovered that one of the canceled bookings, Panama Canal, was in fact in 100 percent penalty with the cruise line at the time of booking. The other cancellation received the due reimbursement from Legendary Journeys based on the penalties assessed by the cruiseline.

Unfortunately, Jerry Watson [Prime Travel Protection's president] decided to file bankruptcy and/or liquidate all assets on Monday, January 26, 2009. This is when Legendary Journeys received notification from Mr. Watson via e-mail that he was receiving legal council and would be liquidating all of his assets. He goes on to state:

“Based on the information that I have received from legal counsel, claims adjudication will be handled either through the courts or the Trust. Funds for claims settlements will be derived from asset liquidation.”

Mr. Watson will be administering Chapter 7 Bankruptcy or self liquidation via a Trust Receivership.

While Legendary Journeys is very sympathetic towards the frustrations being suffered by all of our clients, and the many other non-Legendary Journeys clients, because of this bankruptcy we are not responsible for the legal ramifications. Legendary Journeys is not a travel insurer, Legendary Journeys acts as an intermediary, or refer, to our guests for travel Insurance only.

Legendary Journeys will, however, analyze the cancellations of the bookings outlined by our client and see if it is possible to move some of the funds paid to another travel booking.

In the meantime, I recommend contacting the Attorney General’s Offices in the states of Colorado or Tennessee to see if they can assist in the administration of the bankruptcy.

Soon after that, apparently in response to some of the questions that were being raised on this blog, Carrier sent another note:

In following up with this situation I want to add a few points about what Legendary Journeys is and has done:

• VPS Travel Protection Services was (as far as we were told by them) licensed to sell travel in Florida and all 50 states through their underwriter United National Underwriters and Maxbermuda.

• Legendary Journeys is not in the insurance business and we only act as the intermediary for the insurance provider.

• We have no way of validating the insurance provider’s claims and certainly if they commit any fraud to Legendary Journeys or the traveling public.

• VPS Travel Protection Services provided travel protection to our clients for nearly 3 years and claims where paid, emergency medical was provided.

• In approximately September 2008 the State of Florida asked about VPS Travel Protection Services and for us to provide information to them about their licensing in Florida. Legendary Journeys provided all the information requested and documents available to us.

• In approximately September 2008 we discontinued our association with VPS Travel Protection Services and established a business relationship with TRAVELEX Insurance who has registration rights to sell insurance in all 50 states.

• The vast majority of all Legendary Journeys guests with travel in 2009 have insurance in force with Travelex Insurance and Travelex participates in whatever regulatory requirements the State of Florida and all other states require.

• Hundreds of travel agencies in Florida and thousands of travel agencies in the United States provided VPS Travel Protection Services travel insurance coverage. Legendary Journeys acted quickly when issues were raised on their ability to sell (or their underwriters) in the state of Florida.

• In late January 2009 Legendary Journeys received a fax (and a message was placed on their phones) saying VPS Travel Protection Services travel insurance was filing Chapter 7 Bankruptcy liquidation. We had no notice of this action until it was done.

• Legendary Journeys immediately purchased insurance policies to immediate clients traveling within short notice a re-insurance policy through Travelex to ensure our clients protection. This out of pocket expenditure was approximately $50,000.

• Legendary Journeys sent a letter, email and phone call to all other pending clients that had a VPS Travel Protection Services insurance policy to advise them of bankruptcy and they would have to process claims through the bankruptcy proceeding. Additionally, we offered those clients a Future Travel Certificate in the exact amount of insurance cost to re-insure through Travelex (in effect offsetting the expense of new insurance.) The vast majority of our guests exercised this option and can file through the bankruptcy proceeding AND take Legendary Journeys offer for future credit.

• Legendary Journeys is researching all clients that have already traveled and filed a claim with VPS Travel Protection Services and evaluating each discovery on a case by case basis. These clients also have a case through bankruptcy proceedings.

What does all of this mean?

For people like Schroll, it may be difficult — if not impossible — to get a claim paid.

Travel agents who sold Prime Travel Protection and similar policies have a hard decision to make. If they don’t find a way of making clients like Schroll happy, Florida authorities are almost certain to hear about it, and that could have repercussions for any agency that offered Prime Travel Protection insurance.

Something tells me this won’t be the last post about Prime Travel Protection.

  • http://www.twclimited.com/blog Carter Stewart

    I feel terrible for the people who have been affected by the collapse of this travel insurer.

    In the UK, we have coverage called ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) where if you book anything more than a flight (such as a flight + Accommodation) you are covered by the scheme. Unfortunately, the scheme is gov’t administered, and the recent failures of Zoom! and XL Airways have all bankrupted the schemes.

    I still advocate that it is best to have a free market for travel insurance, and to make that insurance the responsibility of each individual traveller. One of our key concerns is that there are a greater number of people travelling while having a pre-existing condition that may invalidate their insurance. We have heard of little things like diabetes and hypertension are invalidating some people’s travel health cover.

    Also, for those adventure travellers out there- be sure to get extra protection for extreme sports, or ski cover.

    It is hard to find good travel insurance in these days, but really we believe that customers have that ultimate responsibility for it.

  • Robert Davis

    We never bought travel insurance until Jan. 2008 when, for $60, it came with a house rental in Florida. My wife became ill on that trip and the insurance ended up covering health care deductibles and additional travel expenses. I provided all the documentation we had and they paid with no questions asked.

    Since then I always buy with this same company and never with what is offered by the travel company. It’s a national company that’s been in business for years. Everyone would recognize the name.
    Bob

  • Lisa Stevak

    Bob,

    would you please let us know the name of this great company?

  • http://www.customerservicehelper.com Dan Waldron

    Nice writing style. I look forward to reading more in the future.

  • Kathleen Eaton

    The travel agent that claims not to be in the insurance business, but just an intermediary has a responsibility to NOT be an intermediary for illegitimate businesses. When told by the so-called insurance company that it has been licensed to sell insurance, how difficult can it be for the agency to ask for the licensing number and check with the state to validate the legitimacy of the claim.

    Sure, customers can go sleuthing around individually but don’t people go to an agent for the convenience of having that prep work done for them. If the agency really has no responsibility for verifying the legitimacy of travel insurance vendors, then why are they acting as intermediary.

    My guess is that “as intermediary” they were compensated for their role by the vendor. If they are paid to recommend insurance, then they do have an even greater responsibiity to take simple steps to make sure the recommendation is reliable.

    We are being told often lately to use travel agents because of problems with on-line reservations, etc.. The rationale is that by using an agent, we have a responsible advocate should something go wrong. Now, it appears one should use the agent but check and recheck everything the agent does and provides so that anything going wrong will not be due to a lack of due dilligence on the cutomer’s part. Kind of makes the idea of using a travel agent silly, don’t you think.

  • James

    Mr. Carrier,
    You have to be kidding. You absolutely have the ability to validate a company’s claim and it’s your job as an agent to do so to protect your clients. You are not an intermediary, you are the agent and Legendary Journeys’ president, Adrian Ferguson has an insurance license.
    I don’t have an insurance license and I am not in the travel business, but I was able to find out that the claim “Maxbermuda” was the underwriter was completely untrue.

  • James

    One last comment, Mr. Carrier…you fail to mention that this isn’t the first time Legendary Journeys has been involved with an unauthorized entity. Do you care to comment about your relationship with Trip Assured?

  • Harry Baxter

    “Legendary Journeys is not in the insurance business and we only act as the intermediary for the insurance provider.”

    Now that we have this statement from Adrian Ferguson’s Spokesman, Stew Carrier, from Legendary Journeys, should we feel better about the company? I know that I don’t.

    Chris, I’m glad that the company got back to you quickly, but by now, they know who you are, and they know that they’re in huge trouble for selling bogus products for many years. Do you think that they would have been as quick to return your calls two years ago?

    …only an intermediary? Mr. Ferguson has known Jerry Watson for many years, going back to at least when Jerry Watson was a Vice President at Trip Assured, the first of the bogus “travel protection” companies that I was aware of.

    After Trip Assured put out of business when a number of states issued Cease and Desist orders prohibiting the sales of these illegal products, Mr. Watson left an established his own bogus products, selling them by at least three company names, and in three different states.

    Mr. Ferguson supported Mr. Watson by selling his products in large quantities up to the time when Prime Travel Protection closed. All of these products were deficient, and all of the companies were deficient in paying claims.

    Long before PTP went out of business, it was proven that the company was not registered to sell insurance, and that, when they were pressed for the name of their underwriter, they just made one up.

    Based on information that was obtained from Trip Assured when Mr. Watson was employed there, it was pretty apparent that Trip Assured was attempting to corner the market by paying commissions far above the going rate.

    If Mr. Ferguson was a true intermediary, he would have felt an obligation to establish a bidding process where existing travel insurance companies would compete fairly for his business. There are dozens of honest companies out there, including TravelGuard, Access America, CSA,TravelInsured, iTravelInsured,TravelSafe, Travelex, and many others. If he ever considered Prime Travel Protection to be better than any of these companies, his decision matrix must have weighted commission paid as being 80% of the total score.

    If Legendary Journeys has now decided that real insurance is the only product that they’ll be selling in the future, I’m happy, but the State of Florida statutes spell out some pretty severe penalties for repeatedly selling illegal products over a long period of time. I bet that when the investigators come calling, Stew Carrier will be replaced by Mr. Ferguson with some high-powered lawyers as the first line of defense in protecting his company and himself.

  • Allison

    I will probably get lambasted for this comment but here it goes. While what has happened to these people who are out a lot of money is reprehensible, I’ve noticed that a majority of the stories involve people who had to cancel trips due to medical reasons, in some cases, multiple trips/and or multiple medical problems. I am completely aware that medical crises can arise out of the clear blue sky, but maybe the travel industry should encourage travelers to get thorough medical assessments before they plunk down thousands of dollars for lengthy international trips. I have a sneaking suspicion that many of the cruise bookers who had to cancel their trips due to medical issues are older travelers (not that there is anything wrong with that), but the unforgiving truth is that the older we get, the greater liklihood of a medical problem arising. Knowing one’s health limitations before pulling out the credit card or checkbook could save some heartbreak and a lot of dollars.

  • Geoff

    Travel Agents act as the agent “for” the cruise line and the insurance company. I am liscensed for the State of WV and sell Access Insurance that is legal in the State of WV. Agents cannot or should not be held financially responsible for defaults in the industry. I worked like a dog to clear my clients of finacial losses at 9 11. I kill myself for refunds when there are hurricanes or typhoons. But there is not a damn thing that can be done once a company files bankrupcy accept punt and work with the courts……..unless the client paid by credit card. Then I help the client file that they did not get services paid for and have a 90% success rate for the recovery and reversal of funds. There are ordinary travel agents and then there are the old guys that know how to work for their client “money be damned”.

  • Harry Baxter

    “I have a sneaking suspicion that many of the cruise bookers who had to cancel their trips due to medical issues are older travelers”.

    Of course they are, Allison. That’s why they pay more. Here are typical travel insurance rates from TravelGuard “Protect Assist” for a couple taking a 14 night Caribbean Cruise costing $6000 total. In allcases, the first number is the Husband’s age, and the second is the Wife’s age:
    Ages Cost
    40/36 $284
    50/46 $284
    60/56 $324
    70/66 $432
    80/76 $680

    As with nearly all insurance, rates are based on age and claims received. Seniors most likely have more claims, and they pay a penalty in higher assessments.

  • Wrona

    You don’t have to be old or infirm to need travel insurance – a health questionnaire would do no good. I am in my early 30s and have had to make a few travel insurance claims myself – none relating to the state of my health before the reason I had to file a claim. Being young doesn’t protect you from being in a car accident or having a child get sick at the last minute for example.

  • David Z

    Kind of makes the idea of using a travel agent silly, don’t you think.

    I agree for this specific scenario. But I gather many people nonetheless have/had successful vacation packages (flight, hotel, etc.) due to travel agents/agencies, although that’s debatable if any semblance of numbers can be gathered.

    Like I said before, one can easily tell another what they should and shouldn’t do while they’ll decide for themselves what they can and won’t do. Lacking any (preferably written) agreed-upon terms, unfortunately that might have to be tested in a court of law. (whereever that competent jurisdiction is…)

    It’s probably not needed or wanted, but I do sympathize with the people affected by this. And they ought to followup with relevant authorities investigating this issue.

    And I also agree with Chris’ observation that travel agencies who sold these policies have a hard decision to make. I’d hate to be in those shoes if I sold them myself, which I fortunately didn’t.

  • Harry Baxter

    I want to make sure that we don’t detour from the main subject here. The merits of health insurance is a separate subject and an interesting one, but we need to focus on Legendary Journeys, a company that has sold a lot of “travel protection” packages from companies that were not registered by the States to sell insurance, and were not backed by legitimate underwriters. This is illegal. We should be focusing on why LJ did this multiple times, and with a succession of companies operated by the same group of individuals. Comments which will shed any light on why the company did this will be appreciated, and information from people who purchased these products, had claims, and were compensated fairly or unfairly, will help bring these cases to a successful conclusion.

  • Factual

    And the OSCAR goes to – the “big three” whiners – Legendary Journeys, Smartcruiser and Best Price Cruises. Jerry Watson’s all time best “protection” sellers for years.

    Not once have they denied knowing Trip Assured.

    Not once have they denied a business relationship with Traveler Protection Services or Vacation Protection Services.

    Not once have they denied moving business whenever Jerry Watson moved on.

    Not once have they denied they did not know the Florida laws regarding insurance.

    The Florida authorities have smart people and more documents even than “the group” – they will act.

    Not one travel agent seems to have checked the credentials of Prime Travel Protection, out of 120?

    Travel agents, like Charles Keating, Kenneth Lay and Bernard Madoff, are in for the shock of their lives.

  • Allison

    I knew some people wouldn’t understand the rationale behind my original comment. I never suggested a “health questionnaire” would cure all ills, in fact what I believe is prudent (not mandated, but rather simple practicality) is to get a meaningful medical checkup before paying for an expensive, non-refundable vacation. I also clearly stated that I understand the concept that things can happen out of the blue or for non-medical reasons, and thus, an insurance product can be very valuable to account for completely unexpected situations.

    Bottom line, it seems that a lot of people think about their travel backwards. Some people plan and pay for a trip they had no business taking (high likelihood of medical problems for example, or children who are chronically ill) and then rely on “insurance” to cover their much higher risk. My rather logical point is that perhaps we could all use some better judgment up front about our own realities of the implications of taking that “big trip.”

    Here is my personal example. A few years ago I had hoped to take a rather physically demanding trip to South America, a trip most people would take out insurance for and one that I planned to take out travel insurance for. I’m in my 30s with no known medical problems at the time. BEFORE I paid for the trip, I decided it was prudent to get a medical checkup with an actual doctor. A medical condition was discovered that had the potential to affect my trip. I decided to not take the trip at that time. I never forked over any money and ergo, never needed to take out the trip insurance, and therefore needed to file a claim.

    I do believe however, that my initial post did not detour that far from the discussion regarding dubious providers of an insurance product. The connection is that this subset of the insurance industry is primed to take advantage of people that already are vulnerable to shady operators because it is usually the highest risk categories who suffer from the most claim denials (just ask homeowners in some hurricane-prone areas). If we keep travel insurance focused on what it is really for–the truly unexpected–versus a product that people use to substitute for some common sense (i.e., getting a medical checkup prior to booking/some self awareness about the rigors or risks of travel) we might be better able to understand exactly what such insurance is intended to do and be in a better position to stamp out the posers from the legitimate providers.

    Clearly companies like Legendary Journeys should be investigated as fully as possible. I just think its also an opportunity to spread some practical advice about travel planning before someone else is out a lot of dough.

  • scott L

    These are the cases lawyer live for.

    Just becuse a business post a sign or put a clause in a contract that we are not responsible for X, Y and Z, it does not relieve them of responsibility under a state or federal law. A company cant exclude themselves.

    I suspect that Legendary Journeys and their business insurance company are going to get drag intto the via lawsuits. In the end those who lost money may get a piece of it back through the bankruptcy and insurance company of Legendary Journeys .

  • Mike

    I simply don’t see how Legendary journeys could possibly hide behind the “we didn’t know and only acted as the intermediary” to this. As a large company they would most certainly have some sort of legal council who at the very least would have or should have known the laws in the state they do business. just because they are a go-between doesn’t mean they bear no responsibility. they sold the product and made money of the sale of that product.

    For a business to claim that they didn’t know is absurd, especially when an ordinary citizen was able to dig up all the info by themselves and get answers as to who is and is not licensed to sell insurance.

    At the very least the traveler should be entitled to any and all commissions/profits made from the booking of the travel and the insurance. Knowing that the insurer was really not an insurer and because it was so apparent, the travel agency may also bear some responsibility to compensate for the loss of the trip.

  • David

    I posted this once before – it is relevent again.

    There is one overriding issue – Smartcruiser, BPC, LJ and the others sold illegal insurance from an unlicensed provider who in addition did not have an underwriter.
    Not once (with Trip Assured) but TWICE.

    Quote:
    (7) breach of fiduciary duty [ Unlike travel suppliers and
    tour operators, travel agents have a fiduciary relationship with their customers [ see Brown v. Hambric40 ( travel agents are “ professionals and fiduciaries and are expected to be
    knowledgeable of the travel services they sell “ )

    [d] Consumer Remedies & Penalties

    [i]-United States

    Any violation of a Travel Seller statute should, as
    it does in Florida……constitute a violation the each State’s Consumer Protection Act giving rise to a private right of action and entitling the consumer to treble damages, attorneys fees and costs.

  • Peter

    I applaud Chris for presenting both sides of a story.

    However, Kay and Husband Tom, whom are quintessential seniors seeking peace and relaxation after a lifetime of working deserved a cruise of distinction, but they lost everything.

    Kay and Tom took the advice of Legendary Journeys and took precautions against unforeseen problems by purchasing cancelation insurance.
    No choice – this is what we sell.

    So LJ took the premium and purchase bogus insurance from an unlicensed corporation. LJ have been working with Jerry Watson for years. LJ knew it was “protection” and a scam but they represented it to Kay and Tom as INSURANCE.

    A public document from the Trip Assured case in 2005/6 shows this line:

    Legendary Journeys, FL (telephone number) JW- 40.
    This is VP of TA Jerry Watson and 40% commission to LJ.

    BUT! That’s not all. LJ have received a government tax, oil surcharge and air fare refund.

    Did they hand it to Kay or Tom?

    Of course not – they kept it.

    LJ’s retort to Chris is a smoke screen designed to show us all what a trustworthy company they are – it didn’t work, read the blogs.

  • Katy

    I purchased Traveller Protection Services thru Legendary Journeys. My husband was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer shortly before we were to leave on 4/26/08. He needed treatment immediately. I submitted all required documentation. Latter part of Aug. I was told that Traveller Protection was replaced by Universal Assurance Group. I submitted more information to them. By the end of Nov. I contacted Florida Dept. of Financial Svcs. Because they contacted Universal, I received a letter, dated 12/16/08, from Jerry Watson, Pres. stating that my claim was proscessed and I would receive payment asap. In Jan.’09, I contacted Colorado Insurance Commission. since Universal was based there, They told me that they’ve been investigating Universal and there are numerous complaint from across the nation. I have since found out that Jerry watson was President/CEO or partners in several companies.
    Stu Carrier says to contact Colorado Bankrupcy Court. Well I’ve done that and have had no luck. I have submitted a claim against Legendary Journeys with the Florida Dept. of Agriculture because they oversee Travel Agencies. I’ve also contacted Carnival Cruise line. They called Mr. Carrier also. I am in the process of sending a letter to Carnival Attn: Group Research. Legendary should be held responsible. I live in a large development in Florida. Several of my neighbors use Legendary however, they aren’t any longer. Last weekend I emailed some of the TV consumer lines. I haven’t heard from them yet. I’ve even looked into small claims court. We, as a group, should be able to do something

  • The man who notices things

    Stop all the whining and just sue the travel agent – 2 separate cruises – 2 separate cases – $5k max per claim for fraud, breach of contract, negligent misrepresentation, and let their insurance company pay the claim – thats the reason for the negligent misrep claim which revolves around the Florida Consumer statutes and the fact that none of the travel agents were licensed to sell insurance . . …

  • Harry Baxter

    Katy; Regarding where you live, can I assume that it’s inThe Villages?
    I assume that you’ve seen the expose of Legendary Journeys and their Manager, Maribeth Voges by Todd Ulrich of Action 9, TV station WFTV, but if you haven’t, you need to check it out. http://www.wftv.com.

    If you do live in The Villages, word of mouth concerning your experience is go, but you should go directly to the Management of this 70,000 resident development and DEMAND that they warn all residents about the fraud being perpretrated on Senior Citizens. I’ve sent at least one warning to them, but the impact will be much greater if it comes from a resident.

    You also need to contact the Florida Department of Financial Services about your complaint. The Department of Agriculture isn’t proper, and while Small Claims Court could result in a victory for you, enforcement of any claim as a result of this victory is nearly impossible.

    The more I read about Legendary Journeys, the madder I become. This company holds an “F” rating with the National Better Business Bureau, and I’ve always known that their advertising was deceptive, at best. I’ve done enough research to know that the constantly provide an inferior product by reading the complaints of outraged customers on numerous travel blogs, but I didn’t know until last year that many things that they’ve done are outright ilegal.

    By contrast, I feel that Ron Russo and his company, Best Price Cruises, despite the fact that he and his company have sold at least two illegal pseudo-insurance products, stands far above Mr. Adrian Ferguson of LJ in business ethics. I’ve purchased cruises from BPC in the past, and I always received good prices, friendly service, and the product that I thought I was buying. I was, however, lucky enough to have avoided buying Trip Assured and Prime Travel Protection when I purchased my cruises. I would hope the Mr. Russo will come clean soon about his consecutive dealings with these shady companies. His behavior is to be deplored, and some sensure is merited, but I think that after the payment of some claims, he might be able to survive as a company that serves it’s customer well. I see nothing in the behavior of Legendary Journeys that makes me feel that the company deserves to survive.

  • Tripped For Sure

    I agree Harry, but you failed to mention Smartcruiser. It;s not the first time this company has sold through an unauthorized entity and according to some of the bloggers, Smartcrluiser has thretened its customers with lawsuits for merely requesting reimbursement for the fraudulent policy the company sold – despicable.

  • http://www.ffocus.org Mr Bad Example

    Just curious if the companies mentioned have “Bricks and Mortar” locations?

    Nothing like a few picketers and a TV news van to adjust an attitude of two

  • Pat Burk

    A SIMPLE PROPOSAL

    This message is directed at:

    Legendary Journeys / Adrian Ferguson
    SmartCruiser / Lee Smolinski
    Best Price Cruises / Ron Russo

    Can we talk, guys?

    By now, I’m sure that you realize that someone is going to pay big time for the carnage that has been created by the selling of illegal travel protection products in the State of Florida. It’s an undeniable fact that all three of you have, at a minimum, sold Trip Assured and Prime Travel Protection to unwary consumers, and you may have sold other illegal products as well. You know you did it, the State of Florida Officials know that you did it, and hundreds or thousands of outraged consumers nationwide know that you did it. You’d have to be delusional to not recognize these facts, and I don’t believe that you’re delusional.

    So what do you do now? You’re faced with the possible repayment of millions of dollars in unpaid claims, and possible jail time, according to Florida Statutes. You can, of course, continue to hang tough, and all go down together, but I’m sure that each one of you hopes that you don’t suffer the fate of the other two.

    Here’s a solution: Call the State Authorities and offer to tell them the whole sordid story about how you came to be involved with these sellers of sham products. Reveal any contacts that you may have had with each other. Ask the State for limited immunity in return for complete records on your company’s involvement. Promise to pay back those defrauded consumers according to details spelled out in State statutes. Also promise that in the future, you’ll only offer real insurance from companies with real underwriters to your customers, or alternatively, offer to refrain from selling insurance at all for some period of time. In return, ask them only for the opportunity to continue to operate your business as a legitimate business, unless of course, you may have to close it down for bankruptcy reasons. Also ask them for immunity from prosecution that could lead to prison time. This is a win-win situation for you, for the State, and for a sub-group of wronged consumers. It will give the State enough information to accelerate their cases against the other two companies who were foolish enough to get involved in this scheme.

    You’ve probably all read Ayn Rand, and you’re familiar with the phrase, “To thine own self be True”. This might be your only chance at survival before the hammer comes down. Pick up the phone and call the State Regulators. They just might buy into your proposal.

  • Ben99

    Pat Burk

    I don’t know who you are but you are literate as well as being a pragmatist (whatever that means).

    But, I want them pay fines and go to jail.

  • James

    Brilliant idea, Pat. I hate to be crude, but these three agencies have figuratively been caught with their pants down. There are no excuses or rationale. They sold the illegal product at least once before to their clients and they have done it again. Perhaps they were conned by Mr. Watson both times. Nevertheless, the state will not buy that as an excuse. These agencies need to pray that the federal authorities do not get involved. I also strongly recommend that Mr. Smolinski use his energies to resolve the issues with his clients and the state regulators rather than threatening his customers with lawsuits.

  • Christopher Elliott

    I’d like to appeal for a little more civility in this debate.

    None of the travel agencies that are being investigated by Florida have been formally charged with a crime. I’m willing to give agents the benefit of the doubt until the state concludes what I’m sure will be a thorough investigation.

  • James

    Chris you are correct. However, it is understandable those who have lost large sums of money are angry and are out for blood. The insurance regulators and maybe the federal investigators will as Chris writes, conduct a thorough investigation. The facts do speak for themselves – the PTP product was illegal and some of these travel agents sold it more than once. While I concur with Chris about keeping it civil, I also encourage the travel agents to deal with the issue of unpaid claims rather than look for reasons to sue those seeking claims refunds. If the travel agents are worried about their business reputations, making their clients whole at their expense may be more costly, but it will bring a great deal more goodwill than suing senior citizens whose only wish is to seek reimbursement so they can travel again in their twilight years.

  • Kris Haines

    A SIMPLE PROPOSAL – II

    This message is directed at:

    THOSE WHO HAVE LOST MONEY THROUGH PRIME TRAVEL PROTECTION AND ARE BEING THREATENED WITH A LAWSUIT OR HAVE ALREADY BEEN SUED BY THEIR TRAVEL AGENTS FOR PURSUING REIMBURSEMENT.

    In reading the blogs and the articles regarding this unfortunate matter, two issues really bother me. First and foremost, I am upset that so many people have lost large sums of money because their travel plans were cancelled due to illness and their “policies” they purchased for protection were deemed illegal.

    Most disturbing is the fact that some travel agents have either threatened or already have sued their clients over the very claims that have not been paid by the vendor they represented! This is outrageous. What can the travel agents sue for? Perhaps that their good name is being disparaged? Yeah, right. If they were so concerned about their good name, then maybe they would have done their due diligence before selling an illegal product – and for some this isn’t the first time.

    I urge any customer who has been sued or threatened to be sued because of their actions related to reimbursement of claims to contact their local media as well as posting the information on this blog. For those of you in the Central Florida area, Todd Uhlrich of WFTV has already done a segment on this issue and is researching a follow-up segment.

  • James

    To the man who notices…Your February 25 post at 1:30PM makes a lot of sense – yes, sue the travel agents in small claims court. I personally feel any court will rule in favor of the customers. However, venue is an issue and any lawsuit will have to be brought within the jurisdiction of the county where the travel agent is located. Many of these agencies sell to clients all over the country through the internet and toll free telephone lines. For these reasons it would be difficult for an out of state customer. However, on the other hand, venue is not an issue for federal action, but such action would only be criminal and may not bring relief to those who lost money.

  • Katy

    Thank you Harry Baxter for your response. I do not live in the Villages but I do live in West Palm Beach. However,I had contacted Maribeth Voges last fall and was told to call Charles Scott at Legendary Journeys. He never returned any of my calls. I tried to call Ms. Voges again but she never returned my calls either.

    I contacted Fl. Dept. of Financial Svcs. last Nov. and filed a complaint. I’ve been incontact with them ever since. I submitted a complaint to Fl. Dept of Agriculture because they over see travel Agencies. I have received a letter stating they have sent complaint to LJ. I have also met with someone from small claims court. I have all the paperwork however, I have not submitted it yet. I have also email my local ABC & CBS stations but haven’t heard from them. Stu Carrier, LJ spokes person has told me to contact Colorado Attorney Generals office. I have done that and was told that none of these so called travel insurance companies have filed bankruptcy in the state of colo.

    I still feel that there must be something we can all do as a group.

  • Harry Baxter

    Katy:
    Stu Carrier is just trying to pass the buck. His company, Legendary Journeys, sold you an illegal product. Your best hope is going to be making Legendary Journeys pay the bill. The companies formerly run by Jerry Watson, last of Colorado, have declared bankruptcy. You aren’t likely to see any money returned by his companies.
    In addition to continuing your contacts with the Florida Department of Financial Services, you might want to contact Bill McCollum, the Florida State Attorney General, and mention that you’ve also contacted Financial Services. I noticed this week that Mr. McCoullum is showing a renewed interest in consumer fraud, and has brought suit against a large company in Orlando, Stellar Flooring, for not delivering on promises made to customers. This company is only a pimple compared to the wrongs done to consumers by LJ, Best Price Cruises, Smartcruiser, and dozens of other smaller fish, just in the State of Florida.
    Don’t waste any more of your time being diverted by the likes of Stu Carrier.

  • Glenn E. Thornton

    My name is Glenn Thornton. I have traveled extensively for many years and consequently am very familiar with the travel business. I have read the blogs and through my work have familiarity with these types of regulatory issues. Let me offer some advice…

    The state regulators who are investigating this matter may not have the ability to secure a refund for you. Usually they will assess penalties in civil action against the travel agencies involved. I feel you are spinning your wheels attempting to contact local TV stations and I am personally outraged that Mr. Carrier asked YOU to contact the Colorado authorities. It was Legendary Journeys who got you in this mess and it is up to them to handle the matter. You have one advantage and that is you live in Florida and can easily file a claim in small claims court. If you should win, an interesting precedent could take place that could be very serious for Legendary Journeys and any other travel agency who sold PTP. Another option could be for you to connect with a few other Florida victims and retain an attorney to file for you against LJ. It would be important to work with a few other victims to make the dollar amount worthwhile for an attorney to pursue. The work involved for one client would be the same for several as the issue is identical.

    The “bottom line”, Katy – don’t spin your wheels with the media. I would pursue legal action and let Mr. Carrier know that if you prevail LJ would be on the hook to reimburse EVERYONE. Maybe that will make LJ think about settling with you.

    In addition, I would file a complaint with the United State Attorney in your local area. I believe there is an office in West Palm Beach. And finally, I would not forget about Carnival Cruises. Carnival appointed LJ to sell their product and pays them a commission. Forget your letter to “Group Research” – send a personal letter to each of their key executives (see link below). Let them know about the company they have authorized to sell their product and inform them that you will be more than happy to picket in front of their offices with all the other victims, with signs that read…”CARNIVAL CONDONES ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES OF ITS AGENTS”

    http://finance.yahoo.com/q/pr?s=CCL

  • Pat Burk

    Thank you, Mr. Thornton, for adding your thoughts to this ongoing discussion. I was especially interested in your comments concerning Carnival Cruise Lines. However, I was unable, with my modest research skills, to find documentation of any connection between Carnival and Legendary Journeys. Do you have a link that you could send in your next posting which would document this connection? Also, is it a general connection between Carnival and ALL agents selling a specific illegal insurance product like Prime Travel Protection, or a specific connection between Carnival and LJ?

    Regarding your suggestions about Small Claims Court, I’m not a Lawyer, and you might be one, so I’m requesting your help in providing additional guidance. I’ve had some limited experience in filing suits in Small Claims Court, so I’m aware of some of the frustations. Perhaps you can guide us in a strategy for getting around some of the snags.

    Snag #1 involves the monetary limits for filing a small claim. If you assume that no claim will exceed $6000, a modest sum based on the claims that I’ve seen listing the actual amount lost by defrauded customers, only fourteen states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois,Minnesota, New Mexico,Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah have claim limits as high as $6000. That leaves thirty seven states and the District of Columbia out in the cold. $6000 is a modest sum when you consider the cruise cost, non-refundable airfare, hotels, excursions, and so forth, all of which should be considered when someone purchases travel insurance.

    Snag #2 involves Jurisdiction. You can sue a business in your state if the business has an office, warehouse, retail location, or any significant business dealings locally. For the majority of customers who booked a cruise with LJ, Best Price Cruises, or SmartCruiser over the phone, this means that the customer would have to travel to Florida to file a claim. That alone would cause most of the Senior customers who book cruises to throw up their hands in frustration and concede.
    While exceptions might be made for people ordering a cruise over the internet, which could allow them to file in their home state, I’ll bet that the high-priced Lawyers from LJ, BPC and SmartCruiser could tie up the courts for years in determining whether any booked cruise fits this exception.

    Snag #3 involves the actual collection mechanism. If you win your case, the party that owes you money has a specific period (usually 30 days) to pay. If he or she doesn’t pay, you have to then assume the dual role of creditor and collections agent. You could then ask the court clerk to help you find the defendant’s property out of which the judgement could be paid, but realistically, in States with low monetary Small Claims Court limits (Arizona -$2500; Kentucky – $1500; Massachusetts – $2000; Rhode Island – $2000, etc.) How much time and money would you have to invest before you you exceeded the amount of the judgement….which you would still probably not collect? There are, of course, more drastic remedies, including Garnishment, Liens, and Writs of Execution, but do you really think that a Senior living on a fixed income has the time, money, and patience to outlast the resources of these companies who owe them money?
    There are, of course, other Snags, like determining the precise name of the company that you’re suing, but their degree of difficulty is far outweighed by the thrre major snags listed.

    I appreciate your input, Glenn, and I hope that you’ll continue to post on this Board. You’ve already contributed with your mention of the Carnival angle. However, I want to make sure that many defrauded and frustrated customers don’t charge off in another direction before they realize some of the roadblocks that may await them.

  • Glenn E. Thornton

    Very good comments, Pat.
    Snag #1: You are absolutely correct. There are limits that cannot be exceeded. I would hope most of the claims were in the range of the respective court. If not, something is better than nothing at this point.

    Snag #2: Correct again – the case would have to be filed in the jurisdiction of the travel agency. My post was related to Katy’s issue and because she lives in Central Florida jurisdiction would not be a problem.

    Snag #3: Again, Pat, good points. Collecting a judgment could be a problem, but since the claim is against a viable entity (e.g. the travel agent) it would be easier than trying to collect against a company like PTP.

    Lastly, the fact that Carnival allows an entity engaging in illegal activity to sell their product should be enough for the company to take some kind of action – especially if the matter became public.

  • David

    Part 1 of a Travel Nightmare

    You will quickly realize the author of this story is not a professional writer. But, I’ll tell it anyway.

    An Oklahoma lady lets call her Ann, suffered the frustration of cancelling a cruise with Holland America Line because her doctor made an ambiguous remark. He said Ann could travel but only in a wheel chair. But his advice was, do not travel.

    The responsible travel agent Anchors Away asked if she wanted insurance but Ann declined. Anchors Away charged her anyway!

    However the mistake would pay off – she had cancelation insurance recommended by her travel agent Anchors away of Clearwater Florida regardless of whether she wanted it or not. She paid a premium of $861.00.

    Perhaps everyone reading this story has started in exactly the same way.

    After the worry of a serious medical problem losing a dream cruise the medical bills started to pile up. Ann thought it was, in the end, okay because she had purchased insurance.

    Like the rest of us the horror of discovering her insurance was not insurance and the issuer was a previous felon and perpetrator of the same scam several times was bewildering.

    After the facts sharpened in her mind Ann was outraged and complained to Florida, Illinois, Colorado, Tennessee and Oklahoma regulators.

    And, of course, to Ed Mass owner of Anchors Away, whom she thought should reimburse her because he had a fiduciary responsibility.

    Ed Mass refused to respond to her complaint at first. Later, he adopted the runaround tactics of PTP/TPS and Jerry Watson. He asked three different times for medical documentation. Still no resolution.

    We are all painfully aware that filing complaints with state authorities costs dozens of hours of work, especially when you are ill or injured.

    Eventually Ann found “the group” and was able to communicate with similarly scammed travelers.

    To be continued………………………

  • Glenn E. Thornton

    Is Ed Mass a medical doctor? Does Ed Mass work as an underwriter for a licensed insurance carrier? As far as I can determine Ed Mass is a travel agent. Why is he asking for medical records? What a scam. I hope you people go after these travel agents with every ounce of energy and all the resources you have collectively. This isn’t about Prime Travel Protection, this is about a group of travel agents who appear to taken advantage of each of you.

  • Pat Burk

    Thanks for your quick reply, Glenn. When I wrote my last post, I was probably thinking more globally than I needed to think. There are, of course, hundreds of defrauded victims in the State of Florida, and at least three of the biggest travel agencies who sold the faulty insurance product, Legendary Journeys, Best Price Cruises and SmartCruiser, are located in Florida as well, so jurisdiction would not be a big problem. It pains me that these companies would defraud their neighbors, but “business is business” must be their motto.

    If some of you victims out there have claims, and the total of your claim is under $5000, the maximum claim that you can bring suit for in Small Claims Court in the State of Florida, I urge you to use this method, and use it FAST. There’s always a possibility that these travel agents will pull a “Jerry Watson” and declare bankruptcy, which would leave you no one to sue.

    There are a lot of good, free resources on the internet which will show you the precise steps to follow in your suit. Ons site that I’ve found helpful is http://www.legalzoom.com, and there are many others. There are certain steps that have to be followed, and this site covers the steps in easy to understand, non-legalese. language. They will even, I believe, help you with the paperwork for a relatively modest fee.

  • Harry Baxter

    David:
    The tactics that Mr. Mass of Anchors Away Cruises use are taken from the book written by Trip Assured, and later adopted by Jerry Watson and his string of bogus companies. A good “If it smells bad….” policy to follow is that when you’re filing a claim, and they start to ask you for the same documentation repetitively, or for documents that never were asked for before, you should know that you’re being scammed, and they think that they think that they can outlast you.
    I was one of the early victims of Trip Assured, and they did this to me. They strung me along for about six months, asking for documents that went far beyond proof that my claim was valid.

    By contrast, a very good friend of mine had to cancel a European trip last year because he was diagnosed with a severe case of prostate cancer during his yearly physical. As it happened, he had purchased travel insurance from Travel Insured, one of the many reputable travel insurance companies. When he showed me the cancellation form that the company sent him, my first thought was, “Now the runaround begins”. Looking at the form, I was dumbfounded that the Physician’s statement block was about 6″ by 1.5″ in total. In the block, his Urologist had written: “Mr. Fuller was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Feb. 15. The severity of the cancer makes it imperative that his radiation treatments begin immediately”. This was all that was required, except for details backing up the amount being claimed, and contact information for the MD. Bob submitted the form, and was paid in full within two weeks!
    What a difference compared to the runarounds that people who are posting on the board are receiving from their travel agents!

  • Larry Conroy

    Pat;
    I read your comments concerning the wisdom of filing Small Claims Court suits, and I think that it’s a solid idea. A thought occurred to me about the $5000 limitation imposed by the State of Florida which might get around the limitation. To my non-legal mind, the idea appears to be workable, but some of you who are more versed in the law might find fault with it.

    Most cruise bookings involve a couple, usually a Husband and Wife (Sig. Other, etc.). Every booking that I’ve seen lists the individuals separately (Larry and Mary Conroy), and the same procedure is followed for travel insurance and airline bookings. That being the case, is there any prohibition against filing separate Small Claims Court suits? This would require the payment of two filing fees, but the fee, which I think is about $69, is modest when compared with the prospect of reclaiming an additional $5000.

  • David

    Part 2 of a Travel Nightmare

    Ann gave the facts. Cruise booked from Bonnie Bruce Anchors Away, Charlotte office on 11/27.07. Payment $12,639.66 including $861 for travel insurance.

    Anchors Away and Travel Protection Services told Ann she had 72 hours to cancel so, if she didn’t think she would recover, cancel anyway. Doctors advice – don’t travel.

    Simple – no problems there!

    From that fateful day everything went down hill and the cool practiced expertise of Jerry Watson kicked into gear.

    “We lost your records.” “Colorado is dealing with it but we have answered their questions.” Then the old standby – just don’t respond.

    Finally the denial came sans records from the eminent medical professionals on the staff of Travel Protection Services – Jerry and Christine Watson.

    Ann told me Debbie Boorman the insurance person with Anchors Away thought the claim would be honored.

    Not a chance! If Anchors away employed an insurance person how could they not know the TPS policy was bogus? How could they not know TPS was NOT licensed? How could they not know when Ed Mass had dealt with the previous out of business company Trip Assured?

    The Anchors Away invoice dated in November 2007 records clear as day 11/27/2007
    INSURANCE PAYMENT $861.00.

    After all Jerry Watson as salesman and VP of Trip Assured paid Ed Mass 40% commission on all insurance sales.

    They knew each other.

    Ed Mass was well aware that Trip Assured received cease and desists in 7 states and now the very same Jerry Watson was setting up a new company selling the same bogus product and still did not have a license. Then Watson did it two more times!

    Ann has remarkable tenacity, intelligence plus an inquisitive mind. She took her complaint to the Florida Department of Insurance and the Florida Bureau of Investigation where she learned a very serious multi departmental investigation was already in progress.

    Anchors Away had the good grace to return airfares and hotel payments after the cancellation leaving $8564.70 due back to Ann

    Once Ann had exchanged information with our group of previously unconnected volunteer activists she realized the sad case was not about denials of claims but about travel agents failing in their fiduciary and professional duty to be cognizant of ALL products they sell to travelers. That is their job. Florida law also defines insurance, unauthorized entities and the responsibilities of “sellers of insurance.”

    It is the writer’s personal opinion that Ed Mass and Anchors Away broke the law and should be punished to the full extent the courts will allow.

    I asked Ann, what do you want? “A check for $8564.7 from Anchors Away.”

  • Hal Frierson

    It’s frustrating and painful to read these blogs. As a frequent traveler who purchases travel insurance, I am appalled at what has occurred. My travel agent uses a company (I won’t mention the name) that is licensed to sell insurance in all 50 states. When I made my first travel insurance purchase she made it a point to tell me the company was legally licensed and explained that she confirmed this fact with my state’s insurance department. My travel agent won’t sell anything that she has not thoroughly investigated. I personally feel that those of you who have purchased from companies like Anchors Away and Smartcruiser as well as the many others mentioned on this blog were simply defrauded by your travel agents. What is further troubling is the fact that the state of Florida has not done anything up to this point. How long does it take? Is it a coincidence that the ring of travel agents who have sold these policies all seem to be located in Florida? These travel agents need to reimburse every one of you and also need to be criminally prosecuted. I also think individual civil action is appropriate. The amounts individually are not sufficient for a lawyer to pursue, but if a few of you retained an attorney together it would make it worthwhile. Don’t pursue a class action – too time consuming…just retain an aggressive attorney and pursue a civil action for fraud. The errors and ommission insurance your travel agent may have will not cover their legal fees if it is deemed their actions were fraudulent. A half dozen lawsuits thrown against one travel agency will be enough for them to settle with you.

  • http://www.GoLJ.travel Al Ferguson

    MUCH OF WHAT IS SAID HERE IS UNFAIR: And here’s why
    1. Legendary Journeys stopped selling VPS Insurance in Spetember 2008. We have been selling TRAVELEX insurance since then (licensed in Florida) and an insurance company that many of you reference as reputuable.
    2. When VPS/Prime declared bankruptcy in January 2009 we reinsured a huge number of our clients at no cost to them with Travelex (all traveling within 21 days). Others we provided a certificate to cover the re-purchase of insurance. The point here is NO 2009 clients are effected by this bankruptcy. It was all out of pocket expense to Legendary Journeys.
    3. The guests effected are ones that purchased a policy in 2007 or 2008 that had cancellation (and as as far as we can tell that is approximately 25 clients.) We are working on every one of them to try to satisfy the issue caused by this bankruptcy (which we have no control over.)
    Finally, Legendary Journeys has been in business a very long time and carry 20,000 clients a year. We are completely committed to our clients and to provide the best value possible. We have 10 offices in Florida and we will continue to fill a very important need to the value conscious traveler. I just hope you look at all the variables that occured here…much of which could not be controlled by Legendary Journeys. It’s not an excuse…we take responsibility for it and do that in time, commitment and money…but we left this company 6 months before they declared bankruptcy. Sincerely, Al Ferguson, Vice President, Legendary Journeys

  • Harry Baxter

    Al, I’m really tired of chasing you around the blogs. You can clear yourself immediately by answering the following questions:

    Prior to selling Prime Travel Protection, did you also sell VPS and Trip Assured?

    Have you sold any real travel insurance between 2003 and September, 2008?

    Have you known Jerry Watson for more than three years?

    Man, if you can answer “NO” to these questions truthfully, you’re OK with me. If you do, though, you’d better be sure that you can answer the same questions the same way under oath, because Authorities assure me that you’re going to have an opportunity to do this.

  • Curtis Sargent

    I purchased a cruise, including airfare, transfers and ‘Trip Protection’ (insurance) through an online travel agent ‘Best Price Cruises’ located in Port St. Lucie Florida. The cruise was purchased on May 14, 2007. The insurance contract was issued on May 18, 2007 by Traveler Protection Services, Inc. 110 S. 1st St, Suite 1, Dekalb, IL 60115 (888) 707-0213. The Princess cruise was scheduled July 19, 2008 through July 29, 2008.

    The cruise was cancelled on July 14, 2008 due to a medical emergency. I called the phone number on the contract and was informed the contract had been transferred (without notifying me) to. Prime Travel Protection, Inc. 5310 Ward Road Suite G-01 Arvada, CO 80002 (800) 219-1891. I called and requested a claim form which I received within one week.

    The forms were filled out per the instruction sheet included in the package and sent by resistered mail to Universal Assurance Group, LTD at the same address listed for Prime Travel Protection on July 29, 2008. The package were delivered on August 3, 2008.

    On October 21, 2008 I received a letter requesting my wife’s medical records from May 14th 2007 through July 31st 2008. The records were sent via registered mail on Oct. 24, 2008 and received on Oct. 28, 2008.

    On November 29, 2008 I received a letter saying the claim was denied because the adjuster didn’t think medical emergency was severe enough to cancel the cruise and proof was required that my wife was able to travel when the policy was issued.

    The cardologist who performed the angiogram and her family doctor both submitted letters. The cardologist said she could not travel on July 18, 2008 and the family doctor said she was able to travel on May 18, 2007. I submitted both letters with a cover letter appealing the earlier decision and haven’t heard from anyone since. I’ve tried to call, but the phone has been disconnected.

    After reading information on your blog, I believe the travel agent and the so called Travel Insurance companies are ripping off people. This is th 5th cruise purchased through Best Price Cruises. Each cruise included ‘Trip Protection’ coverage. The travel agent always suggested buying the policy.

    I’ve contacted Florida Department of Financial Services at (805) 413-3030 and filed a complaint agains the travel agent and the travel protection companies.

    I’m hoping to recover the $6, 546.90 I’ve lost because of the cruise being cancelled.

  • http://www.icoulduseadeal.blogspot.com Jeanine Peterson

    My mother and her traveling companion are also out nearly $6,000 on a trip planned for Austria last May 2008. We have all the same problems with Legendary Journeys and Trip Assist etc. We have opened cases with the State Insurance Dept as well as Consumer Affairs. None of which seem to have done anything. Count us in on the scam .

    I had higher hopes of the State regulators to come down on LJ when it is in black and white that their own ads state that they sell TRIP INSURANCE.

    So please include us in any legal avenues we could all take together.

    jtrophy@aol.com

  • Dr travel

    About a dozen couple where I live booked through L J. They had buses take them to the cruise, etc. Most had a great time. Some ran into insurance issues..& what was interesting L J would NOT allow them to find replacements. Quite a few came home sick form the cruise.
    I JUST now tried to book with carnival with a roommate. Well Carnival said even thought the roomie had insurance..if she does not goeven if she hads paid 100% …even with insurance…that Carnival still wants ME to pay for her fare AGAIN OR FIND A ROOMMATE. WHAT?. Carnival Collects $1,500 on a $1000 room? The insurance reimburses the roomie. The insurance is a third party so why do I have to come up with another $500 to carnival? They already collected $1000?

    Carnival also says they can change your room at their discretion if the room hold more than you have..even if you pay double but go single…or if you pay double but there is a sleep sofa. If the room hold 3 and you onl;y paid for 2 they can move you.

    Earlier this year I booked a room on Carnival…and paid in full. They said I could add a roomie at any time…..but it was $50 to change..but I could add a roomie up until the day before we sailed… So I wanted until I was sure of whom the roomie was (family). Then the slimy turds tried to UP the fare to the current fare for the room after having my money for months. Well DUH paying in full means you cant change the rate. SLEZZEBALLS…Luckily I had listed everyone at Carnival and their phone number and had copious notes. Carnival is a sleezy company. Read the T&Cs…