ComplaintsforAloha Hawaii Tours

• Initial Complaint

  08/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  In April, I was utterly mislead no where at presentation did they every say pay in full at time of booking a hotel through this program. Over handful of years I have only booked at places that take deposits for first night then to pay off as i go or when i get to destination. I refuse to pay as i was mislead. ****** a partner company agreed with me on 8/29 that i was mislead. I demand to be let out of my contract as I wasn't given the full truth and feel lied to.

  Business response

  09/03/2024

  Aloha *****,

  You attended our presentation, where we provided a standard overview of the service. Our travel advisors (1) don't have time and (2) are not obligated to go over the terms & conditions of every single hotel, car rental, or timeshare unit within the service during the presentation.

  If specifically having a "pay at check in" policy on all bookings was an important necessity for you, you should have asked during the webinar if it was an option. If you had asked, they would have clarified that just like almost ALL other booking services, there are some properties on the platform that allow payment at check in, although most of our options are paid at time of booking. We are sorry if you somehow got the wrong idea or impression about that, but our team did not hide this fact. It is an assumed process just like other booking sites.
  

  You state that you spoke to a representative who "agreed you were misled" but they agreed only because you presented in your complaint over the phone, that our sales team "promised" or "agreed" that things work as you expected them to. NOT that that is what was actually stated at time of sale.

  A manager is already working directly with you and we will determine an appropriate resolution but at this time, there was no issue with the display and delivery of the service and cancellation is denied.

  Customer response

  09/05/2024

   
  Complaint: 22219904
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I was mislead and it wasn't clear. I need response from the manager at this time I am not paying
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Business response

  09/11/2024

  Aloha *****,

  A manager has spoken with you multiple times. 

  You believe you were misled because you cannot do partial payments on travel bookings in our platform.

  Most platforms do not allow you to only make partial payments. This is not unheard of and this is not "mispresentation" if this highly specific detail about booking does not get discussed. It is assumed in the travel world 99% of the time that when you BOOK, you PAY.

  Customer response

  09/13/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and have spoken with them and have a  satisfactory resolution with the business.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

• Initial Complaint

  08/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ****** $200. 00 paid from Credit card leaving ******* Attempted to cancel via e-mail starting Monday 19, 2024 by 6:00 am Was told in various comments by them I didn't see the comments correctly I have more than 15 e-mails back and forth from them - I have them all

  Business response

  08/30/2024

  Aloha,

  This customer reached out claiming that he could not find any rates through our program that were better than what he could find himself.

  He then asked for a particular property.

  We provided a LIVE quote for him, verifying that the member rate was better than the public rate.

  This customer has not at any time provided any proof or examples to substantiate his claims and refuses to acknowledge the verified discounts that we have provided proof of.

  We are confident in our service, and are happy to provide endless verifiable proof of the great discounts available. 

  We have been in constant, responsive communication with this customer and will continue to assist him.

  As there has been no issue with the delivery of services and benefits, we will not be waiving the final sale policy at this time.

  Thank you,

  Customer response

  09/08/2024

   
  Complaint: 22191447
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  I wanted to reject my offer within 1 day because the various hotels in **** and ******** plus rental cars were TOO expensive in all of them. First of all, the hotel was not since in **** that I chose in March 2025.
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  08/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In 2022 when visiting Hawaii we were offered a 10 year membership for further travel. In joining the membership with Aloha Hawaii Tours and Travel we were awarded a free "European" holiday. In 2024 we booked in holiday and later after booking it was revealed the non disclosure that flights were not included. In this instance I requested a reschedule of flight dates from 28th September 2024 to 21st September 2024. They are now saying that as Aloha used Agoda, Agoda denied the change of dates and advised reservation would need to be cancelled and rebooked for new dates and under a full penalty non refundable. I have been trying to get this rectified with the hotel booked in **** Santika Kuta saying they do not charge for reschedule of dates. This is now jeopardising our trip as it is nearing and I have to lock in flights.Also in paying for a 10 year membership they also want an annual payment of $199 to keep the membership. I think I have been scammed.I am not sure what to upload as there are multitudes of emails from me back and forth.I am in ********* so it also has been hard due to time differences.

  Business response

  09/03/2024

  Aloha,

  It is HIGHLY unfortunate to have received this complaint which we do not deserve. 

  Our dedicated certificates team, have fulfilled your redemption and your free week at a beautiful property in **** has already been booked.

  From the beginning of the redemption process, it is stated that this certificate provides you with free accommodations. Which has been fulfilled.

  It is also stated, before redemption is completed, that the reservation is strictly non-refundable and non-changeable once confirmed. You acknowledged this and the reservation was placed.

  AFTER redemption was completed, you realized flights were not included, and asked us to change the dates.

  We have since been doing everything we can to negotiate with the vendor, property supplier, and to coordinate trying to override the cancellation policy direct with the hotel. We are STILL trying to do so.

  You are upset with the fact this process is not immediate and fast. We understand the frustration, but we do not think we deserve this complaint as we are currently doing everything we can to help you resolve a mistake that you made.

  We will continue to work on getting the reservation adjusted.

  Membership cancellation/refund is denied.

  Customer response

  09/09/2024

   
  Complaint: 22210982
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  Please see details in attachments.

  Briefly it was the non disclosure of not being made aware that flights were not included for the free give and the statements by Aloha that the "bill is on us" that gave the illusion that flights were not included. It was not until after the booking in email of 16 August that Aloha wrote saying that there was a misunderstanding and we were responsible for the flights.

  Once this was determined I requested a slight change in reservation from 28th September to 21st September as we will be in **** for a wedding at that time.

  It as we will Aloha told us to contact hotel Kuta Santika and were also on the phone when we spoke to them which said they do not have a problem with the reschedule and do not charge for that.  

  To date this has still not been fixed with every excuse under the sun and is now jeopardizing this holiday as we leave for the wedding on 17th September and have no clarification that we can extend out stay whilst we are already there.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******** **********

  Business response

  10/18/2024

  Aloha,

  We appreciate your patience in our efforts to address this concern.

  It is true that it may not have been verbally stated that flights are not included, and we appreciate this feedback which we will share with our team for future customer support.

  But I would like to direct your attention to the attached materials.

  (1) DOS SLIDE --> this is a screenshot of the slide from the presentation that the customer attended. We display the gift as a "stay" specifically and never allude to or try to hint that flights would be included.

  (2) EMAIL --> this is a copy of the email that was sent to the customer when she was ready to start redemption and planning. Again, we state this is for a stay AND we also state it is for accommodations only.

  (3) EMAIL 2 --> this is a copy of one of the emails with property options that was given to the customer when she was making her decision about what property to select for redemption. We include a statement that we are happy to provide flight suggestions. Ie. suggestions for flights which she could book herself. Which alludes that flights are not included in the certificate redemption.

  With all due respect, we are confident there was ample materials to prove there was no misrepresentation here. We are happy to continue to assist this customer with her membership account but we will not be able to provide another certificate.

• Initial Complaint

  08/20/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I started a 10 year membership thinking I would have access to wholesale prices. This has proven to not be true. Prices are very close to Expedia and other 3rd party booking sites unless certain dates and conditions are met so the prices discount is inconsistent and what was sold is false. They also dont take money directly and utilize a 3rd party financial agent, who is hard to get a live agent. I have only been able to get a person once. I also reached out to remove association because not only do you pay a $2000 membership fee for 10 years, youre also required to pay a $199 membership fee annually. So essentially youre paying $4000 for 10 year because if you dont pay the $199 annually your account is frozen and dont have access to the 10 year membership that you technically already paid $2000 to have access to. The financial company they use is ****************** which is an agency that **** credit no longer works with as of 7/4/2024. Im sure there is a reason for this likely a lot of scam reported. I will not renew annually but what a waste of money. Beware! I called for members services to cancel due the scam like behavior especially **** credit no longer working them. Agent was unaware that **** Credit is no longer working with ******************, so it is clear the financial agency is not communicating with Aloha travel. Told customers arent allowed to cancel but would escalate my request and it takes 3-5 business days. I asked for supervisor and placed on hold waiting forever. Agent finally came back and stated no supervisor available, please wait 3-5 business days for the escalated request response. Very unfortunate and such a scam. Beware and say no to this company.

  Business response

  08/22/2024

  Aloha *******,

  Savings will range from 1% to sometimes as much as 85%. It depends on popularity of the location, season, and more but we are ALWAYS providing the broker rate with no **** **** We make no profit on your travel bookings as we are passing them on to you at the same price we are purchasing them from the direct providers at.

  Regarding the **** issue, please be assured that this is not a decision made by ****************** or AHT but rather an enforcement action by **** across all companies. To address this issue, we have been working closely with our merchant providers and individual consumers to find the best resolution for each affected account, ensuring there are no negative impacts, such as incurred late or decline fees, to the consumers. Monterey still accepts **** debit cards, any other (MC/AMEX/Discover) credit cards, or ACH information.

  We appreciate your feedback regarding Monterey live agent support and will forward that to them immediately. They will contact you via phone asap to discuss your feedback and assist you further with the loan.

  Regarding the annual fee, it is clearly explained during the webinar and further explained in the written purchase agreement. This is a great benefit and allows members to put their memberships on hold as we all know situations can arise sometimes where a person needs to stop traveling for a year or a few years. By taking advantage of this benefit, a member can avoid losing time on their service during periods of inactivity.

  We will be contacting you shortly to provide support and guidance. We hope to see this complaint closed as satisfied at your earliest convenience.

  Customer response

  08/28/2024

   
  Complaint: 22169859
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the business didnt reach out only ******************* I have been waiting on a call or email and never was received from Aloha travel
  
  Sincerely,
  
  K W

  Business response

  09/13/2024

  Aloha,

  Thank you for your patience awaiting that call from a manager as our leadership team has been quite busy this week.

  As a reminder, you have 24-hour access to live chat and phone call support for reservations and all other membership needs @ ************ or via your online portal. 

  This delay for a manager, in no way affects your ability to utilize your services or receive access to membership benefits and support.

  A manager will be calling tomorrow, Saturday, September 14th.

  Thank you.

• Initial Complaint

  08/19/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  10 Year Membership contract includes "redeeming an exciting gift of 8 days and 7 nights in a beautiful European resort. Yes, you read that right. The bill is on us, and your vacation is within reach" however once they made the recommendations hotels are NOT available or come with EXTRA FEES. Mon, March 3 - Thu, March 6, 2025 (4 Days 3 Nights)oGuest Room for 2 | 1 Queen bed | Breakfast Included: NO Upgrade fees Sat, April 19 - Mon, April 21, 2025 (3 Days 2 Nights)oGuest Room for 2 | 1 Queen bed | Breakfast Included - Upgrade fees: $131 Sat, April 19 - Wed, April 23, 2025 (5 Days 4 Nights)oGuest Room for 2 | 1 Queen bed | Breakfast Included - Upgrade fees: $561 Sat, April 19 - Sat, April 26, 2025 (8 Days 7 Nights)oGuest Room for 2 | 1 Queen bed | Breakfast Included - Upgrade fees: $1207 The second thing they have in the contract is tours in Hawaii which were "also not available at time of booking"

  Business response

  08/23/2024

  Aloha ******,

  We understand your main complaint is in regards to the free European resort week certificate.

  We have provided you with numerous standard property options which have no additional or upgrade fees as promised. You have countered those options with requests for particular properties outside of the standard pre-determined options. Therefore in order to provide you with those non-standard options, there would be upgrade fees associated with them.

  There is nothing unclear or inappropriate about that.

  Separately, in regards to the statement "The second thing they have in the contract is tours in Hawaii which were "also not available at time of booking" ", respectfully, this statement doesn't make sense and we cannot comprehend what your concern is.

  A manager will be contacting you directly to provide general assistance with your membership and benefits within 24 hours. We appreciate your consideration in closing this complaint asap once these misunderstandings are resolved.

  Customer response

  09/04/2024

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  08/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I did a presentation with Aloha Hawaii Tours **** And I was offered a deal to get vacations for any city or country for a great amount. After them offering me the deal for less than a thousand dollars I signed they didn't give me a chance to look over the contract they said the offer they don't have anymore. So I signed and when I read the contract it was totally different then what was offered so I called the following day to cancel and they said the sale was final being that I'm in ********** but I don't see that on the contract.

  Business response

  08/19/2024

  Aloha ******,

  Your statements are, respectfully, serious lies.

  We have been providing you with clarification and support since your date of sale.

  You HAVE mentioned "After them offering me the deal [...] they said the offer they don't have anymore" directly but when we asked you to elaborate on what you mean by that, you have been unwilling to explain or share any actual details of what you are referring to.

  ******, we record ALL meetings for transparency purposes and we would gladly pull up any recordings to verify that exactly what was offered, is what has been delivered.

  A manager will reach out to you directly. 

• Initial Complaint

  08/08/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  After booking a day tour through Aloha Hawaii Tours online, I was immediately contacted by phone. The representative said I HAD to attend a Zoom webinar on July 20th, 2024 before going on a day tour of ****. I also received and email stating: "Please join using your Laptop/ PC/ Tablet because Cellphones are not allowed. After finishing the webinar, you will receive a GIFT." During the Zoom meeting, they promised a "gift" but needed to sign the membership and pay to access their supposedly discounted vacations/airline/car rentals...booking site. They rushed a lot of information for signing up immediately after the Zoom call, I wasnt informed that cancellation wasnt an option. I tried to cancel within a couple of hours after signing up. The "gift" site did not work. I found that their prices were higher than sites they compared themselves to like Priceline and Booking.com. After doing more research, I saw that a lot of reviewers have been getting the run-around and not being allowed to cancel and are being taken for a lot of money. Numerous other complaints on various sites such as BBB and Yelp... suggest that this company is scamming people. Several mention class action suits. When I attempted to cancel several times by phone and email, I kept getting the run-around that "upper management" would call me within ***** hours (this happened several times over a 2-week period); they never called. Eventually, I got an email and was told it wasn't possible for me to cancel. I cannot afford this expense. I live in ********** and emailed them the following several times: "California Assembly Bill 390 (AB 390) requires businesses to allow California residents to cancel online subscriptions immediately, at will, after signing up online, and without engaging any further steps that obstruct or delay the consumer's ability to terminate the automatic renewal or continuous service. The law went into effect on July 1, 2022." They are NOT complying.

  Business response

  08/22/2024

  Aloha, thank you for your patience awaiting a response.

  We would like to state for the record that your initial reason for requesting cancellation was stated as buyer's remorse ONLY. Only upon being denied, did these false claims of the service not working become stated.

  (1) You were offered a US hotel certificate and a $500 Travel Savings voucher as gifts for attending the webinar, whether you purchased a membership or not. Those gifts are working fine, as are the redemption websites for them. A manager will be sending you detailed instructions to help you utilize them.

  (2) In the webinar presentation, you were offered a free week in ****** if you decided to purchase a membership. You did decide to purchase a membership and therefore that gift was also delivered. As per the instructions on the certificate, you must simply contact us when ready to start planning for that. We await your contact.

  (3) The standard zoom presentation is 45 minutes plus an after-session whereby you go one on one with a travel advisor to answer any questions before making a decision. You also completed the contract signing at your discretion. We HAVE already reviewed AND shared a copy of the contract signing recording with you for your records. The team was polite, kind and answered all questions you had. They were NOT avoidant or attempting to force past any step.

  (4) You have only logged into your account ONE time on the date of sale. You have never done a tutorial or requested any price reviews. We are confident that our rates are better than priceline and booking.com and should that ever not be true, on the rare occasion, then you are able to submit a price match guarantee for reimbursement.

  (5) You have spoken with upper management on July 22nd, and we attempted to reach you again on August 5th but you didn't pick up the call. Following that, we have emailed you and provided support via email multiple times. 

  (6) Please be advised the purchase is a software licensing agreement. You did not purchase a subscription service. You are not paying monthly for access to the services. (if you financed the initial purchase, you may be making monthly payments, but those are loan repayments to Monterey, NOT subscription payments).

  We will contact you again to assist but there has been no issue with the delivery of services and benefits and we believe your statements to be false, based only on other complaints, not on your own experience. Cancellation is denied.

• Initial Complaint

  07/30/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was mislead with false information as this company was selling cheap vacation and and they were going to give me some FREE trips and all I had to do was pay $1999. The free trips arent free you have to pay for them so lied to me to get me to join I was missed lead with there lies. This company is a scammers and are lying to customers and taking there money and not giving them the FREE trips as promised.

  Business response

  08/13/2024

  Aloha, You received 3x certificates from our company.

  (1) Cruise certificate just for attending the presentation. We never say this is free and we disclose in the ******** ad that you clicked on, that this is a certificate for a special rate, with a $100 deposit plus port taxes and fees. If you're not happy with that, we would be happy to exchange this for a US hotel certificate.

  (2) Free week in ******. This certificate is free, as promised. Though we haven't heard from you in regards to redemption, rest assured as promised, it is a free redemption.

  (3) $1,000 Hawaii Activities certificate. You are responsible for states taxes/fees on the activities you elect to book. But also be reminded this is visually disclosed in the presentation. And if you're not happy with that, we would be happy to exchange this for another Europe certificate.

  A manager will be contacting you directly to assist. We will not be offering membership cancellation at this time. We look forward to seeing this complaint closed as satisfied in response to this explanation. Thanks!

• Initial Complaint

  07/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  This business claims to offer "wholesale costs" for hotels if you agree to join this membership. They gave me several different options with different tiers and different prices. I said no to the first 2 offers, then they asked if I had any military association and I said I was not, but my son was a Marine. The *** then said, well I can get you great deal for being a military support. So she offered me a $1,000 deal with a $99 deposit. I was unaware that I was actually signing a contract and not a membership and was not told that all sales are final. They sent me these forms to sign that you cannot really read on your cell phone. After signing up for this "membership" I went to their website to look at prices for hotels and started comparing them to other websites like expedia, priceline, etc.... I immediately noticed that the prices were actually the SAME or LESS than what this company offers. I sent an email within 2 hours of me signing up and they responded saying, "Sorry, all sales are final". Then I was told of their 110% price matching if I sent them proof of the hotel I wanted to book. Um, sorry, but that is not what I signed up for. Any hotel/website will match another companies prices nowadays, I don't have to pay $1,000 to do that. I've also contacted them multiple times about this $500 voucher just for watching a video, and for some reason it isn't working. I believe they are lying to customers about what they actually offer as far as discounts go and only offer the 110% refund on hotels while in reality you're paying a lot of money for nothing. I did record our video chat and have emails with proof of the same prices that the company charges. It seems very intentional of their fraudulent activity. I have contacted the ************************** with my proof. I just want my membership canceled without it going on my credit.

  Business response

  08/13/2024

  Aloha,

  We also record all interactions for proof and transparency when claims are made, and we are always happy to review those recording for potential misunderstandings. If anything said or shown by any of our **** is invalid, we are happy to waive the final sale policy.

  That being said:

  (1) In response to you being "unaware that you were signing a contract", we have a very clear, and formal process including a pre-recorded legal disclosure during the purchase process which makes clear that you are applying for credit and signing a multi-page agreement. Our contract agents present the document with all terms including the final sale policy to you for review and although they are not obligated to verbally disclose it, it is available for viewing before the signing is complete and should you ask for clarification on it, they are happy to disclose it.

  (2) In response to you stating you couldn't read the agreement on your mobile device, we reviewed the contract signing recording and at no time did you state you could not read or understand what had been presented to you for review and signing. If this was shared with the contract agent, they would have been happy to go over everything with you verbally.

  (3) There are millions of properties, car rentals and more available on our site, and savings will range from high to low. Everything shown in the presentation can also be recreated, since our advisors use the LIVE website to display the service and run comparisons.

  (4) In response to "Price Matching is not what I signed up for", please be advised we are not price matching. We are offering a reimbursement for the price difference PLUS an additional 10% reimbursement. This is what we explain and describe in the webinar and is exactly in line with what is being delivered.

  (5) In regards to the $500 Travel Savings certificate, looks like a manager is already assisting and will continue to assist you there.

  In summary, we have found no issue with the delivery of the membership and cannot waive the final sale policy but a manager is assisting via email and will continue to assist and straighten out these misunderstandings. Thank you!

  Customer response

  08/19/2024

   
  Complaint: ********
  
  

  To Whom it May Concern, 

   

          In regards to complaint #********. Attached are the emails from the past month with Aloha Hawaii Tours. I've tried uploading these on the BBB complaint website, however there were just too much to download and send. 

         As of today, 08/19/2024, I still have not been able to get the $500 voucher activated despite Aloha Hawaii Tours claims of having a manager assisting me. I've tried to use the voucher on a hotel and it was not successful. Attached are the emails. 

        I also attached a couple of hotels showing that their website has either the same prices or higher, NOT the wholesale or deep discounts that they claim. I can provide 20 more if necessary. 

        Since Aloha Hawaii Tours mentioned that they record these sessions, then it should not be a problem for them to send BBB the video of where I did in fact state that it was difficult to read because the writing was so small, and the gentleman replied "Just take your time to read". He did not do any sort of explaining as what Aloha Hawaii Tour claims. And since I also recorded the conversations via cell phone, I will also attach a video of that discussion as well since the BBB website cannot upload all of the conversation. 

       Aloha Hawaii Tours seems to have a F rating with the Better Business Bureau, all with similar claims. I have had nothing but problems with this company and simply do not wish 

  to spend $1000 on such service. 

   

  Thank you

  ***********************

   

  Business response

  08/22/2024

  Aloha,

  On August 13th, we reset the credentials for your $500 Travel Savings account, tested the credentials and then sent them to you in the main communication chat that our service team has going with you. We have not received a reply from you, but upon reviewing the account, we see that you logged in on August 18th successfully. We will consider this matter resolved.

  Thank you,

  Customer response

  08/28/2024

  I am attaching my emails with Aloha Hawaii Tours and Travel customer service, in addition to example of hotels that I tried to book but prices were cheaper on other websites despite Aloha's claim of wholesale or deeply discounted prices. I noticed that they refused to submit the video they have. Since I ALSO recorded this video, I will try and cut the video down to where it is just to the minute where I did in fact say I couldn't really read what was sent on my cell phone.

      Since Aloha Hawaii Tours and Travel do not want to cancel my membership and consider this case closed, I have already escalated this case to the Office of the Attorney General for Deceptive Trade Practices Act, the *** for violation of truth in advertising and the *************************** all of which protect consumers for deceptive or misleading claims. 

  Customer response

  08/28/2024

  Attached are pictures from Aloha Hawaii Tours and Travel with their discounts. They claim 20%, 30% and more, but these prices prove otherwise. This is deceptive practices and misleading, which is illegal under FTC guidelines.  I demand for cancelation of my membership. 

   

   

  Thank you  

  ****

  Business response

  09/03/2024

  Aloha,

  While a better rate on a public site is a rare occurrence, we understand the frustration this can cause. Which is exactly why we have the price match guarantee in place as explained and shown during the date of sale presentation. With this guarantee, we are always able to ensure that your out of pocket cost will always be lower thanks to your membership status.

  PRICE MATCH VALUE GUARANTEE
  ------
  FIND A LOWER PRICE ANYWHERE ONLINE AND WE WILL REIMBURSE YOU 110% OF THE DIFFERENCE.
  To benefit, you must have:
  Booked a reservation on YOUR membership ACCOUNT.
  Paid for the reservation in full and received a valid confirmation number. 
  Then find a lower public rate anywhere online within 24 hours of the original membership booking and submit a claim through your account under the "Value Guarantee" tab.

  Customer response

  09/06/2024

   
  Complaint: 22057896
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  As mentioned and proven before, this not a rare occasion that this company claims. I provided multiple times where other websites offer either the exact same price that this company offers or they have it for less. This company claims WHOLE SALE costs, on their websites and in the video. I already sent in the proof of their advertising and all this company can say is they offer their "guarantee". So that is false advertising. Every single hotel room should already be advertised at their wholesale costs, and NONE of them are advertised as such. I used to work at a hotel, so I know the difference. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  07/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  The bait: Bahamas Cruise Sale - Exclusive Promotion5 day + 4 night aboard: Norwegian, Princess Cruise, Royal Caribbean or Carnival Cruise Lines.How it Works Click the "Get Offer" button & check out our 45min webinar on Zoom to receive an online certificate for a 5 day /4 night Cruise aboard your choice of: Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises "The Love Boat", Royal Caribbean, or Carnival Cruise Lines.There are 3 itineraries w/ ports of departure including: ***** to ******* ******, ************** to ****** *******, or *********** to ******** ******. All cruises include unlimited access to the on-board buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Vegas style entertainment and use of all on-board facilities. You simply pay taxes and port fees. For additional upgrades, you can choose to add Extra Guests, Longer Cruises, or Better Cabins.This is NOT an MLM, Timeshare Presentation & No Purchase Necessary to receive this deal. Limited-time promotion! Have the time of your life while enjoying the luxuries of a cruise vacation. Book now for memories that will last a lifetime.Switch: When they send you the certificate: You have to activate the certificate, "After you pay an initial activation fee. Your only cost after activation is $258.96 per person = $517.92 per couple."AFTER paying the certificate activation fee you book with a travel agent, and when you do so, you are required to pay taxes and port fees. They do not tell you NOT ONE 1 time during the 45-minute seminar or in any of the literature floating around on the Internet. The fine print of the certificate that is provided to you is from another company; it states, "Do not rely upon representations other than what is printed on this certificate or the reservation request form." ...no matter what you have been verbally told ...Aloha Hawaii Travel and Tours to pay the fee to activate my certificate, which is $517.92 per couple, due to their false advertisement and wasting over 45 minutes of my time.

  Business response

  07/30/2024

  Aloha,

  We have NO record of your contact information in our system.

  Regardless, in order to connect with us, you would have clicked on our ******** advertisement and submitted your information to attend the presentation. Our ******** advertisement states we are offering a cruise voucher for a deposit plus taxes and fees. 

  We DO disclose there will be fees in advance. We NEVER use the word free when referring to this voucher. If you are not happy with the fee structure, we would be happy to exchange your gift for something else, simply reply to the cruise voucher email and request a different gift.

  For these reasons, we will not be able to cover the redemption fees at this time.

  Thank you.

  Customer response

  08/07/2024

   
  Complaint: 22040939
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  In the original attachment from ******** it states no purchase necessary if you receive this deal. 
  

  At the bottom of the attachment it states $100 + tax and port fees! 
  

  The voucher you give out is requesting something different as I mentioned in my original message! 

  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  08/13/2024

  Aloha ******,

  You are not obligated to purchase anything during the webinar presentation, in order to receive this voucher. The only things being offered for sale during the webinar presentation, are membership packages. You did not purchase a membership package, but you did complete the webinar, therefore you DID receive your cruise voucher.

  As you also stated, the ******** ad says $100 deposit plus taxes and fees.

  There is an activation fee. There is a $100 deposit, and then there are port taxes. This is all in line with the ******** ad. 

  We would be happy to exchange your cruise voucher for a hotel voucher but the voucher was not misrepresented and we will not be waiving or covering the fees on your behalf.

  We will email you with the hotel voucher offer. Thanks!

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