Complaints

• Initial Complaint

  01/06/2025

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I attended a presentation. I was promised several gifts for attending and none were legit. They like to blame this on the marketing company.... It seems they have continued to use the same one for a while in spite of continued negative reviews, I'm guessing so they can blame them when people are unhappy. Anyway, Blue Vida is deceptive. I asked for my free cruise and they tried to charge me money to reserve my free cruise? When I pushed back they waived the fee but then couldn't break down all of their fees for me. Fine...I get your schtick. You try to get people to sign up right away and lock them in before they ****** you.I'll close this complaint in exchange for a $100 gift card to Longhorn Tavern...a gift that was promised but isn't offered.

  Business response

  01/29/2025

  Dear Mr. *************** am sorry that you are not happy with your promotional gifts.  A dining card has been mailed to you.  I apologize that you did not receive one at the time you attended the presentation.

   

  *******

  Customer response

  01/29/2025

  The business sent me a $100 gift card for Longhorn Tavern, fulfilling *one* of the promises from visiting the presentation. I'll take consider myself lucky and take it and close the complaint.

• Initial Complaint

  10/18/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I spoke to *** on 10/16/24 from 2:38pm-2:44pm and scheduled an appointment with the attached invitation and documented comment. My wife and I attended the appointment for 10/17/24 6:00pm We were asked to arrive a little early for checking in. We obliged the request by arriving a little early. We waited for the presentation to begin and the ***resentatives greeted us fine. However, after reflecting on the evening, the deceptions began as we entering the presentation room. We overheard a conversation a ***resentative was having with another couple attending. The cruise that we promised is for you to stay in a small room by the boiler room and you will have to upgrade to have a real room. Then the next comment from the ***resentative came with dejecting thoughts toward the dining card. It is really isn't what you think or what your were told. Well, I admit we were open-minded and with the weird feelings we continued through the presentation. After the presentation, I politely told the *** that we were not interested, and we would like the gifts. This is when it became a little pushy, but we obliged with a little more of the unwelcomed behavior. Finally, I needed to be a bit more objecting and said that we are ready to leave and would like our gifts. This is when the real disappointment started setting in. When I arrived home and began digging a bit more on this company and saw their ****** review at 1.8, it was making more sense. I simply set the gifts aside and thought that I would sleep on this issue. After a day of processing I am definitely unsatisfied and feel deceived. For one, the attached flier said that we could go to a couple of restaurants and none of the listed restaurants were part of the card given to us. Secondly, for the round trip airfare and 2 hotel nights they request $75 to make the reservation. Third, for the cruise they asked for $75 dollars to make the reservation. Please do the right thing and respect our time; one's time is to be respected.

  Business response

  11/12/2024

  Dear Mr. ************ am sorry that you are not satisfied with gifts for attendance.  The marketing company is third party and should have apprised you of the affiliated costs for redemption.  I am not able to assist you with any fees on the air and hotel promotion however, I would be happy to work directly with you on the cruise redemption.  I would ask you to contact the office at ************ to book the cruise promotion.

  Best Regards,

  MH

• Initial Complaint

  09/10/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On Aug 7th 2024 @ 6pm we attended a sales pitch to buy into ***. RSVP code #SHR0726 We thought about buying in, but declined. We were promised a free cruise. Promotion #BVT573LW I have done everything required, sent the deposit of 75 dollars by check which was cashed. We have not heard anything. We were also promised 2 round trip air fare or a 8day/7 night prize, which i have filled out and said I would receive something in mail within 21 days SMRN8116407 Redemption Confirmation we have received nothing. We were also promised 100 dollar gift card to a restaurant, they said they ran out at the sales pitch and it would be mailed to us, and we have received nothing.Seems like this was all empty promises. I'm so glad I did not buy in. If they don't honor these things, that tells you what kind of company this is.I want all the things i was promised.

  Business response

  09/25/2024

  Dear Mr. *************** have reviewed your complaint, and I am sorry that processing times took longer than you expected.  The $100 dining card was mailed to you on September 12, 2024, via **** when you notified the office it was not received at time of attendance.  Next, I have followed up with Select My Rewards Now and I was advised they are working with you on the 7-night Mexico stay.  Finally, BVT Promotions has sent several choices for the cruise promotion.  Our records reflect that you are booked for an October 5, 2025, sailing on RCCL Rhapsody of the Seas.  Please contact the office if you need additional assistance redeeming any of the promotional gifts at ************.

  Best Regards,

  *******

• Initial Complaint

  06/17/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  My wife and I attended a travel presentation on 5-11-24 and were promised a dining card certificate each and a complimentary 7-day cruise including airfare. When the email for the dining card came, we had to put money down to get it. SCAM #1. When the voucher finally arrived for the cruise, the list of ships not included was a mile long. Almost no ship could be booked. Also they wanted us to pay $99 up front plus a $99 activation fee. SCAM #2. When I tried to call, ****** would not listen to me and stated "everyone on BBB knows this is how it is..." and they "expect to pay money". SCAM #3. The entirety of this company is about scamming people. We just thought we would try this presentation and usually don't do stuff like this. We will NEVER recommend or book anything with Blue Vida Travel.

  Business response

  07/05/2024

  Dear ******************,

  The promotional gifts are given by the marketing company.  It is unfortunate that you are not happy with the terms and conditions of the promotional cruise.  A $100 dining voucher has been mailed to you as well as an upgraded cruise promotion.  You are responsible for port fees and taxes and there are black out dates for the promotional cruise.  I hope you will be happy with upgraded gifts.

   

  Best Regards,

  *******

  Customer response

  07/05/2024

  I am rejecting this response because: When attempting to speak with the **** they did not listen to me and kept using the phrase, "everyone knows that is the nature of travel promotions" with no attempt to listen to my concerns. The *** would not allow me to speak to anyone above her or in management. 

  Business response

  07/05/2024

  Dear ******************,

  The customer service representative has been addressed.  As a gesture of good will, I have sent upgraded gifts to you.

  Best Regards,

  *******

  Customer response

  07/05/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My wife and I attended a presentation in August of 2023 and were promised 2 airline tickets to any destination in the continental ************* free hotel stay and a dinning card for attending the presentation. We also became members and were given a free cruise and free airfare for becoming members during the presentation. We sent the form in via the US mail, but never received a response back concerning the free gifts. I have reached out several times, but have yet to receive an response.

  Business response

  05/03/2024

  Dear **************,

  You are not a member of Blue Vida Travel and you did not attend a Blue Vida Travel presentation.  You will need to send a letter to Clear Travel Services, *************************, Ca.   92880.  I am sorry that you had difficulty with Clear Travel Services promotional gifts however, you need to address Clear Travel Services.  

   

  Best Regards,

  MKH

• Initial Complaint

  04/24/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  This company is a scam. If you go and sit through their pitch you are supposed to get a $200 food gift card and a free trip with airfare and two nights in a hotel. We tried redeeming the gift card first and had to pay $12.95 to do so. After getting logged in there were 4 total restaurants in my area that I could choose from and I would visit none of them. It is also supposed to give you a dining discount for national chains like Burger ***** ***** *******************************, *********, *******************, etc. FYI--- the discount you are getting for paying your monthly $25 allowance is for coupons you can find anywhere online. After going round and round with their customer service I was finally able to access the list of discounts, but when I tried to redeem one of the discounts it kept telling me I had to register. I sent screen shots of what was happening and kept getting the same response again and again. I followed the directions, it would not work. After going through all of this I didn't trust that the "free" trip that costs you $50 to even access anything to show you where those trips might be. They make you pay to see where you could go? Horrible company that does not back what it promises. We were considering their membership but our sales person was telling us outright lies about cruises. The whole presentation felt like an elaborate scam.

  Business response

  04/25/2024

  Dear *********,

  I am sorry that you were not able to utilize the dining gift provided by the marketing company.  I will send a refund $12.95 as a gesture of goodwill in addition to sending a different dining voucher.  I take offense by you calling the company a scam because of a promotional gift.  Blue Vida Travel is a reputable company, and you could have contacted us directly for any discrepancy with a promotional gift.  You need to be clear that you spoke to customer service for the promotional gift and not Blue Vida Travel.  Please feel free to email me directly or call the office at ************ if you have any issues redeeming the complimentary trip. 

  *******

  Customer response

  05/09/2024

  The business contacted me directly on April 25th. I gave it some time before I reached back out to them after they mentioned offering a refund. After not seeing anything or hearing any more from them over the next week I reached back out on May 1. It's now May 9th and I still haven't heard anything. I'm not going broke over the *****, but I think people should be fully aware of what they are getting when they encounter this Free offer.
  
  
  
  Thank you for your response, *******.
  
  I felt like I was being lied to by your salesman. Ive been on lots of cruises and have purchased lots of excursions. He argued that you cannot find a cheaper price on excursions at the ports, and that is not true. He also seemed put off by the fact that I had questions before buying.
  
  I was also told by your team that I could book a cruise with the travel voucher, but there was no mention of that in any of the information on the voucher I received.
  
  I apologize that you are offended; that is honestly how I felt.
  
  That could reflect on your specific salesperson and not the company itself. However, I dont have any other experiences with your company besides him and now you.
  
  I also havent received anything additional from you. Was that to be sent in email or via USPS?
  
  
  From: ******* bluevidatravel.com  
  Sent: Thursday, April 25, 2024 12:51 PM
  To: Self, *********
  Subject: [EXTERNAL] - Blue Vida Travel
  
  Dear *********,
  
  I received your BBB complaint regarding the promotional gifts for attending the presentation.  I am sorry that you were not able to utilize the dining voucher.  I am sending a refund of $***** with a different dining card.  If you have any issues redeeming the promotional gift, please contact me directly.  I do take offense at your accusations of Blue Vida Travel being a scam.  Blue Vida Travel is a reputable company, and we book thousands of vacations annually.  Next, you could have contacted us directly for any difficulties in redeeming the promotional gifts offered by the marketing company.  Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
  
  Best Regards,
  
  *******************************, CTC
  

  Business response

  05/23/2024

  I sent Ms. **** a check for $12.95 and she said it was not correct.  I went ahead and sent an ************* Card for $25.  I am sorry that she had a bad experience in the sales presentation but I am glad her issues were brought to my attention and could be resolved.

  Customer response

  05/29/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  02/21/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On Feb 20, 2024, my husband and I attended a Blue Vida Travel Seminar at the Hampton Inn in **********, **. Simply by attending we were to receive two round trip airline tickets in the continental **, two nights stay at a Marriott or ************ and a $100.00 certificate for dinner at various restaurants of our choosing. We were told that the only fee we would have to pay would be the tax on the two airline tickets.When I attempted to redeem the certificates, I was expected to enter my credit card number to pay fees for the dinner certificate ($12.00) and a $50.00 fee for the airline tickets and hotel. Additionally, I was not going to receive a $100.00 certificate but monthly I would receive $25.00 certificates. I did not enter my credit card number. **** at ********************** , assured us that we would never pay a fee for Blue Vida offers. Such a scam.

  Business response

  02/22/2024

  *******,

  The promotional gifts are third party.  The instructions and fees are clearly stated on the certificate.  As a gesture of good will, I am sending a different dining certificate to you.  I appreciate your attendance at the presentation.

  *******

  Customer response

  02/27/2024

  *******'s response in this report states: "*** promotional gifts are third party.  *** instructions and fees are clearly stated on the certificate."  I don't know what certificate she is referring to. We were told we would receive an email with directions on how to redeem the gifts. And I did receive the email and that's when I found out I would have to pay with a credit card before receiving the $100.00 restaurant reward. 

  ******* also emailed me directly and said, "I received a complaint from the BBB regarding the promotional gifts given at the presentation.  *** marketing company should have apprised you of the redemption procedures as well as ****.  *** promotional gifts are third party to Blue Vida Travel.  I appreciate your attendance at the presentation, and I have mailed a different travel voucher to you.  Please let me know if you would like to offer any additional feedback."

  ******* did send a certificate for the $100.00 restaurant reward and another certificate for various travel or gifts. When I logged into the restaurant account, I did not have to enter my credit card number to receive the voucher. It is an interesting concept. Numerous restaurants are listed and then you click on them, and they tell you get anywhere between 5 and 25% off your bill. Not to exceed $25.00. You must click on the offer and then I suppose the restaurant is alerted and your check then comes with the discount. Not sure I trust that software, but it may work. 

  I have not looked into the other certificate. 

  I appreciate ********'s quick response to my complaint. However, blaming the problem on a third party who I never encountered does not impress me. Blue Vida does not seem trustworthy.  I consider this case closed. 

   

  Customer response

  02/29/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

  *******'s response in this report states: "*** promotional gifts are third party.  *** instructions and fees are clearly stated on the certificate."  I don't know what certificate she is referring to. We were told we would receive an email with directions on how to redeem the gifts. And I did receive the email and that's when I found out I would have to pay with a credit card before receiving the $100.00 restaurant reward. 

  ******* also emailed me directly and said, "I received a complaint from the BBB regarding the promotional gifts given at the presentation.  *** marketing company should have apprised you of the redemption procedures as well as ****.  *** promotional gifts are third party to Blue Vida Travel.  I appreciate your attendance at the presentation, and I have mailed a different travel voucher to you.  Please let me know if you would like to offer any additional feedback."

  ******* did send a certificate for the $100.00 restaurant reward and another certificate for various travel or gifts. When I logged into the restaurant account, I did not have to enter my credit card number to receive the voucher. It is an interesting concept. Numerous restaurants are listed and then you click on them, and they tell you get anywhere between 5 and 25% off your bill. Not to exceed $25.00. You must click on the offer and then I suppose the restaurant is alerted and your check then comes with the discount. Not sure I trust that software, but it may work. 

  I have not looked into the other certificate. 

  I appreciate ********'s quick response to my complaint. However, blaming the problem on a third party who I never encountered does not impress me. Blue Vida does not seem trustworthy.  I consider this case closed. 

• Initial Complaint

  12/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We were in a presentation for Clear Travel (Blue Vida) on Aug 15th. We liked that they were willing to buy ** out of our timeshare. We ended up going back on the 16th and bought into Clear Travel (Blue Vida) and in return they gave us a deal to buy out our timeshare from us. Were were told that they would discount the membership for Clear Travel (Blue Vida) and then add $500 per time share to the cost to cover the transfer fees of the time share. It is now Dec 6th and we are still dealing with everything. We are now being told by a third party that we need to cover the cost of the transfer fee if we want to keep moving forward. No one from Clear Travel is calling us back. Not even the person who sold us on all of this. I have emailed several times and get nothing. We have no idea what to do at this point.

  Business response

  12/07/2023

  **************,

  Blue Vida Travel is a third-party provider for Clear Travel Services.  Please email ********************************************* or ********************************************* to address your concerns.  I have already sent emails to them on your behalf.  Unfortunately, I am not able to offer much assistance for your timeshare issue with Clear Travel.

   

  MKH

  Customer response

  12/11/2023

  I am rejecting this response because:   I still have not heard anything from Clear Travel about this issue.   In the presentation they said that there company was Clear Travel and Blue Vida Travel.   I will wait until someone has actually called or emailed me to try and take care of the issue. 

• Initial Complaint

  11/18/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My husband and I received an invitation in the ********** and sit through a seminar and promised 2 flights, 2 nights in hotel and gift certificates for restaurants. We went and decided to purchase a package. After several attempts and speaking with various employees we have not received anything.

  Business response

  11/21/2023

  Dear Mr. and *****************,

  Your voucher has been sent.  You should receive it any day.  A simple call to the office could have resolved this issue.  Please feel free to contact us anytime for additional assistance.

  Best,

  *******

  Customer response

  11/24/2023

  We made SEVERAL phone calls to the office and no phone call in return. We were told you would look into and get back to us.

  We STILL have not received anything!!

  Business response

  11/24/2023

  A voucher has been mailed.  You will receive it in the next 7 to 10 business days.  Please let us know when you receive it.

  Customer response

  11/24/2023

  We have made multiple calls to the office and spoken to people and told they will forward the message and will look into the issue. No response from anyone. Still no items received.

  Customer response

  11/28/2023

  I am rejecting this response because:   We have made multiple calls to the office and spoken to people and told they will forward the message and will look into the issue. No response from anyone. Still no items received.

  Business response

  12/05/2023

  A certificate has been emailed to Mr. and ******************  Also, a $200 Amazon gift card has been sent in lieu of the dining voucher.

• Initial Complaint

  11/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Delivery Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On 10/20/23 my wife and I attended a high pressure sales pitch seminar by Blue Vida for a 2023 Travel and Excursion Showcase in exchange for two complimentary round trip airline vouchers. These vouchers were supposed to be valid for one couple (us) to obtain free airline travel within the continental *************, two paid hotel nights and a $100.00 dining voucher. Our claim number was DWM11 and we sent the appropriate application to *********************** via US Mail within a day. We have waited more than the 21 days for our free gifts but have not received anything. We endured very intense pressure to purchase Blue Vida wholesale travel services in expectation of this free travel voucher but have not received anything. Could you please rectify this situation.

  Business response

  11/15/2023

  The response time from *********************** is 30 to 60 days after receipt.  You have ****************************************************** the form.  We have contacted *********************** on your behalf, and you can expect a response within the next 30 days.  If you have any problems, please contact us for assistance.  We want you to utilize the gift for attending the presentation and we are happy to assist you.

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩