Complaint Review: Mini Vacations MVI Marketing

I attended a timeshare presentation and received a Certificate Number and Code for a 7-day Cruise. I sent two or three vacations choices when we would like to travel, along with a check for $572 to cover port charges, taxes, and processing fees. This was in April, 2005, and Mini Vacations replied back to me that my requested sail dates were not available and that I would have to call back in September 2005 to request new dates, or that I could request a refund (which I wish I would have done) or that they could hold my check so that they would already have my deposit when I requested another sail date in September.

When I called back in September, they said that I now had to upgrade. I ended up requesting a refund, and they said that it would take approximately four weeks before I would receive my check. I followed up after four weeks and they said that to call back in another two weeks -- after six weeks. On December 20th, they said that they would mail me another check and that it should take 5-6 weeks. By February, they were not answering their phones, and I am out $572!!!

I have read Linda's Rip-Off report stating that she had a similar experience, and would appreciate any other input from people who have been successful at retrieving their deposit.

Thank you, and Good Luck to all of you in retrieving your money.

Gayle
Pacifica, California
U.S.A.