Complaint Review: Imperial Majesty Vacations Aka Capitol Travel Ramada Plaza Resorts - Fort Lauderdale Florida

There is a middle-ground here, but unfortunately, it doesn't go quite the way either of you think. Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines is not a real company. Their ship, "The Regal Empress," is literally a hole-filled cargo ship that is over 50 years old. It certainly DOES go to the Bahamas on 3 day, 2 night cruises. When IMCL Calls you, they are using the, "Catch," of a Free Cruise to get your attention. They specifically state in their documentation that because we offer the free cruise, we have to give it away. After being employed there for about 2 months, I never saw 1 free cruise get given away. The, "Side Instructions," from the supervisors are to, "Lose the Call," or to argue with the person so much that they hang-up on you, and never register with a major credit card for the port fees. You would not want to go on this ship, anyways. It is quite easy to mistake this cruise ship for a Peruvian Battlecruiser, minus the guns. The food is about the same, and you can only sleep in about one hour to 30 minute intervals, as they blare messages in strange languages across the loud speaker. The beds have holes in the sheets and linen, and the crew looks like they just stepped off the Black Pearl. I know, because I went on the ship before it went to Texas, or wherever they said it is going for, "Renevations." There is something known as the, "Transition," paragraph that, "Offers you," the vacation package. To be honest.... If you were from another country, and traveling to Florida for a vacation, the idea is absolutely wonderful.... The concept is that they put you up in their hotels 5 days before the cruise, and 3 days afterwards, and not only that, instead of going on their Giant Rat Flotilla, you get put on a 5 day, 4 night cruise on a Carnival Cruise Ship. (The Fascination, last time I was there.) Here are the problems with the Vacation Package: You are told that all meals are included, but you have to pay for beverages other than coffee or tea. On the Cruise Ship, this is not irregular. During the land-based stay, this means that you must eat at the hotel/resort for all of your meals, and only promptly when they are served. They make it seem as if the $898 includes everything, but you are still responsible for tips, and taxes. It was explained to me that there was nothing in writing, because that involved extra cost, sending written materials to potential customers who were 90% likely not to buy if they didn't on the first phone call. This was not my experience while employed there, as I spoke to many people who wanted to do research on the package before shelling out almost $1,000 to a stranger on the telephone after a 15 minute phone call. However... There is no Mechanism to call back and purchase the package. The reason I was employed with this company's associated promotions company, is because I am a Private Investigator. I was hired by a couple who felt as if they were, "Fleeced," after going on the vacation, even though IMCL did say that Mastercard would refund their money if the vacation was not exactly as it was described over the telephone. I went in, got a job on the spot, and reported to work the next morning. While I was employed there, I hid micro-cameras in several areas, that never got noticed, as well as audio recorded every employee meeting, and the interactions of the sales associates that were around me. A complete analyzation of this company led me to several disturbing conclusions, however, I must admit that they DID NOT DO ANYTHING ILLEGAL. While I was there, I recorded 7 incidents of Sexual Harrasment upon other employees by Male Supervisors (And I count the incidents by the Day, not by the single incident.) Most of the incidents occured after a, "High Sales Week," when supervisors would arrive to work, visibly intoxicated, or while drinking on the sales floor. Several comments were made about the customers and sales, such as, "Make sure you scam a few more KaNucks so we can get wasted this weekend!" even though no actual scamming was taking place. What WAS Taking place, is that a sub-standard vacation was being sold for a sub-standard price, so that they could get people with a potential income variable to buy timeshares in permanent resorts, who would never use them because of distance from Florida. If you think the Phone Sales are high pressure, you should sit through one of their time share meetings. I've been doing this for years, was employed to investigate them, and *I* almost bought a time-share... That's how High-Pressure and well-calibrated the meeting is. In the end, I could not prove that anything they record in the verification department is illegal, or not legitimate. What they are doing is taking a Rotten Apple, and convincing you that it is a Golden Apple. The difference between Rotten and Golden is Highly, Highly, subjective, so subjective that it is not something that can be proven in a court of law. As far as other employees at this company, handling your credit card information, I met several convicts that had recently been placed in parole custody, as well as individuals that were on their last string for employment. The *Average* length of employment, calculated out by the people that were there when I was, was approximately 9.37 days. I am guessing, but I have no further information, that Ramada Resorts may pay for the initial week or two of training, meaning they want as many new people coming in, making sales, and then leaving so that they dont have to pay them themselves for low-volume weeks. There is a distinct difference in how they treat new people, as opposed to someone that has been there more than a week or two. And do remember, that these people are handling your credit card information in an un-secure environment, where sexual intercourse in the bathrooms and intoxicated management are not an uncommon occurance. I never saw Drug use in their building, but I'm sure we all know what a sudden-hyper personality change, or deep-red eyes and a somber mood mean. If the Deal was as good as they pretend it to be, you would be able to call them back and take them up on their offer. The one, very specific Lie that they tell, is that this deal is only availible for a short time, and on this phone call. Only half that is true, because this deal has been offered for several years, to different people. If they are going to Half-Truth one thing, you have to question their legitamacy as a whole. IN MY OPINION..... You Should: #1. NEVER Give your credit card number over the phone to anyone, for any reason. - Not only IMCL, but also Home Shopping Network, Pizza Hut, or anyone that requires a credit card over the phone for ANY Reason. #2. NEVER Give out personal Identification Inofrmation over the phone to anyone you don't personally know, for any reason. This includes your last name, address, telephone number, number of people living in your household, income, employment status, or even which shows you like on television. There ARE survey companies out there that sell your television preferences to marketting centers, who in turn ascribe a certain product that you are most likely to purchase, and then bombard you with telemarketting calls until you give in. #3. NEVER pay more than $300.00 for something without a WRITTEN CONTRACT, and make sure you understand ALL THE TERMS, and they are completely spelled out in writing, in a font that is large enough to be read. Honest Merchants have nothing to hide, and will not try to tell you words like, "All Inclusive," or paint pictures for you to make the deal seem, "Better." If they have to use words to make it, "Better," then it wasn't good to begin with. #4. NEVER take the first offer. Ever. Really. If they can't deal with you if you don't take the first offer, then there is a good reason for it, and it's not the bullshit answer of, "Limited Time Only." The answer is most likely, "We don't want you to learn about the crap we're trying to shovel here." In the 8 weeks I was employed, I made 38 sales. I called each person back, individually, and urged them to cancel the vacation, and showed them the process of getting their money back. It *is* possible to get your money back, but it is a difficult process, and it may take up to 30 days. Of the 38 sales that I made, an astounding 25 people took my advice, and canceled their trips. As a, "Salesman," I still recieved the commissions from the trips, since it was after I had quit. So.... Let the Buyer Beware.... and make sure you spread the word to your friends and families, that if they want to go on vacation, Pre-plan it themselves with the Ease of the Internet, or visit a Reputable Travel Agent.

Okay this made me laugh !! You show me the warrant, I'll give you a free cruise. You people, just make up anything you can to be spiteful, you should actually be ashamed of yourselves.

"This is probably not a scam (in the sense that you get nothing in return for your money). However it is a DEEPLY DISTURBING way of doing business, and people who fall into the trap could lose a great deal of money for something they don't want. According to Ronald (Ontario) who added his experience to the end of Rachel's report, he took the offer, but found that it is 'not a good vacation', and he is still trying to get his money back." Your right, its not a scam. 'Here's how Imperial Majesty play their scheme.' Hahahahahahahaha Alright, seriously. Heres how it goes down: Someone in Canada attends an event in canada, fills out a ballet for a vacation and puts it in the box. about 3-5% of the people who entered their ballot gets a called based on demographic. We call you because you wanted the vacation, and we expect your credit card because you wanted the vacation. We call you to clarify details of the vacation and then have you pay for it, because it costs us money to call you, and because you WANTED the vacation, there should be no problem. 'Then you are told it will actually cost US $898 for the package! And that flights are not included! Nor meals! And so on.' Price is US $798 tax included for up to 4 people. flight isnt included because then you can take the vacation whenever you want in the next 18 months, and flights to Orlando are dirt cheap. All meals and accomadations are included. 'By the way, their rebuttal to Rachel's report (see above) was also in error: I just checked, and the 'correct' site address www.ImperialMajestyVaction.com does not exist either!!' The website is www.ImperialMajesty.com hard one to guess eh? The bottom line: you wouldnt have gotten a call in the first place if you didnt fill out the ballot and put it in the box. Read the terms and conditions next time. Its your fault.

I left my phone at a friends house last week and when I got it back I noticed I had over 32 missed calls from 2 1-800 numbers. I called it back and got the company voice mail. I left a message asking to be removed from the list and they called me twice afterwards on a saturday night. Fortunatly I googled the company and read the rip-off report. They called again this morning and I spoke with a very rude man. He told me I had won a free vacation at Universal Studios and that is why it was so urgent to contact me. I told him no thanks and he kept asking if I would be in Orlando. After saying I'm in Arizona he gave up and hung up. Thank goodness for your site or I could have fallen for their scam.

I left my phone at a friends house last week and when I got it back I noticed I had over 32 missed calls from 2 1-800 numbers. I called it back and got the company voice mail. I left a message asking to be removed from the list and they called me twice afterwards on a saturday night. Fortunatly I googled the company and read the rip-off report. They called again this morning and I spoke with a very rude man. He told me I had won a free vacation at Universal Studios and that is why it was so urgent to contact me. I told him no thanks and he kept asking if I would be in Orlando. After saying I'm in Arizona he gave up and hung up. Thank goodness for your site or I could have fallen for their scam.

I left my phone at a friends house last week and when I got it back I noticed I had over 32 missed calls from 2 1-800 numbers. I called it back and got the company voice mail. I left a message asking to be removed from the list and they called me twice afterwards on a saturday night. Fortunatly I googled the company and read the rip-off report. They called again this morning and I spoke with a very rude man. He told me I had won a free vacation at Universal Studios and that is why it was so urgent to contact me. I told him no thanks and he kept asking if I would be in Orlando. After saying I'm in Arizona he gave up and hung up. Thank goodness for your site or I could have fallen for their scam.

I left my phone at a friends house last week and when I got it back I noticed I had over 32 missed calls from 2 1-800 numbers. I called it back and got the company voice mail. I left a message asking to be removed from the list and they called me twice afterwards on a saturday night. Fortunatly I googled the company and read the rip-off report. They called again this morning and I spoke with a very rude man. He told me I had won a free vacation at Universal Studios and that is why it was so urgent to contact me. I told him no thanks and he kept asking if I would be in Orlando. After saying I'm in Arizona he gave up and hung up. Thank goodness for your site or I could have fallen for their scam.

Ask the company for a refund in writing, and give them a time limit to respond, no more than 2 weeks. Keep a copy of all correspondence. If you don't get your refund look at the conditions on your credit card. Most offer fraud protection. You can normally question a charge on your card and ask for it to be returned if you never got the goods or service. The credit card company will contact the company and verify the information with them. If they lie and said you did take it ask them to provide proof. They won't be able to and you must be refunded by the credit card company. We had to go through this around 3 times for a company where we got goods and they were sub-standard. The credit card company tried to tell us that you only have 30 or 60 days to dispute even though we didn't get the product for 3 months, but look at the government regulations in your country. If they cover you make sure the credit card company gives you your money back. It too many consumers do that, then the credit card company may start creditor proceedings to recoup losses from the company. And then maybe they can be put out of business. Unfortunately most scams just change names and move to a new building and start all over again. The company we did business with did.

Ask the company for a refund in writing, and give them a time limit to respond, no more than 2 weeks. Keep a copy of all correspondence. If you don't get your refund look at the conditions on your credit card. Most offer fraud protection. You can normally question a charge on your card and ask for it to be returned if you never got the goods or service. The credit card company will contact the company and verify the information with them. If they lie and said you did take it ask them to provide proof. They won't be able to and you must be refunded by the credit card company. We had to go through this around 3 times for a company where we got goods and they were sub-standard. The credit card company tried to tell us that you only have 30 or 60 days to dispute even though we didn't get the product for 3 months, but look at the government regulations in your country. If they cover you make sure the credit card company gives you your money back. It too many consumers do that, then the credit card company may start creditor proceedings to recoup losses from the company. And then maybe they can be put out of business. Unfortunately most scams just change names and move to a new building and start all over again. The company we did business with did.

Ask the company for a refund in writing, and give them a time limit to respond, no more than 2 weeks. Keep a copy of all correspondence. If you don't get your refund look at the conditions on your credit card. Most offer fraud protection. You can normally question a charge on your card and ask for it to be returned if you never got the goods or service. The credit card company will contact the company and verify the information with them. If they lie and said you did take it ask them to provide proof. They won't be able to and you must be refunded by the credit card company. We had to go through this around 3 times for a company where we got goods and they were sub-standard. The credit card company tried to tell us that you only have 30 or 60 days to dispute even though we didn't get the product for 3 months, but look at the government regulations in your country. If they cover you make sure the credit card company gives you your money back. It too many consumers do that, then the credit card company may start creditor proceedings to recoup losses from the company. And then maybe they can be put out of business. Unfortunately most scams just change names and move to a new building and start all over again. The company we did business with did.

I just got called, be careful. After asking several questions and listening intently to thier pitch... i asked if i could put them on hold while i talked to my wife...i muted my phone ... thinking they were on hold, the caller started talking to his coworker stating ...this guy is a whipped puss that has to talk to his wifey... he makin' my ear sweat...he's a big p***y that can't make a decision...etc Too bad call center people are not better trained or polite...it seems like a big scam..anyway they will never get my business. When i came back to the caller, he continued to lie saying he was talking about a different caller... go figure.

Just for the record..... CENDANT does not own Ramada, Imperial Majesty Vacations, Capitol Travel, or any other hotels/motels/resorts listed in this report.

I am an ex-employee who worked for Bradik Telecommunications Services. They no longer go by this name and I have not worked there in years. I worked on the day time program and the program that everyone is referring to with these reports is the night time... That being said you are probably saying while what does she know about the night time program....plenty. The two programs operated in the same way. (Almost) At night everyone they call filled out a form at a trade show...during the day you filled out an online registration form. I was a promotions director as well as after many months I was promoted to Verifications Officer. I hate saying this but after I've looked back and really thought about what I was doing at that company, I realized that the company was a huge scam. Don't blame the misinformed person that called you (the employees are lied to as well), blame the management and owner of the company. Their names are Tony- district manager, David-Office manager, Jeff-company owner. The floor managers changed constantly I don't know who they are but I do knowthat one of them still works there his name is Dustin Kelly. The office is located at 615 Yonge St. Toronto, ON and they now take up both the 6th and 3rd floor. It is above the Money Mart on the East side of Yonge. For all of you that have been ripped off- I hope with all my heart that you get your money back.

This outfit is also affiliated somehow with All Seasons travel as we were "stuffed" into the Ramada Plaza in Ft. Lauderdale recently on their famous top quality Florida vacation! Also note these people are working under the guise of the 'Florida Welcome Center'. Look out all! The timeshare business must be florishing in FL! Do a search on ALL SEASONS here and you will see many, many similarities!!!

FOR THE PAST COUPLE WEEKS I HAVE BEEN WORKING FOR IMPERIAL MAJESTY WHERE WE DO CALL PEOPLE IN NORAWAY SOUTH AFRICA AND IRELAND WE ARE ALSO LOCATED AT 615 YOUNGE STREET ON THE 6TH FLOOR AND THE COMPANY IS ACCTUALY CALLED ARTEL I THINK THE WHOLE THIS IS A HUGE FRAUD AND I AM ACTUALY LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB AND THE CASH BONUS WE GET ARE FAKE MONEY TO IF ANYONE WANTS INFORMATION I WILL TALK!!!!!

They moved to 615 Yonge Street. It's just north of Yonge and Wellesley (on the east side of Yonge).

I worked for the sales company that called Europe with these packages for about a month. And let me tell you, we honestly are convinced on a daily basis that this whole thing is legitimate and amazing. Some people who work there actually want to go on these vacations themselves! I feel horrible for having the job, now knowing what I do and I'd like to apologize to everyone for what they've been put through. Now unfortunately I'm concerned about the company myself. Now whoever the ex-employee is that wrote earlier, I need your help! Now I worked for the company in the North York area, so not the Bloor and Yonge location. They told me they'd have to hold my check for 6 weeks after I quit. When I returned to get my check, they were gone! No sign of them. Now I think I found their number here on the website (Rip Off Reports) but maybe you know where exactly they've moved. Or perhaps you can give me the number to the location where you were. I really hope to hear from you. Thanks

I believe that Ramada the franchisor really does not want to put a stop to the misbehavior of this affiliate. Cendant owns Ramada and RCI, along Fairfield Timeshares. This affilate Ramada Plaza Resorts is making money for Cendant in many ways - why would they want it to stop.

I believe that Ramada the franchisor really does not want to put a stop to the misbehavior of this affiliate. Cendant owns Ramada and RCI, along Fairfield Timeshares. This affilate Ramada Plaza Resorts is making money for Cendant in many ways - why would they want it to stop.

I believe that Ramada the franchisor really does not want to put a stop to the misbehavior of this affiliate. Cendant owns Ramada and RCI, along Fairfield Timeshares. This affilate Ramada Plaza Resorts is making money for Cendant in many ways - why would they want it to stop.

I'm not sure the info regarding the location of the company and it's owner/CEO that was posted here is correct. I believe Ramada Plaza Resorts Head Office is located in Ft.Lauderdale, FL and the names of the owner/CEO are Dan Lambert and Gina Johns. In my case it was Gina Johns who issued me a full refund after I faxed my complaint directly to them at (954)568-3847. Just in case, the phone # there is (954)630-9449 Hope this helps.

To the former employee, if you have info on this company, call the OPP, there is an investigation into this company and a warrant for the owners arrest. Your help would be appreciated. There is alot of people that have been ripped off, and we need all the help we can get to get this guy, Austin Shaw.

I have worked for the company involved and need to tell you all that the people that are calling you do not intend on taking your money for the purpose of ripping you. They believe as much as you do that the promotion is real. If it is not(which by the way while I worked there did not seem real)then the blame should be passed on to the people running the company. The employess are told and shown each day that the company is indeed real. The idea that the customer would be stupid not to take this package is then further enforced. I was hoping to be able to help some of you people in your fight to get back whatever you may have lost. Even if you recieved the call but didn't give into the demands please post a response because the more negative responses the more support the case will have. The more people that sign up the better chance somebody will help you. I have plenty of information that I am willing to provide and I believe that the company is still in the same place and are running the same promotion. PLEASE PROVIDE AS MUCH INFORMATION BELOW O WE KNOW THAT YOUR CASE IS REAL....I HAVE A STRONG FEELING THAT THE COMPANY LOOKS AT THIS SITE AND BY NOW WILL BE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO I AM. I HOPE I AM OF SOME HELP AND CAN MAKE THINGS EASIER. Also the other rebuttal must have been put up by somebody from the company because we never had anyone by that name and the company is located in Canada and not Ireland as it say under the person name. If you can also let newspapers and radio stations know about the fraud more people will know and not make the same mistake. Thanks......Ex Employee