Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. 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.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/31/2025

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Was not told their a 30 day registration before award was to expired and was looking forward to travel on your beautiful Royal Caribbean cruise so I hope you will honor our reward

  

  Business Response

  Date: 04/01/2025

  Dear Mr. ***************** I mentioned in our phone conversation last night, the certificate must be sent within 30 days of attendance.  You attended on January 23, 2025.  The 30-day redemption requirement is item number 1 under the general terms and conditions.  Unfortunately, the cruise certificate is no longer valid.  

   

  *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/30/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Very upset after the fact of wasting our time and being lied to about gifts we would receive at a 2 hour pres. The lack of professionalism, the "too good to be true" membership they kept pitching, and how they basically exuded the need to sell you immediately was abhorrent! The worst part is that they say how much they spend on the promo items in order to get you there. We went ahead and did it since we "thought" we were getting the items they promised us. Just like many others did too (refer to BBB and ****** reviews). You know it's not good when they start out trying to justify & manipulate their bad reviews online.Honestly, I wasn't going to file a complaint against them for wasting our time and using bait&switch for their marketing. However, when I did a review and the owner MH responded in such an unprofessional manner I decided I would go all in and make an official complaint with the BBB, *************************, and *****************************. Like so many other people that have complained about this company. We value our time! Blue Vida does not, and flat out lied to us about the gifts they would give. Of course, the owner says to many people that they do not control marketing (even though they hire this 3rd party company), yet when I called the marketing company back they said to take up any complaints with MH from Blue Vida. PASSING THE **** back and forth. Then they hung up on us for trying to get info about the "$100 Dining Credit" they said they would award you. It's a bunch of coupons only!The most outrageous part of all of this is when you own a business own receive f/back from potential customers that you want and respond like this: "The negative reviews you mentioned are from non-members such as yourself. None are from members. Most consumers are aware of the shortcomings of the promotional gifts." I know, unbelievably immature and unprofessional response from a business that should care about their ratings more on the BBB.

  

  Business Response

  Date: 03/19/2025

  Dear Mr. ****************** I am sorry that you do not see the value of the program.  As previously stated, please contact me if you have any issues redeeming the gifts.  As a gesture of good will, I sent a gift card for Longhorn Steakhouse.  

  MH

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/06/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 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

  Date:11/09/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The business did not provide what was offered just for attending their sales presentation.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/12/2024

  attached is an image of the original invitation

  

  Business Response

  Date: 11/26/2024

  Dear Mr. ****************** am sorry that you had a bad experience with sales.  The gifts for attending have some restrictions and require payment of government fees and taxes.  If you have any issues redeeming the gifts please contact me directly at the office, ************.  Next, the sales team are independent contractors and contracts are completed through docusign.  You should have been advised to come to the office to preview a copy and complete your transaction.  A quick call to the office would have easily resolved any issues or concerns.  

   

  ******* *.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/27/2024

  I am rejecting this response because:   They have not addressed the issue of awards promised for attending the presentation,

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/18/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  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

  Date: 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

  Date:09/10/2024

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  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

  Date: 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

  Date:06/17/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 07/05/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/03/2024

  Type:Delivery Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  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

  Date: 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

  Date:04/24/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 05/29/2024

  I have reviewed the business response and accept this resolution. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/21/2024

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  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

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 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 Answer

  Date: 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.