MarineCruiseGuide ("we", "us", or "the site") is an independent editorial publication. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit the site, how we use it, and your choices.
Information we collect
We do not require an account to read MarineCruiseGuide and we do not run user comments, forms, or login features. We collect the following limited information automatically:
- Server logs. Our hosting provider records standard request data including IP address, user agent, referring page, and the URL requested. These logs are used to operate the service, diagnose errors, and detect abuse.
- Privacy-friendly analytics. We may use Plausible Analytics, a cookie-free analytics service that does not collect personal data or build cross-site profiles. Aggregated metrics include page views, referrer, country, browser, and device type.
- Advertising measurement. If you arrive via a Google Ads campaign, Google may set cookies to attribute clicks and measure conversions. This is a standard part of operating paid traffic. See "Cookies and tracking" below for details and opt-out information.
How we use information
We use the information described above only to:
- operate, secure, and improve the site;
- understand which articles and topics readers find useful;
- measure the effectiveness of advertising we pay for, and comply with the terms of advertising platforms we use;
- respond to questions sent to our editorial inbox.
We do not sell personal information, and we do not share reader data with third parties for their own marketing.
Cookies and tracking
MarineCruiseGuide uses a small number of cookies and similar technologies:
- Strictly necessary. Local browser storage is used only to remember that you have seen the cookie notice on this site.
- Analytics. If Plausible is enabled it does not set cookies and does not collect personal data.
- Advertising. When Google Ads conversion measurement is active, Google sets cookies on the
googleadservices.comandgoogle.comdomains to attribute ad clicks. You can manage or opt out of personalized advertising at adssettings.google.com and at aboutads.info/choices. Most browsers also let you block or delete cookies from their settings.
Third-party services
MarineCruiseGuide relies on a small set of named third-party services to operate. Each is identified here so you know which companies receive request data when you visit the site:
- Railway (hosting). Our application and database are hosted on Railway. Railway processes the standard request data described under "Server logs" above in order to deliver the site to your browser. See the Railway privacy notice.
- Google Fonts (CDN). The site loads the Inter and Source Serif 4 typefaces from
fonts.googleapis.comandfonts.gstatic.com. Google receives your IP address and request headers in order to deliver the font files. Google states that no cookies are set by the Google Fonts API. See the Google Fonts privacy FAQ. - Google Ads (advertising measurement). When Google Ads conversion measurement is active, the
gtag.jslibrary is loaded fromgoogletagmanager.comand may set cookies ongoogleadservices.comandgoogle.comto attribute ad clicks. Google receives your IP address, user agent, the current URL, and ad-click identifiers. See the Google advertising privacy notice. - Plausible Analytics (optional). If enabled, Plausible processes aggregated visit metrics without cookies and without collecting personal data. See the Plausible data policy.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA / CPRA)
If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA"), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA"), gives you the rights described below. In the past 12 months we have collected the categories of personal information described in "Information we collect" above (primarily identifiers such as IP address and internet/network activity such as request logs).
We do not sell or share personal information. MarineCruiseGuide does not sell personal information for monetary or other valuable consideration, and does not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising as those terms are defined under the CCPA. We do not have actual knowledge of selling or sharing the personal information of consumers under 16 years of age.
As a California resident, you have the right to:
- Know. Request what categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, the sources, the business purposes, and the categories of third parties with whom we share it.
- Delete. Request that we delete personal information we have collected from you, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
- Correct. Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
- Limit use of sensitive personal information. We do not collect sensitive personal information as defined by the CPRA.
- Non-discrimination. We will not deny you service, charge you a different price, or provide you a different level of quality for exercising any of these rights.
To exercise any of these rights, email contact@marinecruiseguide.com from the address you wish to associate with the request, or describe enough information for us to locate the relevant request logs. We will respond within the timeframe required by California law.
Children
MarineCruiseGuide is intended for a general adult audience and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Third-party links
Articles may link to cruise lines, booking sites, government resources, and other third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites.
Your choices
You can browse MarineCruiseGuide without sharing personal data with us. To limit the data your browser sends, you may clear cookies, use private browsing, or use the opt-out links above. If you would like us to remove a request log entry that contains personal data, contact us at the address below.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the site evolves. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.
Contact
Questions about this policy can be sent to contact@marinecruiseguide.com.
This policy is provided for informational purposes only. It is a starting template that has not been reviewed by an attorney and is not legal advice. If you are operating a similar publication, consult qualified legal counsel before relying on this document.