Effective Date: October 29, 2024
At Companion Cruises, we are dedicated to ensuring your privacy and protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our platform to find suitable cruise companions or cabin partners. Whether you are connecting with others for shared travel experiences or exploring potential partnerships, this policy ensures your data is handled responsibly and securely.
- Who We Are
The company responsible for your personal data (the “data controller”) is:
Companion Cruises Ltd.
205 Locks Road, Southampton SO31 6LD
United Kingdom
This Privacy Policy applies to all services provided by Companion Cruises.
- Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to our website, platform, and any services we operate under the Companion Cruises brand. Whether you are browsing profiles, connecting with travel companions, or engaging with others through our platform, this policy covers how your personal data is collected, used, and protected.
In the event a specific service requires a different privacy policy, it will be made available separately, and that policy will govern the handling of your data for that service. - Data We Collect
We collect a range of personal data to ensure a safe and personalized experience for you on the platform. This includes information that you provide directly and data that is generated through your use of the service.
Data You Provide
• Account Information: When you register for an account, we collect your name, email address, date of birth, and password to manage your account.
• Profile Information: You can provide additional details when completing your profile, such as a bio, gender, hobbies, interests, travel preferences, and your ideal travel companion’s characteristics (e.g., non-smoker, early riser). You may also upload photos to your profile. This information helps other members get to know you and decide if they would be a good travel match.
• Travel Preferences: You can provide information about your preferred cruise destinations, cabin-sharing preferences, and travel dates to match with companions who share similar interests.
• Communication Data: We collect the content of messages and communications exchanged between you and other members to facilitate connections.
• Payment Information: If you subscribe to a membership or make purchases through the platform, we collect your payment details. These are securely handled by trusted third-party payment providers.
• ID and DBS Check Data: You may opt to provide identity verification or Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check information to enhance your profile’s trustworthiness. Verified members may receive a badge or indicator to reflect their verified status.
Data Collected Automatically
• Usage Data: We collect data about how you use our platform, including your interactions, login times, and the features you access.
• Device and Technical Data: We collect information from the devices you use to access the platform, such as IP address, device type, browser, and app settings.
• Location Data: To provide geographically relevant travel companion suggestions, we may collect location data, including your device’s GPS coordinates or IP address.
- How We Use Your Data
We use your data to provide you with a seamless and safe experience on Companion Cruises. This includes:
• Facilitating Connections: We use your profile and travel preferences to match you with potential cruise companions, and we facilitate communication between you and other members.
• Personalizing Your Experience: Your data helps us offer personalized recommendations and content based on your preferences.
• Ensuring Platform Security: We monitor user activity to detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or violations of our Terms of Service. Optional ID and DBS checks add an extra layer of security.
• Processing Payments: Payment data is used to process transactions securely through our trusted third-party providers.
• Communicating with You: We may send service-related communications, updates, or marketing content (where allowed by law) based on your preferences. - How We Share Your Data
We are committed to protecting your privacy and will only share your data in the following situations:
• With Other Members: Information you share on your profile (e.g., bio, interests, travel preferences) will be visible to other members to facilitate meaningful connections.
• With Service Providers: We share your data with third-party providers who assist with services such as payment processing, hosting, customer support, and analytics. These providers are required to safeguard your information and use it only for their contracted purposes.
• For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your data if required by law or in the event that it’s necessary to protect the rights and safety of our users or the public. - How We Protect Your Data
We take a variety of security measures to protect your data from unauthorised access, alteration, or disclosure. These measures include encryption, firewalls, and secure data storage. Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel who require it for their roles. While we work diligently to safeguard your information, no system can be fully secure, and we encourage you to take steps to protect your own data, such as using strong passwords. - Your Rights and Choices
You have several rights concerning the data we collect about you, and we offer you the tools to manage and control your personal information.
• Access and Update: You can access and update your profile information at any time by logging into your account.
• Control What Is Shared: You can manage your privacy settings to control what information is visible to other members. Adjust your sharing preferences in your account settings.
• Delete Your Account: If you wish to delete your account and associated data, you can request deletion by contacting our support team. We may retain certain data for legal or security reasons.
• Opt-Out of Communications: You can opt out of receiving marketing or other non-essential communications by updating your preferences or using the unsubscribe link in communications. - Location Data
We collect location data to suggest relevant travel companions based on your geographic location or travel plans. You can control whether to share location data by adjusting your device’s settings. However, turning off location services may limit some features, such as location-based companion suggestions. - How Long We Retain Your Data
We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to provide our services or as required by law.
• Account and Profile Deactivation: If you close your account, your profile will no longer be visible to other members. We retain your data for three months following account closure to investigate any potential misuse of the platform or resolve issues. After this safety retention period, your data will be permanently deleted unless required for legal reasons.
• Legal Obligations: We retain certain information, such as transaction records, for up to 10 years to meet our tax, accounting, and legal requirements.
• Customer Support and Safety Records: We retain customer support records for up to six years to ensure user safety and assist in resolving future claims or disputes.
Where legally permitted, we may retain anonymised data for research or platform improvement purposes. - Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for individuals aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under the age of 18. If we become aware that a minor under the age of 18 has provided us with personal data, we will take steps to delete the account and associated information. - Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. If we make significant changes, we will notify you before the changes take effect. Continued use of the platform after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy. - Contact Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, you can contact us at:
Companion Cruises Ltd.
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +44 7702 813514
• Address: 205 Locks Road, Southampton SO31 6LD
This Privacy Policy ensures that your personal information is protected and managed responsibly while using Companion Cruises. We are committed to safeguarding your data and providing you with a safe, secure, and personalized experience.