Shipboard Stories

Privacy Policy

How we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit shipboardstories.com.

Introduction and Scope

Shipboard Stories is an Australian editorial travel publication chronicling the modern cruise-liner experience. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website. The policy applies to all visitors and users of shipboardstories.com. We are committed to complying with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). By using our website, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

Effective date: 7 September 2026

This privacy policy is effective as of 7 September 2026 and may be updated periodically. We will post any changes on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information You Provide

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you interact with our website, such as when you contact us or subscribe to newsletters.

  • Name and email address when you use our contact form.
  • Any other information you choose to include in your message.
  • We do not require account creation or collect payment information.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns.

  • IP address, browser type, operating system, and referring URLs.
  • Pages viewed, time spent on pages, and links clicked.
  • This information is collected via cookies and similar technologies.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. Essential cookies support basic site functionality, while analytics cookies help us understand how visitors use our site. You can control cookies through your browser settings. For more detail, please see our Cookie Policy.

How We Use Your Information

We use the personal information we collect to provide, maintain, and improve our website and services.

  • To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support.
  • To send you newsletters or updates if you have opted in.
  • To analyze website usage and improve content and user experience.
  • To comply with legal obligations.

Disclosure of Your Information

Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your personal information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website and conducting our business.

  • Analytics providers, such as Google Analytics, to understand site usage.
  • Email service providers for newsletter delivery.
  • These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose your personal information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

  • To comply with a legal obligation.
  • To protect and defend our rights or property.
  • To prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the website.

Data Retention and Security

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

  • Contact form submissions are kept for up to 12 months.
  • Analytics data is retained for 26 months.
  • After retention periods expire, data is securely deleted or anonymized.

Security Measures

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.

  • Use of SSL encryption for data transmission.
  • Regular security assessments and updates.
  • Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis.

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you and to ask for corrections if it is inaccurate.

  • Contact us at [email protected] to make a request.
  • We will respond within 30 days as required by Australian law.
  • There is no fee for accessing your information.

Opt-Out and Deletion

You can opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time and request deletion of your personal information.

  • Use the unsubscribe link in any email we send.
  • To request deletion, contact us with your details.
  • We will comply with deletion requests unless we have a legal obligation to retain the data.

International Data Transfers

Some of our third-party service providers may be located outside Australia, which means your personal information may be transferred to and processed in other countries.

  • We take reasonable steps to ensure that overseas recipients handle your information in accordance with Australian privacy laws.
  • By using our website, you consent to such transfers.
  • For more information, contact us.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

  • If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will delete it promptly.
  • Parents or guardians may contact us to request deletion of their child's information.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons.

  • The updated policy will be posted on this page with a new effective date.
  • We encourage you to review this page periodically.
  • Material changes may be highlighted on our website.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us using the details below.