Privacy Policy for FretVoyage.com

Last updated: September 26, 2025

FretVoyage (“we,” “us,” “our”) operates the website http://fretvoyage.com/ (the “Site”). This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, how we use and share it, and the choices you have.

If you have questions, contact us here.

Quick summary (plain English)

  • We collect the minimum personal data needed to run the Site, respond to messages, send opted-in emails, and understand what content is useful.
  • We use common web technologies: cookies, analytics, embedded media (e.g., YouTube), and may use affiliate links.
  • We don’t sell your personal information. We share limited data with trusted service providers who help us operate the Site.
  • You can opt out of non-essential cookies, unsubscribe from emails, and request access, deletion, or correction of your data.

Who we are & how to contact us

Controller: FretVoyage
Website: http://fretvoyage.com/
Contact: Contact us here.

For EU/UK visitors: You can contact us at the email above about your GDPR/UK-GDPR rights. If required, you may also contact your local supervisory authority.

What we collect

We collect information in three ways: (1) you provide it, (2) it’s collected automatically, and (3) we receive it from service providers.

1) Information you provide

  • Contact forms / email: name, email address, and the content of your message.
  • Newsletter sign-ups: name (optional) and email address, plus marketing preferences.
  • Comments (if enabled): display name, email, comment text. To help spam detection, WordPress typically records the commenter’s IP address and browser user agent.
  • Purchases (if a shop or paid products are added in the future): name, email, billing/delivery details. Payments are processed by third parties (e.g., Stripe/PayPal); we do not store full payment card details on our servers.

2) Information collected automatically

  • Usage data: pages viewed, links clicked, time on page, referrers, approximate location (country/region), and device/browser information.
  • Cookies & similar technologies: see “Cookies & tracking” below.

3) Information from service providers

  • Analytics providers (e.g., Google Analytics 4) provide aggregated insights.
  • Email service providers (e.g., [ConvertKit/Mailchimp]) store subscription status and email engagement (opens/clicks).
  • Anti-spam (e.g., Akismet) processes comment metadata to filter spam.

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal data.

How we use your information

  • To operate and improve the Site, content, and user experience.
  • To respond to inquiries and support requests.
  • To send newsletters or updates you opted into (you can unsubscribe anytime).
  • To analyze Site performance and understand content effectiveness.
  • To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or security issues.
  • To comply with legal obligations.

Legal bases (EEA/UK visitors): We rely on consent (e.g., marketing emails, non-essential cookies), legitimate interests (e.g., basic analytics, Site security), and contract (if you purchase products/services), as applicable.

Cookies & tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to run the Site and measure performance. Types include:

  • Strictly necessary cookies (essential for core functions such as security and load balancing).
  • Functional cookies (remember preferences).
  • Analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics 4) to understand traffic and usage.
  • Affiliate/attribution cookies (when you click an affiliate link, a cookie may track referrals for commission).
  • Embedded media cookies (e.g., YouTube/Spotify/Vimeo may set their own cookies when content is embedded).

Your choices:

  • Use your browser settings to block or delete cookies.
  • Decline non-essential cookies if a cookie banner is presented.
  • Use Google’s opt-out tools for Analytics where available.
    Blocking some cookies may impact certain Site features.

Embedded content from other websites

Articles may include embedded content (e.g., YouTube videos, Instagram posts, Spotify players). Embedded content behaves as if you visited the other website directly and may collect data about you, use cookies, and monitor your interaction. Review those providers’ privacy policies.

Affiliate links & sponsorships

We may include affiliate links to products or services (e.g., music gear, books). If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Affiliate programs may use cookies or tracking pixels to attribute referrals. We do not receive your full payment details from merchants.

Examples of common affiliate programs on music/gear sites include Amazon Associates, Sweetwater, Reverb, and Thomann. We’ll disclose affiliate relationships on relevant pages/posts.

Analytics

We use analytics (e.g., Google Analytics 4) to understand Site usage. These tools collect pseudonymous data such as page views, device info, and approximate location. Where feasible, we enable privacy-enhancing controls (e.g., IP masking). For details and opt-out options, see the provider’s documentation.

Email communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter or updates, we will send you emails per your preferences. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us. Our email provider (e.g., [ConvertKit/Mailchimp]) may record open/click data to help us send relevant content and maintain list health.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We share personal data only with:

  • Service providers / processors who help us operate the Site (hosting, security, analytics, email delivery, anti-spam, content delivery networks, backup, payment processing if applicable).
  • Affiliates/partners only to the extent needed to attribute referrals and comply with program rules.
  • Authorities or other parties when required by law, to enforce our terms, or to protect rights, property, or safety.
  • Business transfers in connection with a merger, acquisition, or asset sale (your data may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this Policy).

We require service providers to handle personal data per contract and applicable law.

Data retention

We retain personal data only as long as needed for the purposes described above, including:

  • Contact form entries: typically up to 24 months.
  • Newsletter data: until you unsubscribe or your address hard-bounces; archived logs may persist for a reasonable period.
  • Comments (if enabled): indefinitely, to display and moderate comment threads.
  • Analytics data: per provider defaults/settings (often 14–26 months, configurable).
  • Purchase records (if applicable): retained as required for tax, accounting, and compliance.

We delete or anonymize data when it’s no longer needed.

Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal data. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

International transfers

We are based in the United States and may process data in the U.S. and other countries. Where required, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses or other lawful transfer mechanisms for EEA/UK data.

Your rights

Your privacy rights depend on where you live. Regardless of location, you can always contact us to access, correct, or delete your personal data (subject to legal exceptions), or to object to certain processing.

EEA/UK (GDPR/UK-GDPR)

You may have rights to: access; rectification; erasure; restriction; portability; and objection. Where we rely on consent, you can withdraw it at any time. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority.

California (CCPA/CPRA)

California residents have rights to: know (access) certain information; deletion; correction; and to opt out of “sharing” for cross-context behavioral advertising. We do not sell personal information. If we engage in “sharing,” you can opt out via our cookie banner or by contacting us. We will not discriminate against you for exercising rights.

Virginia (VCDPA)

Virginia residents may have rights to: access; correction; deletion; portability; and to opt out of targeted advertising. You may appeal our response if you disagree with the outcome.

How to exercise rights: Contact us here. We’ll verify your request and respond within the timeframe required by law. Authorized agents may submit requests where permitted.

Children’s privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13 (or the age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child provided personal data, contact us to request deletion.

Do Not Track

Some browsers send “Do Not Track” signals. Because there’s no consistent industry standard, the Site does not respond to DNT signals. You can control cookies and tracking using the mechanisms described above.

Third-party links

Our Site may link to other websites. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Review their privacy policies before providing personal data.

Use of AI-assisted tools

We may use reputable AI-assisted tools to help draft or edit content, summarize anonymized feedback, or detect spam/abuse. We do not use AI tools to make automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects about you. Where such tools process personal data, we apply appropriate safeguards and contracts.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent changes. Material changes will be noted on this page. Your continued use of the Site after changes means you accept the updated Policy.

Contact

If you have questions or requests related to this Policy, contact us here.