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Privacy policy
The short version: your cruises stay on your phone unless you choose to back them up, your forum details are encrypted, nothing is ever sold, and we work hard to keep our data accurate — but we can’t guarantee it.
Plain-English summary. You don’t need an account to use the App, and most features work without one. Saved cruises and port data live on your device only — unless you choose to create an account and back them up. If you sign in (App Login or the Community Forum), your account details are encrypted with AES-256 at rest, your password is stored only as a hash, and verification/reset codes and session tokens are stored as hashes. We do not sell, rent or trade any personal information. Location is used only when you tap “Directions Back to Port”, and never stored. We make every possible attempt to ensure the cruise data you see is correct; however, some information is acquired from third-party sources, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Port Pal Pro (“the App”) is a cruise companion app published by Robert Bonenfant (“we”, “our”, “us”). This Privacy Policy explains what information the App collects, how it is used, and the choices you have.
1. Information we collect
Information you provide
You do not need an account to use most features of the App. Your saved cruises and port data are stored locally on your device only.
Account backup (App Login)
If you choose to create an account and sign in, your saved cruises can be backed up to our servers so they are not lost if you delete the App or switch phones. This backup contains your cruise itineraries (ships, dates, ports) tied to your account. You can clear your device’s saved cruises at any time by signing out, and the backup can be removed by contacting us at info@portpalapp.com.
Forum accounts
If you choose to use the Port Pal Forum (“the Forum”), you may create an account with a username, email address, and password. The email address is used to verify your account and to send you account-related notices (such as password resets). We do not sell, rent, or trade your email address or any personal information to third parties.
Encryption at rest
Your Forum account information — including your email address, bio, location, and signature — is encrypted with 256-bit AES encryption before it is stored on our servers, so it is never kept in plain text. Passwords are stored only as secure hashes; verification and password-reset codes are stored as hashes; and session tokens are stored hashed as well — meaning even our own database cannot expose your information in readable form. Your posts and photos are visible to other Forum users as you intend, but your account details remain protected.
User-generated content
When you post to the Forum — including comments and photos — that content is transmitted to and stored on our servers so it can be shown to other users. Your username and the content you post are visible to other users of the Forum.
Information collected automatically
The App does not collect analytics, crash reports, or usage statistics. Our servers may record standard technical logs (such as IP address and timestamp) when you access the Forum or App Login services, as is typical for web services, to help us operate, secure, and moderate the service.
2. How we use information
We use collected information solely to operate, maintain, and improve the App and the Forum — for example, verifying accounts, backing up your cruises, moderating user content, and keeping the service secure. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
3. Accuracy of cruise data
Port Pal Pro makes every possible attempt to ensure that cruise schedules, itineraries, port information, and ship data are correct. Some data is compiled from open-source sources and internet research, and some is acquired from third-party sources; despite our best efforts, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Cruise itineraries can change at any time due to weather, routing decisions, port availability, or other factors. Please verify important details (such as departure times and ports) with your cruise line. You can help improve accuracy: when you see a past-cruise itinerary that looks wrong, you can correct the order of ports in the App, and we review those corrections.
4. Live data services
Some features (Ships in Port, Track Ship, live itineraries) fetch publicly available cruise schedule and ship-position data from third-party services over the internet. Those requests are made from your device to those services and are subject to their own privacy policies.
5. In-app purchase
The App offers a paid in-app purchase to unlock the full experience. Payment processing is handled entirely by Apple (App Store) or Google (Play Store); we do not receive or store your payment card details.
6. Data storage, deletion & your choices
Saved cruises and port information are stored on your device. If you are signed in and have chosen to back up your cruises, copies are also stored on our servers. Signing out removes the device copies; you may delete your account backup at any time by contacting us at info@portpalapp.com.
Forum content (your posts, comments, and photos) is stored on our servers so it can be shared with other users. You may delete your Forum posts at any time, and you may delete your Forum account by contacting us at info@portpalapp.com; we will remove your account and associated content.
If you delete the App, device data is removed from your device.
7. Location
Port Pal Pro uses your location only when you tap Directions Back to Port, in order to route you back to the ship. Your location is never stored or shared.
8. Children’s privacy
The App is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.
10. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at info@portpalapp.com, or use the contact form.