Privacy Policy

​Merle & Michael Travel Services LLC ("Company," "we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit merleandmichael.com (the "Site") or communicate with us. By using the Site, you agree to the practices described below.

If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site.

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1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide and certain information automatically.

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1.1 Information You Provide

  • Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, mailing/billing address.
  • Travel Preferences & Itinerary Details: Destinations, dates, loyalty numbers, special requests.
  • Payment Information: We may collect limited payment details necessary to process bookings. Full card data is handled by our PCI-compliant payment processor and not stored on our servers.
  • Account / Portal Access Information: If we provide client portals or newsletter sign‑ups, we may collect usernames and passwords (hashed) and communication preferences.
  • Communications: Messages you send via forms, email, chat, or social media.
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1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit the Site we may automatically collect:

  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URL, pages viewed, and timestamps.
  • Cookies & Similar Technologies: Small files stored on your device to remember preferences and analyze traffic. See Section 7 for details.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from travel suppliers (e.g., cruise lines, tour operators) related to your bookings, as well as publicly available sources to verify business details or prevent fraud.

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2. How We Use Your Information

We use information for legitimate business purposes, including to:

  • Provide, manage, and customize travel planning and booking services.
  • Communicate with you about inquiries, itineraries, confirmations, and updates.
  • Process payments and prevent fraud.
  • Maintain internal records, analytics, and Site performance.
  • Send marketing communications (you can opt out at any time).
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our agreements.
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3. Legal Bases for Processing (EEA/UK Visitors)

If you are located in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, our legal bases include: performance of a contract (providing requested travel services), consent (marketing or optional cookies), legitimate interests (improving services, security), and compliance with legal obligations.

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4. Sharing Your Information

We may share information with:

  • Travel Suppliers & Partners: Cruise lines, airlines, hotels, insurance providers, tour operators—only what is necessary to fulfill your booking.
  • Service Providers: Payment processors, IT hosting, email delivery, analytics, customer support.
  • Professional Advisors: Accountants, auditors, legal counsel (as needed).
  • Authorities: When required by law, court order, or to protect rights and safety.
  • Business Transfers: In a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred subject to this Policy or a successor policy. We do not sell your personal information.

5. International Transfers

We are based in the United States. If you access the Site from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S. where data protection laws may differ. We implement safeguards (such as contractual clauses) where required.

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6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax, accounting), resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. When no longer needed, information is deleted or anonymized.

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7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use necessary cookies for site functionality and analytics cookies to understand usage. You can modify browser settings to refuse cookies or notify you when cookies are placed. Disabling cookies may affect certain features. We do not currently respond to Do Not Track signals.

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8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict the use of your personal information; to object to processing; to withdraw consent; and to request data portability. To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@merlemichael.com. We may verify your identity before responding.

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California Residents

We are not currently subject to all provisions of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA); however, we voluntarily honor reasonable access and deletion requests. We do not sell personal information.

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9. Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect information (encryption in transit, access controls). No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

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10. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed to individuals under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have collected such data, we will delete it promptly.

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11. Third-Party Links

The Site may link to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites. Review their policies before providing information.

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12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last Updated” date below indicates the latest revision. Material changes will be posted on this page and, where required, notified to you.

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13. Contact Us

If you have questions or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Email: privacy@merlemichael.com
Phone: (412) 990-5050
Mailing Address: PO Box 1500, Cranberry Township, PA 16066

Last Updated: July 21, 2025