Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2026

River Cruises ("we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store and protect your personal data in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Protection Act 2018, and applicable travel regulations.

1. Who We Are

River Cruises is a Distinctive Journeys brand providing river cruise holidays and related travel services.

Data Controller: River Cruises
Email: customerservices@distinctivejourneys.co.uk
Telephone: 01752 354354

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect and process the following information:

• Name, address, email address and telephone number
• Date of birth and passport details (where required for bookings)
• Emergency contact details
• Travel preferences and special requirements
• Payment and transaction details
• Correspondence and enquiry history
• Marketing preferences
• Website usage data (cookies, IP address, analytics)

3. How We Collect Your Data

Your data may be collected when you:

• Make an enquiry or booking
• Contact us by phone, email or online forms
• Subscribe to newsletters or marketing communications
• Use our website

4. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data to:

• Process enquiries and bookings
• Arrange travel services with cruise lines and suppliers
• Communicate important booking information
• Process payments and refunds
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Send marketing communications (where consent has been given)
• Improve our services and website

5. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

• Performance of a contract
• Compliance with legal obligations
• Legitimate business interests
• Your consent (where required)

6. Sharing Your Data

We may share your data with trusted third parties where necessary, including:

• River cruise lines and tour operators
• Transport and excursion providers
• Payment processors
• IT and website service providers
• Regulatory or legal authorities where required

We only share data necessary to fulfil your travel arrangements and ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

7. International Transfers

Some suppliers may be based outside the UK. Where data is transferred internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in line with UK GDPR requirements.

8. Marketing Communications

We will only send marketing communications where you have opted in or where permitted under UK soft opt-in rules. You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails or contacting us directly.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil our services, meet legal requirements, or resolve disputes.

10. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request erasure of your data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Request data portability
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details above.

11. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to improve functionality and user experience.

12. Data Security

We take appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against loss, misuse or unauthorised access.

13. Complaints

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO):

ICO Website: https://www.ico.org.uk
ICO Helpline: 0303 123 1113