NCL Website has a tracking cookie

[DAGVBSB]

I just installed some new tracking cookie & pop up blocker software. The software catches any tracking cookies that attempt to access your system.

You then get an alert screen and you have the option to allow or deny the cookie.

 

Guess which website I get the most "catches" on from the software: NCL.com! It says that a tracking cookie from "traveladvertizing.com" is attempting to load into the system.

 

I simply block it everytime it comes up, but it is annoying to have to do it everytime I visit ncl.com. I don't get the tracking cookie alert when I go to Royal Carribeans website. (and for fun, I checked out Princess web site... no cookie there either so it appears to be an NCL exclusive!)

 

 

Just a head's up that when you go to NCL.com, you are loading a tracking cookie as well.

[*Luv2Cruz*]

I just installed some new tracking cookie & pop up blocker software. The software catches any tracking cookies that attempt to access your system.

You then get an alert screen and you have the option to allow or deny the cookie.

 

Guess which website I get the most "catches" on from the software: NCL.com! It says that a tracking cookie from "traveladvertizing.com" is attempting to load into the system.

 

I simply block it everytime it comes up, but it is annoying to have to do it everytime I visit ncl.com. I don't get the tracking cookie alert when I go to Royal Carribeans website. (and for fun, I checked out Princess web site... no cookie there either so it appears to be an NCL exclusive!)

 

Just a head's up that when you go to NCL.com, you are loading a tracking cookie as well.

 

I bet your tracking software stays pretty busy as I'm sure lots of sites are using them. Too bad it can't remember which sites had them so you would not have to repeat your actions to omit them.

[garycarla]

And this is a problem how?

[JohnIreland]

Most sites use cookies to work ...

 

you can turn them off in your browser if you don't want the site knowing when you were last looking on ncl.com... or if you are logged in...

[terrymtex01]

I have always enjoyed NCL's cookies. Especially the ones they deliver the last night of the cruise... Oh man.. With a tall glass of ice cold milk..YUUUMMMMMMM

[discjoker]

I have always enjoyed NCL's cookies. Especially the ones they deliver the last night of the cruise... Oh man.. With a tall glass of ice cold milk..YUUUMMMMMMM

 

I love the cookies they set out in the casino late at night.....oooooooh so good. Nothing like a cold adult beverage, gambling, and cookies.

[Boat_Drinks]

And this is a problem how?

 

DAGVBSB is right. Cookies from NCL.com are just fine (they store things like whether you want to be automatically logged in, which posts have been read, etc.).

 

Cookies from "traveladvertizing.com" (or anyplace else for that matter) serve no purpose other than to slow down your connection and track and report WHAT your browsing habits are. They are basically "spying" on you.

 

I use AdAware and SpyBot which allows you to permanently disable cookies like this, and automatically detects them of course.

[crew mom]

I just checked my cookies and I don't have any from NCL, traveladvertizing.com, or anything that looks suspicious.

 

But I have noticed that I'm seeing more advertising from NCL on web pages advertising blocks. Are they advertising more that way or am I being "followed"? Anyone know?

[DAGVBSB]

And this is a problem how?

 

Trying to be helpful to fellow cruisers so that can avoid dangerous and unwanted cookie tracking

 

and here is why:

\

Cookies from "traveladvertizing.com" (or anyplace else for that matter) serve no purpose other than to slow down your connection and track and report WHAT your browsing habits are. They are basically "spying" on you.

 

I use AdAware and SpyBot which allows you to permanently disable cookies like this, and automatically detects them of course.

 

I think this new program is called AdAware. Our computer people at school gave the entire staff these programs since we can access our school files at home now. They have strongly urged all of us to install it to watch for tracking cookies. We really can't shut off all cookies as several site need to use them, but this program is designed to help us avoid bad cookies like the one from "Travel Advertizing."

 

It is amazing how many trusted sites have been hitting with these tracking cookies.

 

So far, NCL is the only travel site that has had any bad cookies. (AAA, RCI, Princess, Trip Advisor are the ones I have visited so far.)

[cruizinwithkids]

But I have noticed that I'm seeing more advertising from NCL on web pages advertising blocks. Are they advertising more that way or am I being "followed"? Anyone know?

 

I definitely don't "know", but I can tell you one thing, my daughter and I both sit in front of the TV with our laptops. My pages are full of NCL ads. She has none.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

When I log into my myspace normally the ad on the right hand side is for "pride of aloha hawaii cruises"

[jkrislc]

As a previous poster has said, you can't turn off all cookies as it will cripple your web experience on many sites. However, you can easily delete cookies or use broswers like Firefox and have them delete cookies every time you close the browser.

 

Adaware is a great program, but it warns you of many things that aren't necessarily legitimate threats.

[4bellablue]

As a previous poster has said, you can't turn off all cookies as it will cripple your web experience on many sites. However, you can easily delete cookies or use broswers like Firefox and have them delete cookies every time you close the browser.

 

Adaware is a great program, but it warns you of many things that aren't necessarily legitimate threats.

 

Hi I know I am a dumb ... on computers, but how do you get rid of cookies on your computer. I would love to know.

 

Thanks

[NormanW]

DAGVBSB is right. Cookies from

I use AdAware and SpyBot which allows you to permanently disable cookies like this, and automatically detects them of course.

 

Both programs are horribly out of date and basically rendered ineffective on modern malware. Try superantispyware.com to see what's really on your system if you believe there is a problem.

 

F-secure online scanner here

http://support.f-secure.com/enu/home/ols.shtml

Is also effective at removing the serious threats. No cookie is a serious threat nor will it slow down your system.

 

When I log into my myspace normally the ad on the right hand side is for "pride of aloha hawaii cruises"

 

Glad that site is firewalled for me! ;) If you're tired of annoying ads use firefox with the adblock extension. The web is refreshing without all those pesky seizure inducing flash ads. Flashblock is another great extension. No more clicking on youtube links and getting blasted with megadeath garbage sounds or rick astley videos. (google rick roll for more 411)

 

Cheers,

 

Norman

[pyrogy]

This type of cookie is becoming more and more common and serves no particular function other than to target you with ads that attempt to recognize and react to your internet usage. Google keeps track of every search you do so that ads that will hopefully appeal to you will be sent your way. Annoying? possibly. Dangerous? almost never. Inevitable if you want the internet to remain essentially free (like the old days of network television)? you bet.

[jkrislc]

Hi I know I am a dumb ... on computers, but how do you get rid of cookies on your computer. I would love to know.

 

Thanks

 

If you're using Internet Explorer, go up to the "Tools" menu and you should see an option to "delete files" under a heading that says something like "Clear Internet History, Cookies . . ." It may vary with the version of IE you're using, however. If all else fails, hit your F1 key, search for "Delete Cookies" and it will explain how to do it.

 

The one thing to be aware of, though, is that if you clear your cookies sites that "remember" you will no longer do so. You may also have to log back into your favorite sites, like Cruise Critic, that remember you.

[4bellablue]

If you're using Internet Explorer, go up to the "Tools" menu and you should see an option to "delete files" under a heading that says something like "Clear Internet History, Cookies . . ." It may vary with the version of IE you're using, however. If all else fails, hit your F1 key, search for "Delete Cookies" and it will explain how to do it.

 

The one thing to be aware of, though, is that if you clear your cookies sites that "remember" you will no longer do so. You may also have to log back into your favorite sites, like Cruise Critic, that remember you.

 

 

Thank you so very much!! Wow I am so excited I learned something new today!!

Jeane

[superflyjeff]

When I log into my myspace normally the ad on the right hand side is for "pride of aloha hawaii cruises"

 

James, this doesn't have anything to do with the cookies from the NCL site. The system scans the text on your page to find relevant ads based on the content of your myspace page. I would assume that you have the words, NCL, Hawaii, Cruise, etc on the page. I get something similar but different when I go to my page...it always says something about Depeche Mode or their lead singer Dave Gahan in the ads. I'm sure if you read the privacy agreement in depth from MySpace that you'd see they most def have the right to do this because everyone just hits "i agree" on these things.

[superflyjeff]

This type of cookie is becoming more and more common and serves no particular function other than to target you with ads that attempt to recognize and react to your internet usage. Google keeps track of every search you do so that ads that will hopefully appeal to you will be sent your way. Annoying? possibly. Dangerous? almost never. Inevitable if you want the internet to remain essentially free (like the old days of network television)? you bet.

 

 

Bingo...you're correct. There is also a reason for sites like NCL.com to utilize these cookies....they make the banners on the site function correctly. The ad-serving program needs cookies for two primary reasons...1) works to serve banners and gives site the opportunity to fine tune the ads that are coming to you...how many times, when, etc. 2) NCL is just collecting basic behavioral information more than likely...just info like which pages you went to, how long you stayed on them, where you entered / exited the site. There is no harm here as the info is anonymous and usually only provides a better user experience down the road.

[jkrislc]

Thank you so very much!! Wow I am so excited I learned something new today!!

Jeane

 

You're welcome!

[mbisson]

NCL can track me....I just hope they're tracking me to a port, on a ship, and all the way home :D

[DAGVBSB]

Bingo...you're correct. There is also a reason for sites like NCL.com to utilize these cookies....they make the banners on the site function correctly. The ad-serving program needs cookies for two primary reasons...1) works to serve banners and gives site the opportunity to fine tune the ads that are coming to you...how many times, when, etc. 2) NCL is just collecting basic behavioral information more than likely...just info like which pages you went to, how long you stayed on them, where you entered / exited the site. There is no harm here as the info is anonymous and usually only provides a better user experience down the road.

 

 

If these cookies are not a problem, then why are our technology people at school using words like "strongly reccommend" and "strongly encourage" the entire school district staff to put these "anti-cookie" programs on our home computers? They are considering mandating the software if you want access to your school files (Word, Excel, Publisher, Gradebook, Test Creator, etc.) at home. From what I am hearing, several districts in our area are looking at this stuff very seriously.

 

All I know is that since I installed the program, it found something like 80 tracking cookies to start and it has had about 25 "hits" (where it asks you if you want to block the cookie) since. (of course 8 of those was ncl.com....)

[kamfan]

If these cookies are not a problem, then why are our technology people at school using words like "strongly reccommend" and "strongly encourage" the entire school district staff to put these "anti-cookie" programs on our home computers? They are considering mandating the software if you want access to your school files (Word, Excel, Publisher, Gradebook, Test Creator, etc.) at home. From what I am hearing, several districts in our area are looking at this stuff very seriously.

 

All I know is that since I installed the program, it found something like 80 tracking cookies to start and it has had about 25 "hits" (where it asks you if you want to block the cookie) since. (of course 8 of those was ncl.com....)

 

Almost every commercial site uses tracking cookie technology now. The main reason that most institutions are recommending such software protection is the sites that do not have good ethics and use overly aggessive tracking technology, some even going so far as to use cookies for intrusive things similar to trojans, viruses etc.. For the most part, mainstream commercial sites use tracking cookie technology, but at a much lower threat than some sites. You will find that institutions have to institute policy to match the greatest threat, even if it is at a relatively low risk threshold.

 

Of the 80 tracking cookies that your software found, it could very well be that some or all of them are dangerous, but it is more likely that there is absolutely no problem with any of them. Sheer numbers just indicate the number of places you have been, and not that you are at any real risk.

[dispachcops]

Most places that harp on deleting cookies and that cookies are bad for you are old school IT people who have not kept up with the times. Cookies are just small text files that store information on your computer about what your computer was doing last time it was on the website so that you won't get bombarded with some of the same things each time you visit. Some are simple tools for webmasters to be able to track repeat usage and what banner ad's that you have seen and weather you have clicked on them or not. It does not "infect" your computer or anything like that.

If you are worried about cookies, take a basic internet class at your local Community College and it will alleviate your fears.

[dak_friendly]

Most places that harp on deleting cookies and that cookies are bad for you are old school IT people who have not kept up with the times. Cookies are just small text files that store information on your computer about what your computer was doing last time it was on the website so that you won't get bombarded with some of the same things each time you visit. Some are simple tools for webmasters to be able to track repeat usage and what banner ad's that you have seen and weather you have clicked on them or not. It does not "infect" your computer or anything like that.

If you are worried about cookies, take a basic internet class at your local Community College and it will alleviate your fears.

 

Ahem...

 

I do a search for a product on a site. I get to the point where I find how much the product will cost. I then leave the site without purchase. Site has a cookie on my system knowing this behavior now.

 

I return the next day and go through the same motion. Price is same. I leave site without purchase. Site now has this behavior logged.

 

I return the next day to see the price has gone up suddenly. Oh know ... Do I purchase before the price continues rising? Do I leave?

 

Always a great idea to clear your cookies ... some vendors adjust prices based upon how many times you've viewed the pricing information.

 

---

 

And based upon the fact that I work in IT. Let's see... how many people have gone bye bye from my workplace because their cookie files give me exact information on where they go... at what time ... day in day out...