Disclaimer: We were hosted guests of Princess Cruises on Discovery Princess; however, as always, all opinions are our own.
To make guests’ cruise vacations as effortless and contactless as possible, Princess Cruises has introduced its MedallionClass Experience fleetwide. This technological advancement is designed to make every aspect of your cruise vacation easier. From the pre-cruise check-in, to the embarkation process, to daily activities while on your cruise, a simple wearable device and connected technologies (smartphone app, portals throughout the ship, and stateroom televisions) allow you to customize and maximize your Princess cruise vacation. In this post, we detail everything you need to know about the Princess Cruises MedallionClass experience so you can have the best vacation possible.
Everything You Need to Know About Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience
What is the Princess Cruises MedallionClass and the Wearable Medallion?
The Princess Cruises’ fleet is outfitted with MedallionClass technology, similar to geolocation technology, that allows for a host of features to enhance your cruise with a more personalized level of service.
All this is possible with two simple elements, a smartphone app (or other connected technologies on the ship) and a small wearable device called the Medallion.
Complete Guide to Everything You Need to Know About Princess Medallion
The Medallion is a free wearable device provided to all guests cruising with the brand. It is personalized with your name and sail date, and it makes for a great keepsake.
This medallion essentially replaces the traditional cruise ship key card. Further, it is waterproof, heat resistant, and does not require charging. It can also be worn in a variety of ways making it convenient for everyone.
The Medallion comes in a complimentary lanyard. Or, you can purchase additional accessories like a clip, watch band, or pendant for varying prices. You can also pay for an upgraded medallion with various logos, designs, and even your favorite NBA team if you wish.
Guests residing in the United States can have the Medallion and accompanying accessories mailed to their homes prior to their cruises, or they can retrieve them at the cruise terminal during the check-in process.
This Medallion works in conjunction with the MedallionClass smartphone app. So, you should download this app to your phone prior to sailing with Princess Cruises.
However, those who are not tech-savvy or don’t want to take their phones around the ship can still enjoy the MedallionClass experience by utilizing portals around the ship or their stateroom televisions.
Don’t worry, you can still use the app and its functionality even if you do not purchase an internet package. Simply put your phone in airplane mode and connect to the ship’s MedallionNet WiFi.
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How Does the Princess Cruises MedallionClass Elevate the Cruise Experience?
A Princess Cruises MedallionClass vacation begins as soon as you book your cruise. You can begin to personalize your cruise by downloading the MedallionClass app or utilizing the web version equivalent.
OceanReady
Once you have made your final payment on the trip, you can begin to get OceanReady. This process entails uploading travel documents like your passport, a security photo, and ordering your Medallion. You can also add any food allergies, accessibility needs, or other customizations to your Ocean Profile.
During the check-in process, you will choose an arrival time to allow for a staggered embarkation process. Once “ocean ready”, you can proceed to the “green lane” at the terminal on embarkation day. This expedited embarkation allows for a contactless and streamlined boarding process. This way, you can board the ship quicker and get your vacation started sooner.
Like many cruise lines, Princess Cruises has also implemented a digital muster drill. This mandatory safety briefing can now be completed primarily on your phone (or stateroom television) on embarkation day. Simply watch the required video, make a quick visit to your muster station, and listen to the ship-wide announcement.
While some of the app’s functionality is available pre-cruise, you won’t fully appreciate all the MedallionClass features until you are onboard the ship. It truly is a “smart ship”.
Perhaps one of the best technological features is keyless stateroom entry. That’s right, there is no need to insert or swipe a card to enter your stateroom. Through the use of sensors, your Medallion will activate the keyless entry system as you approach the room, and the small screen outside your cabin door will welcome you home.
OceanCompass
This technology allows for other features as well. When you walk up to the International CafĂ© to get your morning coffee, the staff will greet you by name. It’s also an easy way for staff to identify you are the person linked to the Medallion.
With the use of OceanCompass, you can also find your shipmates’ locations. While this can initially sound a little creepy, it can be a great tool to easily stay connected to your travel party (or newly made friends) while on the ship. Unless, you don’t want your spouse to know you are in the casino again! (Don’t worry, you can hide your location.)
You can even message each other in the app without paying for WiFi.
The OceanCompass feature also provides a point to point wayfinding system and digital deck plans, so you can easily locate venues and even get step by step directions to help you get here. This feature is available in the app as well as on certain digital portals throughout the ship.
OceanNow
Lounging by the pool and want to order a drink? Doing work on your balcony and want to order some lunch? You can do all this and more with the Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience.
With OceanNow, you can order food and drinks from an on-demand menu, and staff will deliver them to your exact location on the ship, with no delivery service fee. There are several complimentary food items as well as some up-charge items. The drinks are included in the Premier beverage package as well.
Further, you can order more than just food and beverages. You can request extra towels delivered to your stateroom or various other merchandise and services. The app will also provide real-time updates to let you know when your order is on its way.
You can even chat with crew via CrewCall Chat instead of visiting Guest Services.
The OceanNow section in the app, also allows you to custom your Dine My Way. With this feature, you can choose to reserve the same dining time each night or book individual reservations. This allows you to choose different dining times, different dining venues, and different dining parties. Also, you have the option to dine at a private table or a table with other guests.
JourneyView
The JourneyView section of the Princess Cruises MedallionClass app allows you to view the daily activities and to bookmark your favorites in an interactive timeline format. From gameshows and events in Princess Live!, to signature performances in the main theater, classes, Movies Under the Stars, and more, you can review all of the day’s highlights right from your smartphone (or ship portal) instead of carrying around a paper copy of the Princess Patter.
Related Post: Is Princess Plus Worth It?
MedallionPay
With the MedallionPay feature, guests not only have access to contactless payment on the ship but also while ashore, allowing for secure transactions in ports of call.
In select destinations, you can use your Medallion to make purchases at participating shops, restaurants, and bars. This new feature even includes 7% back on shoreside purchases as onboard credit. If you do not spend it all during your trip, it will be converted to Future Cruise Credit.
MedallionPay currently is available in St. Thomas, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, and Puerta Vallarta. More destinations and merchants are being added in the near future, including Alaska ports of call.
Further, you can easily monitor your family’s spending and onboard account balance.
PlayOcean
PlayOcean gives guests access to free games, both on their devices and on the digital screens throughout the ship. From Trivia on Deck to Games Under the Stars, these are activities that the whole family can enjoy.
With this feature, you can also create your very own Ocean Tagalong. This digital avatar will display on the portals throughout the ship for more interactive fun. You can even take a selfie with your customized digital companion!
OceanCasino
While PlayOcean might be fun for the little ones, adults might enjoy OceanCasino. If you like gambling but would rather avoid the crowds in the casino, this app is for you. Once onboard the ship, you can play slots, poker, bingo, and even sports betting from anywhere on the ship. Yes, you can wager for real money.
OceanView
The OceanView feature allows guests to access free movies and tv shows, as well as Ocean Originals from anywhere on the ship (or their stateroom television). These Ocean Originals include GO. highlighting bucket list destinations, Ocean Treks taking you on various adventures with Jeff Corwin, Good Spirits highlighting the cocktails, food, and culture of destinations, and many more.
What Is MedallionNet WiFi?
Princess Cruises claims to have the “Best WiFi at Sea”, its MedallionNet service.
This is achieved by accessing multiple satellites at any point in time to minimize the distance from ship to satellite and minimize the impacts of weather and geographical features.
Now, you do not need to purchase MedallionNet to enjoy all the other features of Princess Cruises MedallionClass experience. However, if you are like most modern day travelers who want to stay connected, you will need to purchase this upgraded feature.
With MedallionNet WiFi, you can stay in touch with family back home, jump on a Teams or Zoom call for work (gasp!), check email or social media, and stream movies and music from anywhere on the ship. The WiFi also works on the cruise line’s private destination of Princess Cays.
While the price can vary, a full voyage, multi-device (up to 4 devices) unlimited plan for our recent cruise was $139.93 or $69.93 ($9.99 per day) for one device if purchased pre-cruise.
If you have status in Princess Cruises’ loyalty program, there are even further discounts.
Even better, WiFi is part of the Princess Plus fare!
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Our Final Thoughts on Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience
Princess Cruises MedallionClass Experience is truly a game changer in the cruise industry! While other cruise lines have attempted similar concepts, Princess has been successful at rolling it out fleetwide.
We love not having to carry around a key card and the fact that the Medallion is wearable. The touchless cabin entry is extremely helpful, especially when you have your hands full with morning coffee or with beach gear after a long day ashore. The paperless transactions make ordering at the various onboard venues more efficient. Not to mention, the ability to order right from your smartphone app is extremely convenient. Also, we love the new digital muster drills.
While the Medallion itself works great, the MedallionClass app had some glitches during our cruise. Still, these technological advancements do help to make your cruise vacation more streamlined and personalized.
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