Medallion man on a Princess cruise…

When I came off the Caribbean Princess a couple of weeks ago I mentioned about a brand new innovative system called Ocean Medallion that was being released from November this year starting on the Regal Princess and said I would give more information on this and true to my word I am here today to do just that.

So Ocean medallion, what is it?

Basically it looks like a piece of jewellery in the shape of a medallion that you can wear around your neck or on your wrist or just carry it with you, it takes the place of your cruise card but does so much more, imagine this, you are just back from a long day in Rome, laden down with shopping bags (well it is Rome) and you just want to get to your cabin and relax but “oh no” mama mia ( when in Rome) look at the queue to get back on the ship and where did I put the cruise card, don’t panic as that will be a thing of the past and you and your bags just board the ship as the medallion will see to that as it is pre loaded with everything that the ships crew need to let you on, even better is that as you approach your cabin it unlocks for you with this new piece of technology so the need for the swiping of the cruise card will be no more.

Talking of shopping, there are plenty of shops on the ship so what happens in there, well just the same the medallion will register with the payment system and voila your purchase is made without a single swipe.

The same for the bar as well, it is going to be such a handy little piece of kit to have and it gets sent to your home before you cruise pre loaded so you don’t need boarding passes either. you only have to decide if you want to wear it or carry it. it can go on a wrist band or around your neck it’s up to you but it does not stop there, there is another part called Ocean compass and together they work seamlessly, want to know where your kids are while they are on board, this will find them, want to know where your friends are then it will find them, heading for the pool and want a drink ready and waiting then the technology means that your order will be sent via the compass and that long island iced tea will be waiting at the designated spot for you, now that’s good service.

Interestingly it can learn things about you and suggest things you may like, so for instance if you like to snorkel then it can suggest where is good for this and that could make you then jump ahead and book a trip.

Do you get lost looking for places on board well it will give you the directions, I am looking forward to getting mine for my cruise next year on the Sapphire Princess, I will give it a good run for my money.

So in a nutshell these are the definitions that Princess give, oh yes its not just a random name either as it stands for something as you can see below.

D E F I N I T I O N S

O.C.E.A.N. — One Cruise Experience Access Network™ is a lifestyle that brings amazing travel experiences to you. It is about connecting people, places and cultures around the world. OCEAN is amazing vacations that are more than just a cruise. It’s media content that immerses you in the wonders of cruising, exploring new cultures and destinations. Ocean Medallion™ Class amplifies your vacation experience with personalized service that anticipates your needs, wants and desires throughout your vacation experience. Ocean Medallion™ opens endless vacation possibilities, making your experiences personal and your interactions simple. Consider the Ocean Medallion your key to opening doors: to your stateroom, your ship and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. It helps us deliver what you want, wherever you are. Ocean Compass™ guides you throughout your vacation experience while inspiring you with immersive content and engaging you with experiential possibilities. Ocean Concierge builds an experience that’s personalized just for you by sending you suggestions and invitations to events and activities based on preferences they have indicated in their guest profile and will enjoy the most. It empowers you with real-time awareness of experience opportunities and maintains your profile spanning your cruise vacation history. Ocean Ready™ The Ocean Medallion will speed up embarkation as travel documentation will be added to the guest profile in advance along with other preferences provided by guests ahead of time. The Ocean Medallion will also unlock the guests’ stateroom door — replacing the key card and its sign & sail function. Ocean Navigate helps you find your way, so you’ll never be lost. Accessed through the Ocean Compass guests can know the whereabouts of their family as they enjoy activities throughout the ship. Friends and family will also be able to easily communicate with each other through an instant messenger service available on Ocean Compass. HERE & NOW™ allows you to place food and beverage orders and have them delivered to your current location. For example, by using the Ocean Compass, you can order select food and drinks from a lounge chair so not to miss a moment of Movies Under The Stars®. Or parents can order their kids hot chocolate while Stargazing with Discovery at SEA™ on the top deck, not interrupting any of the fun. THERE & THEN™ lets you place a beverage order and have it delivered to where you plan to be at a designated time. For example, if you want to enjoy a glass of wine at the theater can place an order prior to the show and it will be delivered to your seat.

So that was the official jargon, it will be interesting to see if it lives up to it’s name. It rolls out on the Regal Princess this November so watch this space…

One last question. How will you wear yours?