The Ultimate Guide to Princess Cruises MedallionClass®: Your Key to a Seamless Sea

Posted on 24th Oct, 2024


  • Effortless Embarkation: By completing your "OceanReady" steps in the app before you arrive, you can breeze through the terminal and head straight to the lido deck.

  • Personalised On-Demand Service: Whether you want a mojito by the pool or a fresh pizza in the Piazza, the Medallion allows crew to find you and deliver orders directly to your location.

  • The Best Wi-Fi at Sea: MedallionNet® provides high-speed connectivity for seamless video streaming, social media updates, and remote work while sailing.


Everything You Need to Know About Princess Cruises MedallionClass®

Forget the days of fumbling for a plastic key card or waiting in long queues at Guest Services. Princess Cruises MedallionClass® has revolutionised the cruise industry by blending cutting-edge technology with high-end hospitality.

At the heart of this experience is the Princess Medallion®, a sleek, wearable device about the size of a £2 coin that acts as your personal digital concierge.

From unlocking your cabin door as you approach to helping you find your travel companions onboard, the Medallion is designed to take the friction out of your cruise holiday.

Couple on deck on a Princess Cruise

What is the Princess Medallion®?

The Medallion itself is a waterproof, sand-proof, and "everything-proof" device provided free of charge to every guest. It contains no personal information and requires no charging.

While many guests choose to wear it on a complimentary lanyard, Princess offers a range of stylish accessories (available for a small fee) including:

  • Sport Bands: Perfect for the gym or shore excursions.

  • Jewellery: Elegant necklaces and clips to match your evening attire.

  • Carabiners: For those who prefer to clip it to a belt loop or bag.

Women at Princess Cays

The Power of the MedallionClass® App

To unlock the full potential of your cruise, you’ll need the MedallionClass App. Before you even leave home, you can use the app to reach "Green Lane" status by uploading your passport details and health declarations so your port check-in is as simple as a quick scan.

Once onboard, the app becomes your portal to the ship’s many features, though you can also access these via your stateroom TV or large touchscreens (Portals) located throughout the ship.

Ocean Medallion

Key Features & Benefits

Touch-Free Stateroom Entry

Gone are the days of juggling cocktails and shopping bags while trying to find your key. As you approach your cabin, your door identifies your Medallion and automatically unlocks. 

It even displays a personalised greeting on the screen next to your door!

OceanNow®: Service Wherever You Are

Feeling hungry while watching a movie under the stars? Use the app to order food, drinks, or even retail items like sunscreen or a new pair of sunglasses. 

Thanks to the sensors around the ship, the crew will find you and deliver your order exactly where you are sitting.

Ocean Now on a Princess Cruise

MedallionNet®: Streaming Speed Wi-Fi

Princess is widely considered to have the most reliable Wi-Fi at sea. MedallionNet® allows you to stay connected with speeds that rival your home broadband. 

You can stream Netflix by the pool, FaceTime your family, or post your holiday snaps in real-time without the dreaded "buffering" wheel.

Family & Friends Locator

Never lose your group again! The ShipView™ feature allows you to locate your friends and family anywhere on the ship and send them a quick message. 

It also provides turn-by-turn directions to any lounge, restaurant, or theatre onboard.

Digital Safety Training

The traditional muster drill has been reimagined. You can now watch the safety briefing on your smartphone or stateroom TV at your convenience on embarkation day. 

Once finished, you simply check in at your designated muster station to show you know where it is, taking minutes rather than an hour.

Viewing a safety video on a Princess Cruise

Entertainment & Interactive Fun

The Medallion isn't just for logistics! Here are just a handful of other activities it can be used for during your cruise:

  • PlayOcean®: Engage in ship-wide scavenger hunts or turn your mobile device into a game controller for big-screen games in the atrium.

  • Ocean Casino: Place bets on bingo or casino games from anywhere on the ship, even while lounging on your balcony.

  • OceanView™: Access a huge library of video-on-demand movies and Princess original content on your mobile device or TV.

Ocean Now selecting a product, Princess Cruises

Frequently Asked Questions: Princess Medallion®

Does the Medallion track my every move? 

The Medallion uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to enable features like "find my friends" and food delivery. It does not store personal data, and the tracking is purely to enhance your service experience.

What happens if I lose my Medallion? 

Don't panic! Simply head to the Guest Services desk or a Medallion Support station. They can deactivate your old one and issue a replacement for free immediately.

Can I use the Medallion if I don’t have a smartphone? 

Absolutely. While the app enhances the experience, the physical Medallion will still unlock your door and allow you to make payments. You can use the large "Portals" (touchscreens) around the ship to navigate or check the daily schedule.

Is MedallionNet® Wi-Fi included in my cruise fare? 

While the Medallion device and app are free, Wi-Fi access typically requires a daily fee. However, if you book a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package, MedallionNet® is included, often saving you significant money.

Do I need to pay for the wearable accessories? 

The basic lanyard is free. If you want a wristband, pendant, or clip, these can be purchased via the app before you sail, or at the shops onboard.

Is the Medallion waterproof? 

Yes! You can wear it in the pool, the hot tub, and even the shower. It is also resistant to salt and sand, making it perfect for beach excursions.

Can I use MedallionPay™ in port? 

MedallionPay is currently used for all onboard purchases. In certain "Medallion-aligned" ports (particularly in the Caribbean and Alaska), some local merchants also accept MedallionPay, allowing you to leave your wallet safely in your cabin.

Author: Emily Barker

Role: Cruise Content Editor

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