There is a new technology that is rolling out on Princess ships across the fleet. Currently, it is only on certain ships. However, the goal for the future is to have it on every vessel in the fleet.
The goal of this technology is to give you an effortless, personalized cruise experience so you can just relax and enjoy your vacation.
What is Ocean Medallion:
The ocean medallion is a small, circular disk that replaces your cruise card. This technology doesn’t just replace your cruise card though, it goes way beyond what the card is capable of to make your life so much easier while onboard the ship.
The ocean medallion is personalized to you. It will show your name, the ship, and dates you are sailing. The color of your disk represents your cruise status level.
Just like other cruise lines, Princess Cruises has different levels based on how many cruises you have taken with them. Your medallion will show your current level.
Each level includes different perks that you get during your cruise vacation. When you receive your medallion, it will come with a lanyard that you can keep it in.
This makes it easy to wear and have easy access to when you need it. No need to worry about putting it in your pocket and losing it.
You can purchase accessories such as pendants or watch bands to place it in so you can wear it however you want.
Pro Tip: The ocean medallion is completely waterproof so you can wear it while you shower, swim, and snorkel in the ocean. No need to take it off during your cruise.
What does the ocean medallion do?
The ocean medallion replaces your cruise card. Just like a cruise card, you will need to keep it with you at all times, both on and off the ship, during your cruise.
It acts as your room key. It will be linked to your account so you can use it to pay for everything while you are on the ship. You will also use it to get on and off the ship throughout the cruise.
Not only that, but your ocean medallion will track your location when you are on the ship which makes it much more convenient to use than just a regular cruise card.
How will it change my cruise experience while onboard the ship?
The ocean medallion is much more than just a replacement for your cruise card. It is part of the whole Medallion Class experience that Princess Cruises is creating on their ships.
Here are some ways using it will make your cruise experience better.
Please note: some of these features require you to use the Medallion Class app.
It is free and can be downloaded to your smartphone from both the Apple app store and Google Play store.
Get on and off the ship:
Your ocean medallion is what you will use when getting on and off the ship. It’s a quick and easy way to come and go as you please while in port.
Open your stateroom:
When you approach your stateroom door, the door will connect to your medallion and sense your arrival and automatically unlock.
No need to search for your medallion and scan it. Super quick and easy to get into your cabin.
Easy payment:
You can buy anything on the ship using your ocean medallion. It is connected to your ship account so no need to grab your cash or credit card while onboard.
Expanded features you can use from the Medallion Class app:
Order your food & drinks from anywhere on the ship:
Sitting by the pool and want a drink? No need to move, you can easily order it from where you are relaxing and have it delivered to you. No more waiting in long lines at the bar.
Just use the app to order and the server will bring it to you. They can find you by the location sensor on your medallion and your profile picture in the app.
Find your family & friends:
Using the OceanCompass feature in the app you can see where everyone in your group is on the ship.
This is a great way to track the kids when they are off on their own. You can turn the tracking off if you don’t want to use this feature.
Chat with your group:
You can use the app to send messages to your family and friends for free. It is a quick and easy way to check in and make plans with each other.
Watch TV:
You can use the OceanView feature in the app to watch television. An easy way to watch both on-demand movies and tv shows right from your phone anywhere on the ship.
Play Ocean:
This is an interactive game that is great for the whole family to play. You can play it using the big screens found throughout the ship or through the PlayOcean app right from your phone.
Ocean Casino:
Like to gamble, but don’t want to sit in the casino? Now you can play from anywhere on the ship. Just download the OceanCasino app on your phone and you will be able to play both casino games and bingo.
You can also use the various screens around the ship, but who wants to do that when you can do it while lounging by the pool?!
How do you set up the Medallion Class app?
Before you can use these features from your phone, you need to download and set up the app.
Before your cruise:
There are many things you can do before your cruise so you are ready to go the moment you step onboard the ship. You can:
- Set up your profile including your picture
- View your cruise details and a countdown to your cruise
- Check into your cruise
- Add any food allergies you have
- Order any Ocean Medallion accessories you want
- Watch OceanView tv shows and movies
- Book shore excursions
- See the daily schedule and plan your dining, entertainment, and activities (usually 60 days before your cruise)
During your cruise:
These are things you can enjoy by using your app during your cruise vacation. You can:
- Order your food and drinks from anywhere on the ship to be delivered right to you
- Order any amenities you need for your cabin such as extra pillows
- View your shipboard account balance to keep track of your spending
- Buy the souvenirs you want and have them delivered right to your room.
While on the cruise you can also use a couple of other apps to make your experience more convenient. These include:
- OceanCasino: this allows you to play both bingo and casino games anywhere on the ship. Just remember these activities are using real money.
- PlayOcean: this allows you to play interactive game while on the ship. It’s a great activity for your kids to do.
- OceanCompass: this allows you to both track and chat with members of your group. You can also use it as your guide around the ship so you never have to worry about getting lost.
Does the ocean medallion or apps cost money?
Both the ocean medallion and apps are free of charge. They are included as part of your cruise fare if you are sailing on a Medallion Class ship.
If you live in the US, you will receive both your ocean medallion and lanyard in the mail. If you live outside of the US, you will receive them at the cruise port terminal when you arrive.
There are additional accessories for your ocean medallion that you can purchase, but they are not necessary.
Which ships are in the Medallion Class?
Currently, there are seven ships that are included. These are the Crown Princess, Sky Princess, Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Caribbean Princess, Grand Princess, and Ruby Princess.
With more on the way, and eventually all ships will be part of the special Medallion Class of ships.
Check out our Princess Cruises guide for everything you need to know about the cruise line.