Princess Ocean Medallion Class

Princess Ocean Medallion Class is not related to the design and structure of the ship but rather to a technology. That technology starts with each passenger’s wearable Ocean Medallion. It was first introduced on Princess in August 2018 and is currently available on the Caribbean, Crown, Royal, Regal, Ruby and Sky Princess with expansion onto other ships soon to follow.

Cruise technology is advancing with lightning speed due to intense competition among cruise lines. I cruised on the Sky Princess, an Ocean Medallion class ship, to the Caribbean in January. Needless to say, I eagerly looked forward to experiencing all the new things the Ocean Medallion was reported to do.

What is the Princess Ocean Medallion?

The Ocean Medallion is a quarter sized (slightly thicker) wearable device the replaces the cruise card but it does much more than a cruise card. It is waterproof and requires no charging. It slips into a clear plastic case that attaches to a lanyard. Passengers receive it either before the cruise by mail or at check-in. Because I had booked my Sky Princess cruise only a few weeks prior to departure, I received it at check-in.

Your name, ship and date of cruise are printed on the Ocean Medallion. It is color coded based on your loyalty level. Accessories are available for purchase such as sport bands, bracelets, clips and pendants.

In order to utilize its many features, you must download the Medallion Class app before you leave home. Check in is a breeze if you complete most of it online beforehand. You can even upload a photo of yourself and your passport.

What Does the Princess Ocean Medallion Do?

The Princess Ocean Medallion works in conjunction with the Medallion Class App on your phone to do the following:

Opens Your Stateroom Door

The Medallion unlocks your stateroom door as you approach it. Like magic, you can hear the lock click open as you get near your cabin. This is especially helpful if you are carrying food or a beverage. Instead of having to put it on the floor to use both hands to enter, the Medallion leaves one hand free to open the door. This was my favorite feature and I never tired of listening for the click of the lock as I walked toward my cabin.

Muster Drill Registration

Just hold the Medallion against the crew’s hand held device and you are registered as having attended the safety drill.

Identification When Leaving and Returning to Ship

There is really no difference here from using a sea card.

Pays for Purchases at On Board Stores

Just press the Medallion onto the Medallion pay point in the store to purchase an item.

Pays for Drinks and Food

Want a cocktail, a beer, wine, food? Or extra hanger or ice in your cabin? Just use the Medallion Class App on your phone to avoid the long lines that often form at the bar or at eating places. The waiter, using the app, will find you and bring the food and drinks to you.

Room Service

Ordering room service and other requests can all be handled digitally. Of course, if you prefer, you can still make requests by phone.

Ocean Concierge

Ocean Concierge is accessible online while on board to help you plan activities, purchase shore excursions, view your stateroom folio and more. Throughout the ship you will find large touch screen portals with information about activities occurring that day. Dining room menus are posted as well.

Navigation

Select a destination on the ship from one of the touch screen portals and it will show you exactly how to get there.

Interactive Games

Play Ocean is great for the grand-children. It is accessed through the wall portals, iPads and iPhones.

Ocean Compass

Lost one of your family members? No problem. Just hold your medallion on one of the select Ocean Compass screens and it will show you where they are located on the deck plan.

Medallion Net

This is the Princess internet. It is one of the best at sea in the Caribbean but not good in Alaska or the Baltics.

Summary of Princess Ocean Medallion Class

I have given you a quick overview of the features of the new Medallion Class. There are many more features available than those listed. If it seems overwhelming, that doesn’t mean that you should avoid these ships just because you are not technologically inclined. Just use the features you like. For me, it was the automatic opening of the cabin door and finding family members through the Ocean Compass. I also used the Medallion to pay for drinks and for purchases in the gift shop but it really was not much different than using a cruise card.

Medallion Class will soon be moving onto Carnival Cruise Line and more Princess ships in the future so it is here to stay.

Have you tried it? What did you think?