Cruising With Princess? Here Are 21 Things to Know About the Medallion

There’s a reason Princess Cruises calls its ships MedallionClass.
At the heart of every sailing is a small, coin-sized device that quietly transforms your cruise from the moment you check in.

If you’ve never cruised with Princess before, or it’s been a while since your last sailing, you’ll want to know just how much this little piece of tech can do. From hidden features to smart conveniences, here are 21 ways the Princess Medallion takes your cruise to the next level.

Related reading: 10 Things Princess Cruises Excels At Compared to Other Cruise Lines

1. Meet the Princess Medallion

Think of the Princess Medallion as your all-access pass to the ship, only smarter. It’s a small, circular device about the size of an Apple AirTag, lightweight enough to wear on a wristband or lanyard without noticing it’s there.

Behind that simple design is some seriously clever technology. Each Medallion contains a unique digital ID that connects you to Princess’ onboard systems. The result? Your stateroom door opens as you approach, crew members greet you by name, and food or drinks find you wherever you happen to be relaxing.

Every guest receives one, and once it’s activated through the MedallionClass app, it quietly powers your entire onboard experience — without you needing to tap, swipe, or scan a thing.

2. It’s Free and Included for Every Guest

Unlike many cruise extras, the Princess Medallion doesn’t cost a penny. Every passenger receives one automatically as part of their cruise fare, along with a basic lanyard to keep it safe.

There’s no activation fee, no deposit, and no small print. You’ll also have full access to the MedallionClass app, the control hub that helps you order food, locate friends, and check daily schedules right from your phone.

Sure, there are fancier accessories you can buy later, but the essential device and its core features are completely free. It’s one of those rare modern cruise perks that actually adds convenience without adding to your bill.

3. Getting Your Medallion (Home Delivery vs Port Pickup)

If you live in the US, Princess will happily ship your Medallion straight to your door before your cruise. All you need to do is log in to the MedallionClass app, complete your profile, and select the delivery option.

Outside the US? Don’t worry, your Medallion will be waiting at the embarkation terminal when you check in. Pickup is quick, and staff will ensure it’s activated before you board. Princess has also hinted that home delivery could expand to more countries soon, so this system may evolve.

Either way, you’ll have your Medallion in hand before you even step onto the ship, ready to start making your holiday a little smoother.

4. Set Up Before You Sail

Here’s where the MedallionClass app becomes your best friend. Download it a week or two before your cruise, log in, and complete your travel profile. You can upload your photo, add payment details, and fill in pre-cruise information.

Doing this ahead of time unlocks the real magic – faster check-in. With everything already set, you’ll breeze through embarkation and spend less time in queues. The app is simple to navigate, and you can even explore the ship layout, daily schedules, and menus before you board.

A few minutes of prep before your cruise can save you a lot of time once you’re standing at the port, eager to start your holiday.

5. Fleetwide and Future-Ready

No matter which Princess ship you sail on, you’ll enjoy the full MedallionClass experience. What started as a high-tech trial on a handful of ships is now standard across the entire fleet, from the newest Sphere-class ships to long-time favourites like Crown Princess.

During the cruise industry shutdown, Princess quietly upgraded every ship to ensure guests could step aboard with the same connected experience anywhere in the world. And it doesn’t stop there; the line continues refining its software, meaning future updates to the app and onboard tech will roll out fleetwide.

6. Instant Cabin Entry

One of the first “wow” moments for most Princess guests happens right outside their stateroom door. As you walk up, your Medallion automatically unlocks it – no tapping, no card-swiping, and no fumbling with your hands full of beach towels and coffee cups.

A small display beside your door even greets you by name, sometimes with a personalised message if you’re celebrating something special.

The system is secure too: the door only unlocks when you’re nearby, and it re-locks as soon as you walk away. It’s effortless and surprisingly easy to get used to – you’ll find yourself wishing hotels worked the same way.

7. Order Food and Drinks Anywhere

Here’s where the Medallion really shines: you can order anything from a cappuccino to a slice of pizza without moving an inch. Open the MedallionClass app, choose what you want, and crew members will deliver it straight to you, whether you’re sunbathing by the pool or relaxing on your balcony.

Because the Medallion tracks your onboard location, your order always finds you. It’s cruise luxury at its most casual. Of course, at peak times, service can slow down, but when it works (and it usually does), it’s a genuine game-changer.

8. Track and Chat With Your Shipmates

Gone are the days of wandering the decks trying to find your friends. The MedallionClass app includes built-in location tracking that lets you see where your travel companions are in real time.

You can also send messages through the app without paying for Wi-Fi, which is a real bonus for families. Parents can check whether the kids are still in the youth club or have headed to the pool, and couples can easily find each other around the ship.

Messages don’t ping like a normal text, you’ll need to check the app to see new ones, but it’s a reliable, cost-free way to stay connected while you’re at sea.

9. Waterproof, Sandproof, Cruise-Proof

You don’t need to worry about taking your Medallion off when it’s time for a dip. It’s fully waterproof and built to handle salt water, chlorine, and sand.

That means you can swim in the pool, enjoy a beach day in port, or relax in the hot tub without removing it. You’ll never need to stash it somewhere “safe” or risk misplacing it.

10. It’s Tiny but Tough

The Medallion might look delicate, but it’s impressively durable. It’s roughly the size of a £2 coin or an Apple AirTag, and light enough that you’ll barely feel it around your neck or wrist.

Its compact design makes it easy to wear in different ways, on the included lanyard, clipped to clothing, or tucked into a bracelet or watch strap. The only downside? Because it’s so small, it’s easy to lose track of it if it’s not secured.

That’s why most cruisers recommend keeping it in a holder at all times. Once you find your preferred style, you’ll forget it’s even there, until it opens your cabin door or calls a waiter to your lounger.

11. Lost It? No Problem

Even if your Medallion does go missing, it’s not the end of the world. Simply stop by Guest Services or the Medallion desk onboard, and the crew will issue a replacement at no charge.

Your old one will be instantly deactivated, so no one else can use it, and since each Medallion is linked to your profile photo, staff would spot any mismatch right away.

If you’ve purchased a paid accessory, though, that won’t be replaced free. Still, it’s reassuring to know that even if yours ends up overboard or lost in a deck chair, Princess will have a new one waiting for you in minutes.

12. Faster Boarding, Happier Start

When you complete your MedallionClass setup before sailing, you unlock one of its biggest benefits: smoother embarkation. By adding your photo, passport details, and payment method in advance, most of your check-in process is already done when you reach the terminal.

Instead of long forms and slow queues, staff can quickly scan your Medallion, confirm your details, and send you straight toward the ship. It is not “priority boarding,” but it definitely feels close. Guests who arrive fully set up often report getting on board in half the time.

13. Customize Your Look

The Medallion comes with a standard white lanyard, but that is just the beginning. Princess sells a full range of accessories, including wrist straps, clips, necklaces, and even jewelry-quality holders in gold or silver tones.

The plastic accessories are inexpensive and practical, while the metal ones add a touch of style for formal nights. If you prefer to mix things up, you can find plenty of creative designs online too. Many frequent cruisers like to coordinate their Medallion with their outfit or theme night.

The key is finding a way to wear it that feels natural for you, because you will be wearing it most of the time.

14. Loyalty Colours That Show Your Status

Your Medallion is more than just a piece of tech. Its center color also reflects your level in the Captain’s Circle loyalty program.

New cruisers receive a blue Medallion, while Gold, Ruby, Platinum, and Elite members get shades that match their tier. It is a small but satisfying touch that lets you show off your Princess experience at a glance.

Each color represents milestones in sailing days or completed voyages, so the more you cruise, the darker and more exclusive your Medallion becomes.

15. Games, Trivia, and Hidden Challenges

Beyond the practical features, the Medallion can also keep you entertained. Around the ship, digital screens allow guests to join in games, trivia, and scavenger hunts that connect through your Medallion ID.

Families love this feature because it turns exploring the ship into an adventure. You can compete for leaderboard spots, join group trivia events, or discover themed digital quests that reward you with points.

It is a lighthearted way to experience the technology, and it gives the kids something fun to do between meals and pool time.

16. The Casino Connection

If you enjoy the casino, your Medallion works there too. It links directly to your onboard account, letting you play slot machines and table games without carrying your cruise card or cash.

To log in, simply place your Medallion near the reader and confirm your identity. For security, the system may ask for your date of birth before activating play. Winnings and losses are automatically charged or credited to your onboard balance, keeping everything simple and paper-free.

17. Safety Note for Pacemaker Wearers

Because the Medallion uses a small magnet and a low-level RF signal, Princess advises guests with pacemakers to take precautions. The device should not be worn within nine inches of a pacemaker.

If you use one, avoid wearing the Medallion on a necklace or lanyard near your chest. Instead, clip it to your clothing or use a wristband. You can also speak with Guest Services for the latest safety recommendations.

18. Powered by a Smart, Long-Lasting Battery

Inside the Medallion is a small, sealed battery roughly the size of a watch cell. It lasts far longer than the average cruise and requires no charging or maintenance.

The Medallion does not use much power, since it only emits short-range signals when you are near sensors around the ship. Even if you receive it weeks before your sailing, it will work perfectly once you are onboard.

If it ever stops functioning during your trip, Guest Services will swap it for a new one free of charge.

19. One Cruise Only – Then It’s Yours

Each Medallion is designed for a single voyage, since the internal battery is sealed and cannot be recharged. Once your cruise ends, you can keep it as a memento of your trip.

Many passengers display their Medallions at home as part of a cruise collection, often alongside past cruise cards or souvenirs.

Princess may eventually introduce rechargeable or reusable versions, but for now, each Medallion is a one-time companion that becomes a keepsake once you disembark.

20. Magnetic and Display-Worthy

The Princess Medallion is not just useful on board, it makes a fun souvenir once you are home. Each one contains a small magnet, so you can stick it to your fridge or display board alongside your favorite cruise photos.

Many frequent cruisers collect them in different colors, treating them like badges of honor from each voyage. It is a small, satisfying reminder of your time at sea, and a great conversation starter when friends visit.

21. You Do Not Have to Use It (But You Will Want To)

Technically, the Medallion is optional, but most guests who try it once never go back to traditional cruise cards. The convenience of touch-free cabin entry, quick ordering, and easy onboard purchases makes daily life smoother.

For anyone hesitant about using new technology, Princess offers short “Medallion 101” sessions on board. These friendly demos explain how everything works in just a few minutes, so even first-time users can feel confident.

If you prefer a more traditional cruise experience, you can simply keep your Medallion in your cabin and check in manually. But chances are, after a day or two of watching other guests use theirs, you will be reaching for yours too.

Final Word

The Princess Medallion is one of the most seamless pieces of cruise technology at sea. It quietly handles the small details, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday. From faster boarding to poolside drink deliveries, it transforms ordinary cruise moments into something smoother and more personal.

If you are sailing with Princess soon, take a few minutes before your trip to download the MedallionClass app and set up your profile. Once you step aboard, you will see just how effortlessly this tiny gadget turns a great cruise into a truly connected one.

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