Princess Cruises MedallionClass: Tips for 2026

If you’re sailing with Princess Cruises, you’ve probably heard about MedallionClass—Princess’s signature technology that unlocks your stateroom, speeds up embarkation, lets you order food anywhere on the ship, and helps you find your travel companions. After multiple Princess sailings, I’ve learned exactly what’s helpful, what’s confusing, and what you really need to know before you board.

This guide breaks down how the Princess Medallion works, how to get OceanReady, the best accessories to buy, troubleshooting tips, and whether MedallionClass is worth it for your family. I personally love Medallion Technology. It makes cruising so easy.

Sky Princess in Skjolden Norway August 2025

Planning your next Princess cruise? Explore my full Princess Cruises 2026 Guide for ship reviews, dining tips, package breakdowns, and hacks to save money.

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What Is the Princess Medallion?

The Princess Medallion is a small, wearable device (about the size of a quarter) that replaces your cruise key card. It uses Bluetooth and NFC technology to personalize your onboard experience and make everything faster and easier.

What the Medallion Does:

• Automatically unlocks your stateroom

• Speeds up embarkation

• Lets you order food and drinks almost anywhere

• Helps you find your shipmates

• Enables casino play

• Tracks your onboard purchases

• Connects to the MedallionClass app

It’s free for all Princess guests, and you can have it shipped to your home before your cruise (in most regions).

How to Get OceanReady Before Your Cruise

To use your Medallion, you’ll complete OceanReady steps in the Princess MedallionClass app. Doing this ahead of time makes embarkation much smoother.

OceanReady Checklist:

• Upload a passport photo

• Add travel documents

• Complete your health questionnaire

• Set up your onboard payment method

• Add emergency contact info

• Upload a security photo

Once everything is complete, your app will show a green OceanReady checkmark.

Setting Up the Princess MedallionClass App

The app can be glitchy (every Princess cruiser knows this), but it’s essential for using MedallionClass features.

What You Can Do in the App:

• View your itinerary

• Make dining reservations

• Order food and drinks

• Track your stateroom location

• Chat with shipmates

• View your onboard account

• Access your MedallionClass profile

Tip: Log in on Wi‑Fi at home before boarding. The app behaves better once you’re already signed in.

What the Medallion Can Do Onboard

Here’s what you can expect once you’re on the ship:

1. Automatic Stateroom Door Unlocking

As you approach your cabin, the door unlocks hands‑free. No more digging for a key card.

2. OceanNow Delivery

Order food and drinks, and it will find you on the ship.

3. Faster Embarkation

Green lane = walk right on. Blue lane = a little slower. Gray lane = you’ll need help from an agent.

4. Find Your Shipmates

The app shows your travel companions’ locations (with their permission). Great for families. I love tracking my dad and son.

5. Casino Play

Tap your Medallion to play slots or table games without carrying cash.

6. Onboard Purchases

Everything you buy is linked to your Medallion.

Glacier Bay National Park June 2025 on the Royal Princess

The Medallion

When you receive your medallion, it comes on a white princess lanyard. You can see it in my picture above at Glacier Bay. However, you can buy accessories for your medallion. Amazon has some accessories for the Medallion.

👉Check out my favorite Medallion accessories on Amazon

Is Princess MedallionClass Worth It? (My Honest Review)

For me, yes—especially for families. The hands‑free cabin access, ability to find your kids or spouse, and OceanNow delivery make the cruise feel smoother and more modern. The app can be glitchy, but the benefits outweigh the frustrations.

If you’re a first‑time Princess cruiser, MedallionClass will feel like a major upgrade.

Recommended Princess Guides:

Discover the latest changes to the Princess Cruises Packages

Everything you need to know about Dining Reservations

Discover the benefits of Princess Cruises Loyalty

Free dining on Princess Cruises

Is the Princess Plus Package worth it?

FAQs About Princess MedallionClass

Do you need the Princess Medallion?

Yes—Princess uses MedallionClass on all ships, and it replaces your key card.

Is the Medallion free?

Yes, the device is included with your cruise fare.

What if my Medallion doesn’t arrive?

You’ll pick one up at the port during check‑in.

Can you cruise without the app?

Yes, but you’ll miss features like OceanNow and shipmate tracking.

Does the Medallion track your location?

Only for onboard services like delivery and finding your travel companions.

What accessories work with the Medallion?

Any lanyard, clip, bracelet, or holder designed for Princess MedallionClass.

About the Author

Julie is a travel‑hacking expert and the founder of NO POINT LEFT BEHIND, a resource for families who want to turn everyday spending into unforgettable trips. She shares practical guides, points strategies, and real‑life travel experiences to help you maximize every dollar. Stay connected — follow Julie on Facebook for fresh travel tips and join the Travel Hacking Moms Facebook Group to be part of a supportive community of travelers learning together.