Princess Cruises MedallionClass: Tips for 2026
Updated for 2026 — how the Medallion works, how to get OceanReady, what to expect onboard, and the accessories that make cruising easier.
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 (including several casino offers each year), 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 Medallion works, how to get OceanReady, the best accessories to buy, troubleshooting tips, and whether MedallionClass is worth it for your family.
Planning your next Princess cruise? Start with my Princess Cruises 2026 Guide for ship reviews, dining tips, package breakdowns, and money‑saving strategies.
This post may contain affiliate or referral links. Using them never costs you anything extra, and it helps support the free travel‑hacking resources on NoPointLeftBehind.net.
⭐ 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 travel companions
Enables casino play
Tracks onboard purchases
Connects to the MedallionClass app
It’s free for all Princess guests, and in most regions, you can have it shipped to your home before your cruise.
If you’re planning a Princess cruise, I also tested OceanNow on our last sailing — my full review breaks down what’s changed in 2026 → OceanNow Delivery Review 2026: What Changed on Princess Cruises
⭐ 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 anywhere on the ship.
3. Faster Embarkation
Green lane: walk right on
Blue lane: slightly slower
Gray lane: agent assistance needed
4. Find Your Shipmates
The app shows your travel companions’ locations (with permission). I love tracking my dad and son — it makes sea days so much easier.
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.
⭐ Medallion Accessories (What I Actually Use)
Your Medallion arrives on a basic white lanyard, but accessories make it easier to wear and harder to lose.
👉 Check out my favorite Medallion accessories on Amazon (lanyards, clips, bracelets, and waterproof holders)
⭐ 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
⭐ 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, it’s 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.
