Why the Princess MedallionClass is a Total Game Changer for Your Next Vacation

If you’ve been on a cruise before, you know the drill. You carry around a plastic lanyard with your room key, you wait in lines to check-in, and you spend half your time trying to figure out where your spouse disappeared to after they said they were going to "grab a quick coffee."

Well, the travel world is changing fast in 2025, and Princess Cruises has officially moved the goalposts. Here at Expedia Cruises in Port Perry, we’ve seen a lot of tech come and go, but the Princess MedallionClass is something different. It’s not just a gadget; it’s a total shift in how you experience a vacation.

What is the Princess Medallion?

At the heart of this experience is the Medallion itself: a quarter-sized, wearable device that replaces your traditional cruise card. You can wear it as a wristband, a pendant, a clip, or even just keep it in your pocket. It’s waterproof, heatproof, and requires no charging or "turning on."

Think of it as your personal concierge, your wallet, and your GPS all rolled into one tiny, stylish disc. But the magic isn't just in the device; it’s in the entire ecosystem of the ship that recognizes you as you move through your day.

1. Hands-Free, Hassle-Free Boarding

The "game-changer" status starts before you even step foot on the ship. By using the Princess Cruises app to become "OceanReady" before you leave home, you can sail through the embarkation process.

• The Green Lane: When you arrive at the terminal with your Medallion already in hand (or mailed to your home), you get to skip the traditional check-in lines.

• Touchless Check-in: Most of the paperwork is done in the app, meaning you spend less time in a terminal and more time at the pool.

• Safety Essentials: You can even complete your safety briefing (the muster drill) on your smartphone or stateroom TV, leaving you more time to explore the ship on your own terms.

2. OceanNow: Your Personal Delivery Service

Imagine you’ve found the perfect lounger on the upper deck. The sun is hitting just right, and you’ve finally settled into that book you’ve been meaning to read for months. Then, you realize you’re thirsty.

In the old days, you’d have to pack up your things, find your shoes, trek to the bar, wait in line, and hope nobody took your chair while you were gone.

With OceanNow, those days are over.

• Order Anywhere: Whether you’re at the pool, in the theater, or tucked away in a quiet corner of the ship, you can order food, drinks, or even retail items (like sunscreen or a fresh towel) through the app or your stateroom TV.

• GPS Precision: Because of the Medallion tech, the crew knows exactly where you are. They will find you and deliver your order directly to your seat.

• No Lines: This feature completely eliminates the need to stand in line at the bar or buffet when you're in relaxation mode.

3. Keyless Stateroom Entry

This is one of those features you didn’t know you needed until you have it. As you walk down the hallway toward your cabin, the ship’s sensors pick up your Medallion’s signal.

• Automatic Unlocking: By the time you reach your door, it’s already unlocked.

• Personalized Greeting: A small digital screen next to your door will flash a "Welcome Back" message with your name.

• Hands-Full Convenience: If you’re carrying shopping bags from the boutique or two plates of pizza for a movie night in bed, you don't have to fumble for a key card. It just works.

4. Easy Navigation and "ShipMates"

Cruise ships are getting bigger and more impressive every year. While that means more amenities, it can also make finding your way around a bit of a challenge.

• OceanCompass: This is the ship’s built-in navigation system. You can use the touchscreens located throughout the ship or the app on your phone to get point-to-point directions to any restaurant, lounge, or activity.

• Find My Friends: If you’re traveling with family or a group, you can use the "ShipMates" feature to locate your party members on the ship. No more wandering the decks looking for your kids or trying to coordinate a meeting spot via expensive text messages.

• Peace of Mind for Parents: Knowing you can see exactly where your teens are hanging out gives you a lot more freedom to go enjoy the Sanctuary Club or a spa treatment.

5. MedallionNet: The Best Wi-Fi at Sea

Let’s be honest: in 2026, we all want to stay connected, even when we’re in the middle of the ocean. Princess has invested heavily in MedallionNet, which provides land-like internet speeds.

• Streaming Capability: You can actually stream your favorite shows, FaceTime your family back in Ontario, or upload high-res photos of your shore excursions in real-time.

• Work from Sea: For those who need to check in on the office (we won't tell!), the connection is stable enough for video calls and large file transfers.

• Affordability: Compared to the clunky, expensive satellite internet of the past, MedallionNet offers much more value for your money.

6. Personalization at Scale

One of the most impressive parts of the MedallionClass experience is how it helps the crew serve you better.

• Preferences Recognized: Because the crew has tablets that recognize your Medallion as you approach, they can see your preferences. If you have a specific food allergy or a favorite cocktail, they can be prepared before you even say a word.

• Special Occasions: Is it your anniversary or birthday? The crew will know, and you might just find a little extra magic coming your way throughout the day.

• MedallionPay: Forget carrying a wallet. Your Medallion handles all your onboard purchases, from the casino to the specialty restaurants, with a simple touchless scan.

Why This Matters for Your 2026 Vacation

At Expedia Cruises in Port Perry, Robert and the team are always looking for ways to make your travel experience seamless. We recommend the Princess MedallionClass specifically for travelers who want to maximize their "relaxation-to-logistics" ratio.

When you remove the friction of waiting in lines, searching for your room key, and hunting down your travel companions, you’re left with more time to actually be on vacation. Whether you're planning a 2026 Mediterranean adventure or a Caribbean getaway, this technology ensures that your time is spent on experiences, not admin.

Our Promise to You

We are more than just a booking site; we are your personal navigators. At Expedia Cruises, we are committed to providing you with the best travel advice and the most seamless booking experience possible.

• Expert Advice: We stay up to date on all the latest tech, like the MedallionClass, so you don't have to.

• Wide Selection: We offer access to every major cruise line and land-based vacation provider.

• Exclusive Extras: Booking with us often comes with perks you won't find anywhere else.

• Trust and Reliability: As a President's Circle - Silver member, we have the experience to handle every detail of your trip.

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Contact Information

Ready to experience the MedallionClass for yourself? Give us a call or stop by our office to start planning your 2026 dream vacation.

Expedia Cruises in Port Perry Phone: 905-982-8855 Location: 1888 Scugog Street, Port Perry, ON

Standard Business Hours:

• Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Saturday: 10:00am - 3:00 PM

• Sunday: Closed