Our Commercial Manager, Tracy Clenshaw was recently afforded the opportunity to embark on a journey aboard Caribbean Princess. She was there to test out the new OceanMedallion tech-accessory that’s making waves (pun intended) in the cruising industry.
If you’re like me and not fully aware of how things work whilst cruising, this little device can save you. It’s essentially your wallet, keys and phone all in one. It is your personal waiter, navigator and calendar. Tracy tells of her experience on board the ship, and how using this nifty little device made her experience that little bit extra special!
“I was so lucky to be invited as a guest on board Caribbean Princess to sample the brand-new OceanMedallion technology from Princess Cruises.
Technology
The Medallion is a genius device (roughly the size of a 50 pence piece) that you can wear in a variety of ways: as a bracelet, sports band, clip or lanyard. I bought the necklace to wear, and I’ve actually been wearing it ever since!
Essentially a replacement for the old-fashioned key card, although it’s so much more than that… It’s your credit card, passport and ID. In other words, it’s your must-have companion that provides an unrivalled level of service and personalised attention.
It starts with embarkation
Before leaving your home, it’s best to complete all required information and download the OceanMedallion app. This way, you can walk straight through security and on board within minutes – no fuss and completely stress-free. I know what you’re thinking; ‘How will it work without WiFi?’ Princess Cruises offers Internet that you can use on the ship, at all times. MedallionNet was super fast. I was able to stream movies, music and scroll social media – even on the beach!
First-class service
OceanNow is a feature that allows you to order whatever you need, wherever you are. Whether you’re by the pool or chilling in the hot tub, the Medallion will locate where you are and serve you. You can order food, your favourite drink, more pillows, room service – basically anything, and you’ll receive 24/7, personalised, on-demand service!
Location, location, location
If you’re like me and have children who are 11 and 9 years old, you’ll be all too aware of their increasing independence. This is where the OceanCompass app will help you to find your shipmates anywhere, anytime, during your time on board. This meant that my children were given the freedom to explore and myself the security and peace of mind to know exactly where they are at all times.
As well as knowing where my children were, the OceanCompass helped me navigate my way around the ship. The app offered step-by-step guides of how to get to wherever I needed to go, and how long it would take me to get there!
Interactivity
Kids love to be interactive. That’s why they absolutely loved the PlayOcean games. They played Under the Stars on the giant pool screen, location-based scavenger hunts around the ship, and for those whose children are a little shy, they can create their very own digital companion, that interacts with them at different portals around the ship.
Personal concierge
Finally, my favourite aspect of the Medallion was the OceanConcierge feature. It was the perfect go-to source for information, from browsing restaurant menus, receiving the ship’s itinerary, booking spa treatments and keeping an eye on your onboard account!
All in all, the OceanMedallion is like no other, and I genuinely cannot wait to go back and do it all again – especially as it’s being rolled out on more of the Princess Cruises fleet. The next ship to feature the OceanMedallion is rumoured to be the Crown Princess in July 2020! I’m certain UK Guests are seriously going to love it as well!”
