{"id":741,"title":"How Princess Cruises actually work","slug":"how-princess-cruises-actually-work","lang":"en","description":"This article explains Princess Cruises’ MedallionClass technology and how the OceanMedallion supports stateroom access, food and drink ordering, cruise preparation, and onboard service requests. It also covers Princess stateroom categories, Mini-Suites, full Suites, accessible accommodations, included amenities, add-on packages, and booking options.","content":"

Princess Cruises runs a fleet of 17 ships, and as of 2025, every single one is equipped with what the line calls MedallionClass technology, according to Cruise Critic's fleet overview. Unlike ship classes built around size or age, MedallionClass simply refers to any Princess ship outfitted with the OceanMedallion, a wearable device that replaces the traditional cruise card entirely.

What MedallionClass Actually Does

The OceanMedallion is a small, casino-chip-sized wearable that unlocks stateroom doors automatically as a guest approaches, according to World of Cruising's stateroom guide. It also powers OceanNow, letting guests order food and drinks from anywhere on the ship through the Princess app, with delivery tracked to their exact location. A companion feature, OceanReady, lets travelers upload passport details, complete cruise documents, and pre-select their Medallion accessories from home to speed up boarding. Guests can also use the app to track family members' locations on board and send service requests directly to crew members, according to Travel Arbitrage's 2026 MedallionClass guide.

Stateroom Categories

Princess organizes its accommodations from Interior staterooms up through full Suites, with most categories offering multiple sub-types based on view, space, and included features. Mini-Suites sit between Balcony staterooms and full Suites, running roughly 304 to 389 square feet and including a separate seating area, a sofa bed, and two flat-screen TVs across the fleet. On Sun Princess and Star Princess, Cabana Mini-Suites add a private semi-outdoor cabana area with its own television.

Full Suites offer even more space and are automatically enrolled in either the Reserve Collection or Sanctuary Collection, depending on the ship, giving access to an exclusive dining area. Mini-Suites can also join Reserve or Sanctuary Collection if selected at the time of booking. At the top end, Sky Suites, available on select ships like Sky Princess and Sun Princess, offer up to 1,800-plus square feet with an extra-large private balcony. Two categories of fully accessible staterooms are also available fleetwide, designed with wider doorways, roll-in or transfer showers, and grab bars for guests with mobility needs.

What's Included and What Costs Extra

Base fares cover the stateroom, dining across included venues, and access to MedallionClass digital features. Some conveniences, like OceanNow delivery, typically carry an extra charge unless a guest has selected one of Princess's add-on dining and beverage tiers, Princess Plus or Princess Premier, which fold in extras like Wi-Fi and specialty dining credits.

How Booking Works

Reservations can be made directly through princess.com by selecting a ship, itinerary, and stateroom category, or through a travel advisor. Guests can also complete OceanReady steps from home well before departure to streamline embarkation day.

FAQs

Do I need to buy the OceanMedallion separately?
No, every guest receives one at no added charge upon booking, with a choice of several colors.

Is Wi-Fi included in every stateroom category?
Not automatically. Wi-Fi access is typically included through the Princess Plus or Princess Premier add-ons rather than the base fare.

What's the difference between Reserve Collection and Sanctuary Collection?
Both grant access to an exclusive dining area for suite guests, but which one applies depends on the specific ship, since Sanctuary Collection is used on Sun Princess and Star Princess while Reserve Collection covers the rest of the fleet.

Are accessible staterooms available on every ship?
Yes, Princess includes accessible stateroom categories across its entire fleet, designed for varying levels of mobility need.

Conclusion

Princess Cruises centers its onboard experience around the OceanMedallion, which simplifies everything from cabin access to food delivery, while its stateroom lineup ranges from practical Interior rooms to expansive Sky Suites. Since Wi-Fi and certain conveniences depend on add-on tiers rather than the base fare, checking exactly what's included before booking helps avoid surprises once on board.

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