Princess Cruises Unveils Revolutionary High-Tech Device ‘Ocean Medallion’

5/1/2017

Princess Cruises is to revolutionise the cruise industry with a new gadget called an ‘Ocean Medallion’ which will replace the regular stateroom keycard.

The new wearable technology will enable guests to seamlessly open their stateroom doors and make purchases on board and is set to first debut on Regal Princess from November 2017, followed by Royal Princess and Caribbean Princess in 2018 and eventually the rest of the Princess Cruises fleet.

The high-tech device will be laser-etched with the guest’s name, ship and cruise date and will be provided to all passengers at no cost. Inside each Ocean Medallion will be numerous communication technologies including Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). An invisible yet complex network of interactive, intelligent sensors and devices will be placed throughout each ship as well as home ports and a range of cruise destinations.

The new Ocean Medallions will be in the form of a small disc, which can be accessorised with jewellery, wristbands or simply carried in a pocket.

The Ocean Medallion will make both the embarkation and disembarkation progress more hassle-free and efficient. Guests will be able to unlock their staterooms by simply walking up to the door and will also be able to locate family or friends around the ship. The device will also allow guests to make on board purchases, take part in interactive gaming and immersive entertainment experiences.

The Ocean Medallion will also give guests easy access to retail merchandise, photos, spa services and destination excursions. Guests will also be able to personalise their dining experience, such as being able to place and view the whereabouts of their food and beverage orders. The new device will also enhance the interaction between guests and crew.

John Padgett, Chief Experience and Innovation Officer for Carnival Corporation, said: “The Ocean Medallion creates an elevated level of service that’s made possible by technology but doesn’t feel like technology. Whether guests are exploring new experience options, having a drink delivered to their seat at the night’s show or trying their luck gaming while lounging poolside, we will assist our guests wherever they are, while engaging with them in a uniquely personal way. Our mission is to help our guests make the most of every moment of their vacation.”

In addition to the Ocean Medallion will be a new digital portal that serves as a cruise concierge before, during and after a cruise. The new portal to be known as Ocean Compass will be available online, on smart devices, on kiosks at some ports, on stateroom televisions, on interactive screens throughout the ships and on devices carried by crew members. Guests will be able to use the Ocean Compass to further enhance their cruise experience, creating their own personalised event-based itineraries.

The Ocean Medallion will not only be revolutionary for the cruise industry, but the broader travel industry also. It was officially introduced by Arnold Donald, CEO, Carnival Corporation on 05 January 2017 in Las Vegas at the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show.