Princess Cruises said three more ships will be equipped to
use the Ocean Medallion wearable device, starting with the Golden Princess and
Crown Princess in November 2018.
They will be followed by the Ruby Princess in January 2019.
The Bluetooth-enabled Ocean Medallion, which can be worn as
a wristband or pendant, will enable guests to enter their stateroom and pay for
onboard purchases. But that just scratches the surface of its promised
capabilities.
When used in tandem with the Ocean Compass app, the
Medallion will offer location-based services, enabling parents to know where
their kids are located on the ship via their Medallions.
The technology also is a digital concierge. After guests
establish a profile, they will be sent suggestions and invitations to events
and activities onboard and ashore based on their preferences indicated in the
profile.
Further, guests will be able use the app and Medallion to
order a drink and have it delivered to them poolside, or wherever they happen
to be on the ship. The Medallion also will enable guests to play interactive
games at "ocean portals" found throughout the ship.
The first ship to use the Ocean Medallion will be the Regal
Princess, on a Nov. 12 cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The ship already has been
wired for the technology, as has the Caribbean Princess, Royal Princess and
Island Princess.
The cruise line plans to eventually equip all of its ships
with Ocean Medallion capability.