Does each passenger need a Princess Medallion app?

Planning a Princess Cruises vacation often raises one important question: Does each passenger need a Princess Medallion App? The short answer is no—not every passenger is required to have the app. However, whether each traveler should download it depends on their age, travel preferences, and how they plan to use onboard features.

The Princess Medallion App (now integrated with Princess Cruises' digital experience) is designed to simplify check-in, dining reservations, stateroom access, onboard purchases, communication, and activity planning. While one traveler can often manage reservations for multiple guests, having the app on each passenger's smartphone provides a smoother and more personalized cruise experience.

In this guide, we'll explain who needs the app, who doesn't, how it works, and what to expect before boarding.

What Is the Princess Medallion App?

The Princess Medallion App is the mobile companion to Princess Cruises' MedallionClass experience. It works together with the wearable OceanMedallion, a small device issued to guests before or at embarkation.

The app allows passengers to:

• Complete online check-in

• Upload travel documents

• View boarding information

• Reserve specialty dining

• Book shore excursions

• Purchase beverage packages

• Chat with travel companions

• Find friends and family onboard

• Unlock eligible stateroom doors

• Order food and drinks almost anywhere on the ship

• Review onboard charges

The wearable Medallion performs many functions independently, while the app provides the digital interface for managing your cruise.

Does Every Passenger Need the Princess Medallion App?

No. Every passenger does not need to install the Princess Medallion App.

A single traveler can often manage cruise details for multiple people under the same booking. However, there are situations where each passenger benefits from having their own account and app installed.

One App May Be Enough If:

• You're traveling as a couple.

• One person manages all reservations.

• Other travelers don't use smartphones.

• Children are traveling with parents.

• Family members don't need separate notifications.

Each Passenger Should Have the App If They Want To:

• Order food independently.

• Track their own itinerary.

• Chat with other passengers.

• Receive personal notifications.

• View individual purchases.

• Manage dining reservations.

• Locate travel companions onboard.

• Use personalized activity schedules.

How the OceanMedallion Works Without the App

One common misconception is that the smartphone app replaces the Medallion.

It doesn't.

The wearable OceanMedallion handles many onboard functions automatically, including:

FeatureRequires App?Works with Medallion

Cabin Door UnlockNoYes

Boarding the ShipNoYes

Security IdentificationNoYes

Onboard PurchasesNoYes

Crew Passenger RecognitionNoYes

Location ServicesPartiallyYes

Dining ReservationsUsually AppRecommended

Food DeliveryApp RecommendedLimited

The app mainly enhances convenience rather than replacing the wearable device.

Benefits of Having the App for Every Passenger

Although it isn't mandatory, there are several advantages to installing the app individually.

Personalized Cruise Experience

Each guest can create their own schedule, favorite activities, and dining preferences.

This prevents confusion when multiple travelers share one device.

Faster Communication

Passengers can exchange messages onboard without relying entirely on Wi-Fi messaging apps.

This becomes especially useful for families splitting up during excursions or onboard activities.

Easier Food and Beverage Ordering

Each traveler can place their own orders without waiting for someone else to use the phone.

The crew can often deliver items directly based on the Medallion's location.

Independent Reservation Management

Guests can:

• Modify dining reservations

• Book spa appointments

• Reserve entertainment

• Purchase specialty experiences

without asking another traveler to handle everything.

Is the App Required Before Boarding?

Princess Cruises strongly recommends completing check-in before arriving at the terminal.

Using the app before embarkation allows passengers to:

• Upload passport information

• Complete health questionnaires (when applicable)

• Add payment methods

• Review travel documents

• Receive boarding times

• Speed up embarkation

While some information may be completed at the terminal, arriving fully checked in generally results in a faster boarding process.

Can One Person Manage Multiple Passengers?

Yes.

If everyone is traveling under the same booking, one individual can typically manage:

• Check-in

• Payment information

• Dining reservations

• Shore excursions

• Cruise documents

Many families prefer this approach because it keeps everything organized in one place.

However, once onboard, individual passengers may still prefer using their own devices for convenience.

What About Children?

Children generally do not need their own Princess Medallion App.

Parents or guardians usually manage:

• Booking information

• Check-in

• Dining

• Activities

• Purchases

Children still receive their own OceanMedallion, allowing crew members to identify them and provide onboard services.

Can Seniors Cruise Without Using the App?

Absolutely.

Many older passengers choose not to install the app.

The OceanMedallion still enables:

• Boarding

• Cabin entry

• Purchases

• Crew recognition

Guest Services can also assist with reservations and onboard questions throughout the cruise.

Internet Connection Requirements

The app functions differently before and during your cruise.

Before Boarding

An internet connection is required to:

• Log in

• Upload documents

• Complete check-in

• Make reservations

During the Cruise

Many onboard features work through the ship's internal network.

Some functions may require an internet package depending on the feature being used, while others operate through Princess's onboard systems.

Common Situations

Couple Traveling Together

One phone is often enough.

However, two phones make ordering food, messaging, and viewing personal schedules much easier.

Family of Four

Parents usually manage bookings before sailing.

Once onboard, teenagers may appreciate having the app for messaging and activity planning.

Large Group Cruise

Each passenger should ideally have the app installed.

It simplifies:

• Meeting up

• Sharing locations

• Managing reservations

• Communicating throughout the voyage

Setting Up the Princess Medallion Experience

Follow these steps before your cruise:

1. Download the official Princess Cruises app.

2. Create or sign in to your Princess account.

3. Enter your booking number.

4. Add each traveler in your reservation.

5. Upload required travel documents.

6. Complete check-in.

7. Add payment information.

8. Select your arrival time.

9. Review dining and excursion options.

10. Keep the app updated before departure.

If you're wondering how to add travel companions on Princess app, passengers booked together can generally be linked through the reservation or booking details, allowing the primary traveler to manage shared cruise information before sailing.

Pros and Cons of Each Passenger Having the App

AdvantagesDisadvantages

Personalized schedulesMultiple devices to manage

Easier messagingOlder travelers may not use smartphones

Independent food orderingBattery dependence

Individual reservationsInitial setup takes time

Faster access to notificationsSome features duplicate shared booking management

Tips for a Better Princess Cruise Experience

• Complete check-in several days before departure.

• Keep your smartphone fully charged.

• Enable app notifications.

• Carry your OceanMedallion at all times.

• Review dining reservations before boarding.

• Add a payment method in advance.

• Update the app before your sailing date.

• Visit Guest Services if you encounter technical issues onboard.

Frequently Asked Questions?

1. Is the Princess Medallion App mandatory?

No. The app is highly recommended but is not mandatory for every passenger. The OceanMedallion itself provides many essential onboard functions.

2. Can two passengers share one app?

Yes. Many couples and families share one account to manage reservations and check-in. Individual apps simply provide added convenience.

3. Do children need the Princess Medallion App?

Usually not. Parents can manage children's cruise details through the primary reservation.

4. Can I board the ship without the app?

Yes. As long as your travel documents and boarding requirements have been completed according to Princess Cruises' procedures, boarding is still possible.

5. Does the OceanMedallion work without internet?

Yes. Many core onboard functions rely on the Medallion and the ship's onboard technology rather than a personal internet connection.

6. Can I use the app on multiple devices?

In many cases, passengers can access their Princess account from compatible devices, although account security measures and login requirements may apply.

7. What happens if my phone battery dies?

Your OceanMedallion continues to function for essential onboard services such as cabin access, purchases, and passenger identification.

8. Can I make dining reservations without the app?

Yes. Dining reservations can often be made through Guest Services or onboard dining staff if you choose not to use the app.

9. Does every passenger receive an OceanMedallion?

Yes. Eligible Princess Cruises guests receive an OceanMedallion for use during their voyage.

10. Can I remove the app after my cruise?

Yes. Once your cruise is complete, you may uninstall the app if you no longer need access to your cruise information.