Planning a cruise is much easier when everyone in your travel party stays connected. If you're sailing with family, friends, or a group, knowing how to add shipmates on the Princess app is essential. The Princess Cruises mobile application allows guests to link reservations, communicate onboard, coordinate activities, and access personalized cruise information.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to add Shipmates in the Princess Cruises app, troubleshoot common issues, and maximize the app's features before and during your voyage.
The Princess Cruises app (formerly MedallionClass app and now integrated into the Princess experience) serves as the primary digital hub for cruise guests. Travelers can use the app to:
Complete pre-cruise check-in.
View travel documents.
Reserve dining experiences.
Book shore excursions.
Access onboard schedules.
Communicate with fellow travelers.
Manage OceanReady requirements.
One of its most valuable features is the ability to connect with fellow guests as Shipmates.
In the Princess Cruises ecosystem, Shipmates are other guests sailing on the same voyage with whom you've established a connection inside the app.
Adding Shipmates allows you to:
View linked travelers in your cruise party.
Coordinate dining reservations.
Share plans and activities.
Message one another while onboard (depending on available services and cruise policies).
Manage group experiences more efficiently.
This feature is especially helpful for:
Families occupying multiple staterooms.
Friends traveling together.
Large reunion groups.
Multi-generational vacations.
Follow these instructions to add Shipmates successfully.
Before adding anyone, ensure that:
The Princess Cruises app is installed on your smartphone or tablet.
You sign in using the same Princess account associated with your booking.
Your cruise reservation appears under your account.
If your booking is not visible, verify that your booking number is correctly linked.
After logging in:
Launch the app.
Select your upcoming cruise.
Navigate to your booking dashboard.
You should now see cruise details, countdown information, and guest management options.
Depending on app updates and device type (iOS or Android), menu labels may vary slightly.
Look for options such as:
Travel Companions
Shipmates
Travel Party
My Journey
OceanReady Guest List
Select the relevant section.
Tap the Add Shipmate button.
The app may request one or more of the following details:
Information RequiredPurpose
Booking numberVerifies reservation
Last nameConfirms traveler identity
Date of birthAdditional verification
Stateroom numberMatches guests onboard
Enter the requested information exactly as it appears on the cruise reservation.
Once the information is verified:
Review the traveler details.
Confirm the addition.
Wait for the system to process the request.
Some connections appear instantly, while others may require acceptance or additional verification.
After completion, the new Shipmate should appear in your list.
You can now:
Coordinate plans.
Schedule group dining.
Organize excursions.
Manage shared cruise activities.
Before attempting to connect travelers, ensure these conditions are met.
Guests generally need confirmed reservations on the same sailing.
Even small discrepancies may prevent successful linking.
Examples include:
Misspelled names.
Incorrect birth dates.
Outdated booking numbers.
For full functionality, each traveler should create and sign in to their personal Princess account.
Many guests encounter issues while linking reservations. The following table outlines common problems and solutions.
ProblemPossible CauseRecommended Solution
Guest cannot be foundIncorrect booking informationVerify booking number and spelling
Cruise not showingReservation not linked to accountAdd booking manually
Connection request failsGuest not on same sailingConfirm voyage details
App error or freezingOutdated app versionUpdate app and restart device
Duplicate traveler profileMultiple accounts existContact Princess support
If adding Shipmates still does not work, try these proven solutions.
Older app versions frequently cause synchronization problems.
Check your device's app store for updates before troubleshooting further.
Refreshing your session often resolves temporary connection issues.
Double-check:
First and last names.
Cruise booking number.
Sailing date.
Birth date.
Even minor differences can prevent successful linking.
Reinstalling clears corrupted data and refreshes the app environment.
If problems persist, customer support can verify reservation records and manually investigate account issues.
Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on whether Princess customer service can manually establish all Shipmate connections in every situation. Policies may vary depending on booking circumstances.
Experienced cruisers recommend setting up Shipmates well before embarkation.
Avoid waiting until embarkation day when internet connectivity and port congestion may create delays.
Separate accounts improve personalization and simplify onboard communication.
Store:
Booking confirmations.
Stateroom assignments.
Travel documents.
Emergency contact information.
Open the app several days before departure to ensure all guests appear correctly.
Consider a family reunion involving grandparents, parents, and adult children booked across four staterooms.
By adding all travelers as Shipmates before embarkation, the group can:
Coordinate specialty dining reservations.
Plan shore excursions together.
Share daily activity schedules.
Locate meeting times efficiently.
This preparation significantly reduces confusion once onboard and improves the overall cruise experience.
When adding Shipmates:
Only share booking details with trusted travel companions.
Avoid sending reservation information through unsecured channels.
Review privacy settings within the app when available.
Use strong account passwords.
Protecting account credentials helps safeguard personal travel information.
1. Can I add Shipmates before the cruise starts?
Yes. Princess encourages guests to complete setup before embarkation whenever possible.
2. Do Shipmates need to stay in the same stateroom?
No. Travelers in separate staterooms can usually be connected if they are sailing on the same voyage.
3. Can I add friends traveling under different reservations?
Yes, provided you have the required reservation details and both guests meet app requirements.
4. Why can't I find the Shipmates option?
The feature location may vary depending on app updates, operating system, or cruise configuration.
5. Does every guest need a Princess account?
For full app functionality, individual accounts are strongly recommended.
6. Can children be added as Shipmates?
Yes. Family members, including minors traveling under reservations, can generally be included within travel party management features.
7. What if my booking does not appear in the app?
Manually link the reservation using your booking number and personal details.
8. Can I remove a Shipmate later?
Yes. Most app versions allow travelers to modify or remove connections through account or travel party settings.
9. Is internet access required to use Shipmates onboard?
Certain communication features may require onboard connectivity. Functionality can vary by ship and itinerary.
10. What should I do if the app continues showing errors?
Update the app, reinstall it, verify reservation information, and contact Princess Cruises support if problems remain unresolved.
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