Can someone explain the benefit of the medallion to me as the customer?

[Host CJSKIDS]

The door hardware is different on the Lido Deck cabins where the medallion tablet is installed. Don't see a slot for the cruise card.

 

This is true. On the doors on the various decks they have changed to the door handle. If the medallion didn't work back in December you actually placed your card or medallion up to the tablet.

[Globehoppers]

Once fully operational, there are quite a few advantages to the Medallion.

 

You'll be able to bypass check-in and go directly to security and board the ship at embarkation.

 

Your cabin door will automatically unlock as you approach it and re-lock after leaving.

 

It won't demagnetize.

 

You'll be able to receive notifications of fresh foods in the IC and elsewhere.

 

You'll be able to make spa, specialty restaurant and other reservations on your device 24/7. You can get a massage in your cabin, for instance.

 

Your drink packages will be automatically recognized by your server.

 

You'll be able to automatically review ship photos of yourself on your device.

 

You'll be able to play casino, bingo, and trivia games and scavenger hunts on your device.

 

And more...

 

You'll be able to turn options on and off. And, you'll have the option of not using the Medallion and using a cruise card if you wish but then you won't have access to these benefits. And they are benefits.

 

Lots of supposition and wishful thinking. The only "benefit" of the medallion for the "guest" is access to the cabin, which is easy and efficient with a cruise card. Everything else requires a smart device linked to the medallion and which you must carry with you. I seriously doubt that you will be able to "bypass" checkin in any form or fashion. Now it they could use it to manage elevators to reduce wait times, THAT would be a benefit.

[paradiselivin1]

Now it they could use it to manage elevators to reduce wait times, THAT would be a benefit.

 

And the lines for anytime dining....

[cruzsnooze]

If you get lost they'll know where you are. I see no benefit and hate the idea of being tracked. I won't use it, I'll keep it in an RFID wallet or sleeve except for the second or 2 I need it to open my cabin door.

[Hlitner]

I can see one "benefit." Say you are somebody who spends a lot of time in the bathroom (perhaps that is your personal reading room). One evening there is a knock at your cabin door and there is a nurse (from the medical department) standing at your door. He/she inquires if everything is OK...or if anyone in the cabin has been experiencing some GI issues. If so, they will be happy to treat your problem for only $200....but you will not even need to show your cruise card since that charge will be handled via your medallion :).

 

Somebody mentioned that to "enjoy" most of the benefits of the *****...each person would have to carry their own Smartphone (or tablet) that is linked to the *****. Personally, once we get aboard any cruise we turn off our phones and lock them in the safe.....only pulling them out when near a port (where we can use shorebased cells...or a few minutes a day if we want to check for text messages. We will wait to read about the first cruiser who walks into a railing (while their head is buried in their phone) and flips over it...and down into the sea. We assume most have seen the videos of folks who have walked into walls, cars, fountains, etc. as they were distracted by their phones.

 

Hank

[fishin' musician]

With the huge hype/build-up being met with continuing, colossal failure I would not be surprised to see the towel thrown in on this venture. Does anyone know if or how far it has expanded on the Regal?

[whatcruiseisnext]

With the huge hype/build-up being met with continuing' date=' colossal failure I would not be surprised to see the towel thrown in on this venture. Does anyone know if or how far it has expanded on the Regal?[/quote']

 

 

 

We were unlucky enough to have our cabin be an ***** cabin on the upcoming Transatlantic in April and was told when calling to confirm our address for mailing the medallion to us that there has been no expansion of cabins past the initial inception of the 110 cabins with the exception of the addition of C337 and C336. I suspect that it will take awhile to get the whole ship up and running.

 

 

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[moki'smommy]

Once fully operational, there are quite a few advantages to the Medallion.

 

You'll be able to bypass check-in and go directly to security and board the ship at embarkation.

 

 

You'll be able to make spa, specialty restaurant and other reservations on your device 24/7. You can get a massage in your cabin, for instance.

 

Your drink packages will be automatically recognized by your server.

 

You'll be able to automatically review ship photos of yourself on your device.

 

You'll be able to play casino, bingo, and trivia games and scavenger hunts on your device.

 

And more...

 

You'll be able to turn options on and off. And, you'll have the option of not using the Medallion and using a cruise card if you wish but then you won't have access to these benefits. And they are benefits.

Pam, I normally love your posts, but I think you are overly optimistic.

 

Skip the lines at check in? ***** will not eliminate the USPH requirement for the health form to be done at embarkation, so you'll still need a line to turn that in and have the computer indicate that you did so.

 

A massage in your room? There's no reason that the cruise line and Steiner couldn't decide to do in-room massages now, other than potential legal issues.

 

Review photos on a 2X2 inch screen--I'd rather have a kiosk where I could see them at a decent size.

 

And I'm with the others who say that NOT having my iphone in use is one of the benefits of being on vacation, so the fact that many of the benefits of ***** require phone use is a negative.

[cruzsnooze]

I can see one "benefit." Say you are somebody who spends a lot of time in the bathroom (perhaps that is your personal reading room). One evening there is a knock at your cabin door and there is a nurse (from the medical department) standing at your door. He/she inquires if everything is OK...or if anyone in the cabin has been experiencing some GI issues. If so, they will be happy to treat your problem for only $200....but you will not even need to show your cruise card since that charge will be handled via your medallion :).

 

 

 

Hank

OR maybe you have noro and are now quarantined to your cabin for 48 - 72 hours.

[JT1962]

This is true. On the doors on the various decks they have changed to the door handle. If the medallion didn't work back in December you actually placed your card or medallion up to the tablet.

 

 

There is no longer a need for a slot for key cards with the newer systems. Most hotels I have stayed at have eliminated the slot and you just place the card near the door and it opens. Hilton properties now have a Digital Key built Into the Hilton Honors app. You check in using the App, pick your room, choose digital key and use your phone to open your room door. There is no need to stop at the desk when checking in or checking out. I love it.

 

 

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[JT1962]

Skip the lines at check in? ***** will not eliminate the USPH requirement for the health form to be done at embarkation' date=' so you'll still need a line to turn that in and have the computer indicate that you did so.[/quote']

 

 

I Can see them using either a kiosk or an app on your phone to answer and submit the health form information prior to boarding. I have not cruised with MSC, but I understand you board directly after clearing security and can go directly to your room. The room keys are left in your room since they haven’t gone to a medallion yet.

 

 

 

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[moki'smommy]

I Can see them using either a kiosk or an app on your phone to answer and submit the health form information prior to boarding. I have not cruised with MSC, but I understand you board directly after clearing security and can go directly to your room. The room keys are left in your room since they haven’t gone to a medallion yet.

 

 

 

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I get that this might improve the system...but an app on your phone still has to tie into the ship's computer system somehow as it must be verified that you did the form before boarding. A kiosk? OK, so you can stand in line at a kiosk or stand in line at a check in counter. What both WILL help--fewer salaried employees may be needed for check in, which would result in a huge cost savings for Princess. The purchase of a kiosk system is a one time thing, same for the software upgrade to link the app to the boarding process. An hourly salary is an unending expense.

[JT1962]

I get that this might improve the system...but an app on your phone still has to tie into the ship's computer system somehow as it must be verified that you did the form before boarding. A kiosk? OK' date=' so you can stand in line at a kiosk or stand in line at a check in counter. What both WILL help--fewer salaried employees may be needed for check in, which would result in a huge cost savings for Princess. The purchase of a kiosk system is a one time thing, same for the software upgrade to link the app to the boarding process. An hourly salary is an unending expense.[/quote']

 

 

 

The app could easily link with the cruise line system. Most apps link to the company system. The health questions could be completed within X hours / minutes of boarding, whatever the current requirements are, and they would have that information in their system when you board. It would just be an extension of the pre-registration process they do now.

 

I also prefer to use an app on my phone or using a kiosk rather than standing in a line to see an actual person. I know others prefer to deal with a person for everything. They could offer both options and still cut down on the number of employees needed. Just like banks still have tellers but many use the ATM or Mobile Banking App.

 

I totally agree it is primarily about saving money for the cruise line. I have no issue with that. The more they save, the longer they may go without raising rates, or at least stay in business.

 

 

 

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[moki'smommy]

I agree that cost saving solutions are important to the cruiser as well as to the cruise line.

 

Part of the idea of the health form is that it needs to be completed before the guest boards the ship so that if a further screen is needed, this can also be completed before the ship is "contaminated." Again, I'm sure this is a simple hurdle to overcome.

 

I can see ***** as an aid to check in and boarding, but I guess I just don't see the benefit to the cruiser of standing at a kiosk line vs. standing at a counter line....other than perhaps the kiosk can't be ignorant (provided it is functioning that day). I'm guessing that the IT personnel needed to keep the ***** and kiosk system functional will be cheaper than the check in clerks at the counters. An individual in IT costs more, but fewer of them would be needed--presumably. I wonder how long it will take before ***** hits the break even point!

[MrMan]

Always say...Follow the money! Princess can tout how this will benefit cruisers all they want, but fairly certain, it's designed more for their benefit.

 

The program also depends on the use of a smartphone for the "premium experience" of the Ocean Medallion. Being techo savvy. it's so no problem. I do see a problem for those cruisers who don't have smartphones or choose to unplug for their vacation.

 

There will be Kiosks to make reservations, updates etc. No cell requirement

[MrMan]

It's interesting how accepting we are of "new technology" (in reality the medallion is years old tech) that allows the end user to track and market data they mine with our full cooperation. Think about a software/hardware installation, fleet-wide with connections to land-based servers. Think about the costs associated with such an immense undertaking. Now think about the biggest piece of the puzzle - why? The answer is simple; ROIC.

Years ago in a boardroom filled with Princess corporate reps, a software sales team and their hardware counterparts pitched a plan filled with wiz bang tech, but in the end it was designed to turn a profit, not make the customer's life easier. Your patterns of purchase, food you consume, services you gravitate to, etc. are all data to be sold to the highest bidder. At this point I would love to be a fly in the room listening to the war of words between Princess, the software creators, the hardware suppliers and the techs trying to install and meet the designers expectations - which I hear is not going well at all. Like all new tech, it has little to do with benefiting the end user, it is all about maximizing profit. ROIC.

 

And that is bad why? Higher ROIC will allow for the ability to offer more competitive pricing. All win

[MrMan]

The door hardware is different on the Lido Deck cabins where the medallion tablet is installed. Don't see a slot for the cruise card.

 

Should they have a key slot for a metal key as well?

[MrMan]

Pam' date=' I normally love your posts, but I think you are overly optimistic.

 

Skip the lines at check in? ***** will not eliminate the USPH requirement for the health form to be done at embarkation, so you'll still need a line to turn that in and have the computer indicate that you did so. You are assuming it can't be automated. No need for paper, just a Kiosk like Global Checkin

 

A massage in your room? There's no reason that the cruise line and Steiner couldn't decide to do in-room massages now, other than potential legal issues. But now you can order it anywhere, and not wait on hold on a phone

 

Review photos on a 2X2 inch screen--I'd rather have a kiosk where I could see them at a decent size.But now there will be kiosks throughout the ship. More choices

 

And I'm with the others who say that NOT having my iphone in use is one of the benefits of being on vacation, so the fact that many of the benefits of ***** require phone use is a negative.

Kiosks throughout, no need to carry a phone, just another option, more options = better

[MrMan]

I get that this might improve the system...but an app on your phone still has to tie into the ship's computer system somehow as it must be verified that you did the form before boarding. A kiosk? OK, so you can stand in line at a kiosk or stand in line at a check in counter. What both WILL help--fewer salaried employees may be needed for check in, which would result in a huge cost savings for Princess. The purchase of a kiosk system is a one time thing, same for the software upgrade to link the app to the boarding process. An hourly salary is an unending expense.[/quote

 

Your assuming one has to go to a Kiosk. Why not self service on your phone

[moki'smommy]

I get that this might improve the system...but an app on your phone still has to tie into the ship's computer system somehow as it must be verified that you did the form before boarding. A kiosk? OK' date=' so you can stand in line at a kiosk or stand in line at a check in counter. What both WILL help--fewer salaried employees may be needed for check in, which would result in a huge cost savings for Princess. The purchase of a kiosk system is a one time thing, same for the software upgrade to link the app to the boarding process. An hourly salary is an unending expense.[/quote

 

Your assuming one has to go to a Kiosk. Why not self service on your phone[/quote']

I was responding to a previous poster who mentioned a kiosk. There would need to be an alternative to use of your phone. I'm the youngest member of a group in my neighborhood. We have 75 year old members who can use their phone as well as anyone, similarly aged people who can only answer a phone call (no texting, apps, etc.) and people who don't even have a cell phone. While it may be logical that "all" 30 somethings have a phone and can use many of its functions, the same can't be said for older age groups. Princess will need to be able to serve all in this regard.

[kywildcatfanone]

Aren't they planning to increase prices with the medallion? They have to pay for all the HW and SW changes they are making for it. 1800 cabins have to have a tablet and new door HW installed at a minimum.

[JT1962]

While it may be logical that "all" 30 somethings have a phone and can use many of its functions' date=' the same can't be said for older age groups. Princess will need to be able to serve all in this regard.[/quote']

 

 

Very true, but they will need fewer employees to handle those who don’t choose to use the newer technology.

 

For many people, there needs to be a benefit to using technology (or cost for not using it) to get them to use it. Being able to bypass lines and save time is one benefit. I can also see the cruise lines going the way of many airlines to encourage people to use the technology - adding a fee for seeing an actual person to check in, etc.

 

Many won’t like these changes, but they have the choice - use the automated processes or pay to see an actual person. Of course many will choose another cruise line, which is also their option. But ultimately, we pay for using additional services in either higher fares upfront or by per-use fees. Nothing is free.

 

 

 

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[Thrak]

What is with all the people thinking they will be "tracked" in the bathroom? It's not anywhere near that granular. Yes, they can, if desired, see if you are in your cabin. That's it. Princess has no interest in your bathroom habits.There is no reason to get freaked out about the medallion.

 

[RetiredNTraveling]

What is with all the people thinking they will be "tracked" in the bathroom? It's not anywhere near that granular. Yes, they can, if desired, see if you are in your cabin. That's it. Princess has no interest in your bathroom habits.There is no reason to get freaked out about the medallion.

 

 

Are you sure? What if I inadvertently flush it down the toilet? Will they not know that I did it?

Greetings Thrak. I haven't been on CC for some time and low and behold I see that you are still helping those of us who are electronically challenged out. I just couldn't resist the temptation to respond! As always I am

Just Mike

[MrMan]

Removed as I can't type today

Edited March 7, 2018 by MrMan
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