MojoJones

I can’t remember how rough the seas were when Anthem got tossed around and RC took a lot of flack for sailing through the storm. We are on Eclipse next week and the forecast has a considerable low forming, particularly bad the day we sail from Belfast to Reykjavík. 35 kt seas. Personally I don’t want to sail through this.

 

When would they call it and how far in advance? Frankly if the seas are this bad with no itinerary change, I’m scared to get on. And if we don’t sail to Iceland, where could we go? Norway? South to France? Doing my best thoughts that the storm fizzles, but am wondering what the options will be. The meteorologist on twitter says the Eclipse and Indy are being watched next week.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hi Michelle,

On the current Eclipse sailing and we've had more wind than what they are predicting for next week. 45 - 50 knots which caused some delays in arrival times. Ship is handling it well though and the Captain is doing everything in his power to avoid the worst of the winds. We're aft on deck 11 (after the hump) and it's not bad at all.

Even the people in Iceland commented on how weird our weather has been. Snow, sleet, hail, wind- you name it we've had it. We're having a great time though.

Thanks,

Kris

There's going to be a feature coming called something like "find my family". If the family member is under 18 they won't be able to hide their location. This could be good if your child/ grandchild/ etc doesn't show up for dinner when they're supposed to. If you're over 18 you'll have the ability to "hide" your location from your family. I'd imagine that Princess will be able to find anyone in an emergency situation but they wouldn't take advantage of the technology.

Kris

Kris,

 

Thanks again for taking time out of your cruise to answer all of our questions in regards to medallion.

 

Question not having anything to do with that this time. Do you know who the bartenders are at Crooners or Vines?!!

Hi Carolyn,

At Vines we have Ganna and Rochan. Leny and Jason are running the show up at Crooners.

Kris

I think you misunderstood my original post regarding the control of the power to the lighting in the cabin. You are not correct in the concept that will be available with the medallion. You will not have to use the card slot to power the lights in the cabin. The medallion at the door initiates the interior lighting to be enabled and the interior RFID antennas in the cabin read your medallion to keep any lights you have turned on in that condition until all medallions have left the cabin. Yes, during the two days this week you may have needed to use a key card in the slot until everything is initiated, but after that, no card will be necessary in the slot. That is the concept for the system and hopefully it will be in effect during the next couple of weeks. Don't take my word for it.....this is from the key person on this system.

Greg - My information comes from someone who was in a meeting with Jan on turnaround day this week (yesterday). The ultimate goal is to have the two systems talk to one another but it's just not there yet. There is no ETA as to when this will occur. As of now, you will still use the RFID card in the slot. I was in a Medallion cabin for the first two day cruise and I did have the card.

Medallion is almost a living, breathing system that needs to grow in stages. There is no way to make it all live from day 1. I'm stating what the day 1 experience is, not what we'll find on day 500.

Kris

I have not data either way. But are you sure it's only one device per person? Might it be only one device ACTIVE per person? So as long as one signs off of one device, one can still use another.

It's one active device per person at a time. I've been flipping back and forth between my iPad and iPhone all week depending on what I have with me. When you go to sign in on the second device the system will prompt you to disconnect from your other device. All you have to do is click "Connect This Device" and the system does everything for you.

Super fast (versus the Crown last week)! More tech people on board to assist than I have ever seen on any ship.

Kris

"No one is asking about the interior lights. Before you needed to have your cruise card, or facsimile, in the switch slot to turn on the lights when entering the cabin. The way it works now is that once you use the medallion to enter the cabin, the interior lights can be turned on and will remain on because the cabin "sensor" knows you are there and then you can turn them off if that's what is desired. When you leave the cabin and the sensors don't register another medallion in the cabin, the lights turn off saving energy. This eliminates the card-in-slot technique."

 

 

So much for charging tablet during the day when I'm gone. At least on NCL Pearl I could charge while in bed reading with the USB in the bed lamp.

OK... let me nip this in the bud....

As it stands right now, your medallion will not have any control over the lighting in your cabin. You'll still use the same card holder to power your lights on the Royal / Regal / any other ships with this technology. When I was just in a medallion cabin this week, we had a blue card put in the slot stating that it was energy efficient lighting. They even took my old cruise card that I was using and put it on the table so I used theirs.

I charged my iPad and camera while I wasn't in the room. The TV and power sources run separately from the lighting system.

As of now, the technologies do not "talk" to one another. That may be something that they consider doing in the future but right now, they're concentrating on getting the system working properly and deployed to more guests.

I've been in contact with the Guest Services Manager on this ship. I can ask any questions (within reason) and will be given the answers if they have been defined as of yet. We need to remember that as of now, the Medallion technology is a living, breathing thing that will need constant revisions while in its infancy. What we are told on these initial preview cruises may completely change in the next few weeks / months.

Keep the questions coming. I'm here till Sunday and have no problems asking questions for us all to learn. I suggested that Princess work with Cruise Critic to develop a FAQ that can live at the top of this forum. It may be in the works so stay tuned.....

Kris

Nice display - and another way to spend money :eek:

What is the difference between the sport band and what comes with the medallion. Also, how does the sport clip work - spring, magnetic, or just squeeze in place?

We received the sport band with our medallions. Everyone got blue as it's Princess' signature color. It visually and textually reminds me of the band that came with my Garmin. I'd imagine for the next few months it would be included with the medallion but in the future you'll be order a different color at a small additional charge.

The sport clips are magnetic to hold the device, There's a small spring that will separate to allow a layer of fabric (your shirt) between the face and back. The closure is magnetic as well. I've seen the Navigators with them on their shirt collars while others use the sport bands.

Kris

Ok so what you’re saying is that the internet credit will convert to an OBC that can be used for daily internet is that right???

 

And thanks very much.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Yep, you've got it right :D

Kris

now i'm lost, on the official princess page it shows a video of a family outside watching the stars and the guy using his cell phone to order hot chocolate and its delivered right to them

 

do you need a cell phone to order hot chocolate now?

Hi there,

It sounds like the family is using the "Here and Now" portion of the medallion. You'll be able to use your device to order an item to be delivered to you. If you don't have a device, you'll still be able to order an item. The panels at the elevators will be enabled to allow for orders as well as some of the crew will have devices for you to use as well.

With "Here and Now" you won't need to stop the activity you are doing. You'll be able to continue with your day and the servers will locate you.

Fair warning - if you use "Here and Now" to order food, you may have up to a 45 minute wait to receive the item. As of now, any pizzas ordered using this program will be made at Alfredo's. They are working to install new ovens and the goal is to have all food done through "Here and Now" to be made in a single location.

For "There and Then", you'll have a certain amount of time to show up at the bar / restaurant / showroom where you have ordered the item for. After that you'll need to re-order the item. I'll find out if you'd be charged for the item you received as well as the one you did not.

Kris

I’m just wondering how this will work then for those who aren’t platinum or elite. I pre purchased minutes already but if it’s 9.99 per day how does my prepurchased amount get applied??

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hi Stefanie,

I got an answer for you. The amount you prepaid will be given to you as an onboard credit. You'll be able to use it as a credit against the new pricing scheme. I'm sitting in the internet cafe right now and someone paid $70 for a package before they boarded. That $70 has been given to the passenger as a credit. Since the cruise is only 4 days, they will be pay $40 for the service.

Kris

We are on the 12/17/17 cruise and received an email the second week of October informing us our cabin is not part of the rollout. Regarding the post mentioning all boarding passengers are taken to the piazza and then directed to elevators. I am wondering if this is only for ***** passengers or all passengers.

Pam

 

Pam

Hi Pam,

It's a new boarding experience for all passengers regardless of if your cabin is part of the medallion section or not.

Kris

MojoJones, in regard to the new Medallion.Net...did they indicate whether the benefit of unlimited internet for Platinum/Elite will be solely for the test cruises or an official new benefit?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Hi there,

As of now, it will remain free for platinum and elite guests. This is only for the medallion ships. Of course they reserve the right to change their minds later if they see the system is getting overtaxed by 3600 people using it at the same time.

Kris

What happens if you don't own or bring along a personal device? Does the ship still have PC's to use in the internet cafe, and are the PC's part of the Medallion.net?

There are the pc's in the Internet cafe as well. They offer the medallion.net service. If you don't have a deceive that would want to bring everywhere with you the crew will have one to use to order something and the panels outside the elevator will be touchscreen as well.

Kris

I’m just wondering how this will work then for those who aren’t platinum or elite. I pre purchased minutes already but if it’s 9.99 per day how does my prepurchased amount get applied??

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Hi there,

I've asked the question for you. They are looking in to it and will get me an answer in the next day or so. Hang tight - I'll let you know as soon as I have an update.

Kris

If the medallion can't open the cabins yet or be used to order food and drinks or some of the future things, what can it do at this point?[/quoting]

 

It works in the casino. Other than that as of now it's good for a tan line. It will be great once the technology is fully rolled out but it's not there yet.

 

Kris

Sorry to ask but what is Medallion.Net ?

how do you get on it ?

Will be on Regal this Sunday but my cabin is not Medallion ready..

 

In the pre-***** days, I got on board, went to Internet Cafe and signed up for Internet package and hooked up to the (snail) wifi - what's the new process now?

 

Thanks.

Hi there,

Medallion.net is the new network on the Ocean Medallion ships. If you are platinum or elite, you get a single device connected for free for the length of your cruise. If not, it's $9.99 per day for a single device or $29.99 for four devices. It's super fast versus what I had on the Crown last week.

I've run it on my iPad as well as my iPhone. It lets me switch back and forth between the two as long as I am only using one at a time.

When you get onboard, simply connect to the Medallion.net network that appears. You'll go to login.com and enter your cabin number and date of birth. Depending on your status, you'll be prompted that ere is no cost or the pricing. Heck - the pricing will appear at the top of e screen even for those with a "free" status.

You don't need to be in a medallion cabin to use he service. It's the new (and much improved) network.

Can't wait until it's launched on all the other ships!

Kris

This is very exciting and we appreciate this work and reports.

 

It says ***** get a drink delivered anywhere on the ship. Even on your balcony? hmm. Lol.

Keep up the good work, Loretta.

Hi Loretta,

I did get an answer to this today as well. Once fully launched, the medallion will have two components for ordering items:

Here and Now: This will allow you to order a drink to be delivered to you wherever you are on the ship, including your cabin. It will function much like the current room service system where you will need to be in your cabin to allow them access.

There and Then: Order an item for a certain place and time. I could order a drink for 10:00 at Crooners if I so desired. No details yet on how they will track you down if you're not there to receive your item. I'm on the next cruise as well so I'll try to get an answer.

Both programs will start in public areas with a limited menu at first. It will then launch out to include additional drinks, food, and retail products too.

Special shout out to all the Ocean Navigators who have helped in gathering this information. Dieter, Kristoffer, Simone, and Sam have been so patient with me as I try to get all of the information to share with you. Sam's so happy to be back on a ship as she's been in Miami for the past 18 months getting the program ready for us to enjoy.

Kris

So will the use of the medallion allow your steward to know if you are in your cabin or not?

 

Seems if the steward has a device that allows them to greet you, then that same device (and maybe others??) allow for steward or other staff to know exactly where you are at any given time.

 

I realize that ***** will feature options like ordering something to be delivered to a specific place at a specific time so if you aren’t present at the appointed place & time, will they be able to “track you down”?

Yes, eventually the technology will allow the steward to know if yup are in your cabin or not. No timeframe given on when that will be launched.

Kris

OK... So here's the chat from tonight...

Jan and John hosted a second talk on Ocean Medallion this evening in the Vista Lounge. There were several items that did not come up at yesterday's talk that I wanted to share. I'll try to break up what they said in to sections for easier reading.

WHY MEDALLIONS?:

• As stated before, the goal of the medallion experience is to create a more personalized, simplified, and immersive experience for the guests and crew.
  
• It's a huge concept to use this technology to connect people, places, and cultures throughout the world
  
• They are aware that there will be growing pains as there are with any new technology. Some items will work while others will not.
  
• The Medallion technology is about taking your vacation experience and kicking it up a few notches.
  
• There's nothing quite like their medallion technology anywhere in the world (including Disney).
  
• The medallion technology will ultimately allow all guests to have a personalized vacation experience, not just those who are traveling on a premium line.
  
• The tech should stay invisible to the guests. There are times we may see it but not too many
  
• They truly want to stay a guest centric company, not a tech centric company.
  

ARRIVAL EXPERIENCE / MUSTER / SAFETY VIDEO:

• As we know, there is a new arrival experience at terminal 2 in Port Everglades.
  
• Guests will now all be brought in to the Piazza and guided around to the elevators.
  
• For those guests who use Ocean Ready (the new cruise personalizer), the ultimate goal will be to allow you to enter your passport information there, allowing for a faster port experience.
  
• If the ship is ever delayed arriving in port or possibly in need of a deep clean, the Ocean Theater in the terminal will allow users to be able to be informed and allow them to be entertained by interacting with their tagalong.
  

• No more life jackets at muster (WOO HOO!!) on a medallion voyage
  
• Safety video redone featuring the cast of The Love Boat
  
• Princess is trying to eliminate items that cause "friction" and dissatisfaction among guests
  

MEDALLION.NET TECHNOLOGY:

• OK - I'll start with the big one..... As of now, Medallion.Net will remain an unlimited free benefit for Platinum / Elite guests. I double checked this with John to make sure I heard properly.
  
• This will be only be on those ships that have Medallion.Net.
  
• All other ships will maintain the normal complimentary minutes as they have in the past.
  
• The goal of Medallion.Net is to mimic a land based internet experience.
  
• Messaging will be included for all guests through SocialOcean
  
• Princess really thought about the needs of the crew as well when they developed Medallion.net technology.
  
• They realize that people (passengers and crew) want to be able to connect with families while they are away. This will allow the crew to be able to have a more reliable way to see their families and see their children grow up.
  
• There are access points in all staterooms.
  
• No more propping doors open to get a signal
  
• Will be available on the medallion ships as well in port
  
• Guess what ----- Princess Cays will now have internet access. It's supposed to launch this week but let's see what happens on Friday the 17th.
  

STATEROOMS:

• Your stateroom steward will now have a stateroom host app that will allow them to use that versus the traditional clipboard.
  
• The devices will allow the stewards to greet you.
  
• The host app was developed by an actual steward from the Royal Princess and used his feedback to develop what needs to be done and in what order.
  
• They took feedback from not only customers but the crew as well to develop an application that can be mutually beneficial.
  
• The touchless technology to enter your room currently only exists on Princess.
  
• They're still working on getting this to work properly (nope, mine doesn't work yet).
  
• Greetings, loyalty level, and celebrations will eventually appear on the digital display outside each stateroom
  
• All staterooms now have a new 43" 4K touchscreen TV's with a simpler remote
  

CASINO / GAMING:

• New games have been invented and will live on PlayOcean
  
• Pirate Queen poker will be available live on Medallion ships
  
• The physical casino will be able to recognize the medallion (yep, it does)
  
• Trivia / Bingo will now be able to be played regardless of where you are on the ship
  
• MUTS will also allow users to play a PlayOcean game on the big screen during designated times
  
• Ocean View shows will begin to be taped directly on the ships themselves (they were taping tonight)
  

ENTERTAINMENT:

• There's a new sailaway experience with a new song / video that features the ship's dancers and singers.
  
• The flags that are part of the celebration are from the portion of the world you will be visiting.
  
• Born to Dance will officially launch this evening
  
• The Cruise Directors will come out at the end of the performance to invite guests to the next logical performance area to keep the flow going .
  
• The Ocean Front (part of the photo gallery) will become a central hub for all medallion questions.
  

Q&A FROM THE AUDIENCE:

• Is there a defined rollout schedule? They are committed to making it perfect before it rolls out to other ships. They will take the feedback from the test cabins on the Regal and then roll it out to the rest of the ship. It will then move on to other ships.
  

• Will the technology launch to other parts of the Carnival Corporation? Hopefully so. The ultimate vision is to allow your preferences to flow over from brand to brand but there was no commitment or time frame given to making this happen. The purpose of the medallion is to maximize each brand and their unique experiences. It should NOT change the experience of each brand and should only serve to enhance each brand's unique qualities.
  

• What about those who are timid with technology? Ideally, the medallion is the way it is going to be. You have the choice to do as much (or as little) as you would like to do. There is no requirement to use a mobile device. The crew will have mobile devices that will serve to enhance the experience. They will still give out the cards if you desire.
  

• Will status rollover from line to line? It's been looked at over the 10 brands that make up the Carnival corporation. It's just not functionally possible at this time. If loyalty is combined, you may have a journey where 80% of the ship is platinum / elite, resulting in a lesser experience. Combining the loyalty may result in a loss of benefits for members.
  

• Will we get new medallions each cruise? Physical medallions - YES. Accessories - NO. Your name and sail date will be engraved on the medallion.
  

• If you do a back to back cruise, what happens? They are working to refine that experience as well. In an ideal world, there would not be a blackout period in the cruise personalizer.
  

• Will the medallion remember what I like? Yes, it will. The medallion device does not store any personal data on it. The more you choose to engage with the experience the more personalized your experience will be. There is no requirement to putting any personal information on the medallion (along the lines of I like fat free milk in my coffee).
  

• When will I get my medallion? They are going to start to ship them prior to the sailing. If you don't get it in advance, they will be able to make you one at the port or ship.
  

• Can I pick the color of my medallion? Eventually, yes. The final determination will be done in the future.
  

• ACK!!!! I lost my medallion! Now what? We can make you a new one onboard.
  

Kris

Ok so the talk covered a bunch of stuff that was not discussed yesterday. I don't want to hijack the live thread so should I start another? I took like three pages of notes.

Kris

In addition to pictures of the various options for holding the medallions, please post the prices. Thank you!!

Hi Deedee,

I'll check that out for you after the next Jan and John talk that is starting in 10 are also introduced a shadow box for those who would like a commemorative option to keep their medallion in. I do know that is $29.99 and those on the preview cruises will have an opportunity to buy one that was signed by Jan.

Kris

Is your Tag Along the same for every ***** cruise in the future?

Keep up the good work, Loretta.

Hi Loretta,

Once you create your account on SocialOcean you'll make your tagalong. You'll always have the ability to change it if you feel like being a seahorse instead of a fish or turtle and you'll be able to use it on future medallion cruises.

Kris

This is very exciting and we appreciate this work and reports.

Are the medallions magnetic that they will stick to your cabin wall or a steel bracelet?

Is your Tag Along the same for every ***** cruise in the future?

It says ***** people can get a drink delivered anywhere on the ship. Even on your balcony? hmm. Lol.

Keep up the good work, Loretta.

The medallions are magnetic. They do not recommend that those passengers with pacemakers use the pendant option for holding the medallion. I did take pics that I will upload when I get home of the various options to hold your medallion.

Ultimate goal is that you can order a drink wherever you are. It's not functional yet for this cruise. They haven't said if you need to be on an open deck to take advantage of this or if it will work in the rooms.

I'll find out about the tagalong and let you know what I find out. Dieter (from the Royal) and Kristoffer (from the Grand) are both Navigators who I have spent some time speaking with.

Kris

No wonder the ship is half empty!!!

Let me preface what I'm about to say by stating that I am not a Princess cheerleader but I try to present an unbiased view....

With that said, one of the reasons the ship is sailing so empty is that the travel agent / press preview has been pushed back until the spring. Was the timing of that push back ideal being four weeks before sailing? No, it wasn't. I've spoke with several people who are on from corporate and the rate of cancellations was not as many as we would like to believe. It's easy to jump online and tell the world that you cancelled because the technology was going to be delayed. However, think about all of the people who do not know about cruise critic and are happily sailing along with us on this gloriously empty ship.

Personally I'm glad that it's not full. I will state that the staff has gone above and beyond to answer any questions I have had. We were told that there would be extra staff onboard and there definitely are, Everyone's glad to help and if they do not have the answer they will state that they do not know and not give bad info out, It's that level of service that Jan is wants the guests to receive. I can only imagine what it would be like ship were full and all 3600 passengers tried to line up for a question. The lines would be never ending and would be something else to complain about.

Kris

I'm curious about what happens with children in terms of the medallion. I travel with my 2 kids (10 and 6) and, while the 10 year old carries her own cruise card I would NEVER entrust the 6 year old with his! Would this be a problem once the medallion is in place? I am wondering about when dropping him at kids club, etc and then I am walking around with 2 medallions while he has none?

Hi there,

I went and asked one of the Ocean Navigators about this. According to what I was told, both of your children would receive their own medallion. They won't give them to small children as the medallion piece itself may present a choking hazard.

Kris