We will be going on our first cruise on Princess in August. I understand we will be issued a medallion instead of an access card. We have already placed our order for the medallion, but on the app, we are also able to order medallion wearables.
1. Are medallions sufficient on their own if we choose not to order a holder or wearable?
2. Are there 3rd party wearables available, via Amazon or somewhere else
3. What are your thoughts (the seasoned cruisers) concerning wearables?
Most replies here have addressed the main points - just want to reiterate them, and offer my experience. We've been on 4 Princess cruises using the Medallion, and I will say it is convenient to have the door unlocked when I walk up to it! Me and my husband like to see which of us can trigger the door first! :) My husband just keeps the medallion (not the plastic holder) in his pocket throughout the cruise - he's a no-nonsense guy and doesn't like to draw attention to himself. I typically keep mine in the plastic holder (much smaller now than the original ones) and attach it to the complimentary lanyard, but keep it in my small daybag. Having it on the lanyard makes it easier to find in my bag and harder to lose. Plus, I don't like it hanging around my neck when I am eating (which is often!) We had lots of onboard credit on our last Princess cruise, so I got a purple wrist holder for the medallion.
The bars onboard can usually detect your presence, with the medallion in your pocket, belt, etc., and will automatically bill it to your room. The bartender might ask your name/number just to confirm. However, sometimes you'll need to "tap to pay" or getting onboard/offboard you'll need to tap. I used a "retractable card holder" which has a retractable cord to "tap" then recoil back to your belt, out of the way. The medallion holder attaches to the free lanyard they provide, is a round circular case, see attached photo, with a loophole at the top so you can easily route the retractable card holder instead of using the lanyard. You can buy these at DollarTree, 3 for $1.25, or a nicer one, for $1.25, same store. You can also use an airtag holder for a dog collar that people use on their watch, or a custom airtag holder for a watch that sells on Amazon, for Princess/Carnival cruises. Some will ask the width of your watch band and the tolerance will be within a few mm. Walmart sells their Onn brand Airtag clips that you can clip on a belt loop, etc. These are currently 7/27/23 marked down from $5.88 to $1.00 for 4 airtag holders, silicoln or faux leather, so 25 cents each. It's nice to have options. You're on vacation not at a work convention or holding a backstage pass credential. Like a tie, the lanyard will sway and/or get soiled. I suppose it depends on the length of a cruise on whether you see a lot of lanyards. I only saw about 10-20 percent wearing lanyards. Picture shows retractable card holder, premium clip retractable card holder, ONN protective airtag holders, lanyard and clear clip - provided free by Princess, and a Medallion Watch Holder sold by Princess on the app. It you want an airtag watch clip for existing watches, see Amazon.
For my Princess medallions, this AirTag holder works like a charm. (shown here with an old medallion from our trip on Discovery Princess last month) Just pop it into the holder and thread your favorite gold chain for a classy touch onboard.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B097926S2Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Some VERY good replies so far. My medallion cruise I just used the free lanyard. Many folks were buying accessories as mentioned earlier - I did not. It was early in the Medallion introductory period.
I do recall during dinner one night looking down and seeing stains on the medallion. What a slob !!!! Quickly, and secretively I tried cleaning off the offending stains. No Go. After about the third try, I took a break. Back in the cabin, tried cleaning a couple more times. Still NOT coming clean. What did I spill on the poor medallion ???
UNTIL - I realized the 'stains' were part of the medallion design.
Apple AirTags holders work. I just ordered some inexpensive holders on Amazon and they work great.
I would wait until you get on board and see if you wish to upgrade the included lanyard to a wristband option. If you have any OBC, this is a good way to spend it. We spent 14 days on the Discovery back in April for our first Princess cruise and we'll be on the Majestic next summer for 14 days in Alaska.
When you order the medallion, it automatically comes with a plastic holder (much like a card holder) and a lanyard. These are free (included with the medallion). You can purchase additional holders (necklaces, bracelets, belt clips, etc) off the medallion site or other sites, or even on the ship.
I don't see the need to purchase additional holders, but it is simply a matter of individual desire. If you do purchase from a third party site, make sure you match the measurements of the medallion and the wearable.
For me, I simply use a third-party belt clip that attaches to the supplied medallion holder. Another option is to remove the medallion from the supplied holder and keep it in your pocket (if you have one) like a large coin (think 50 cent coin).
Looking forward to the answers. We will be on our first Medallion Princess cruise in December.
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