Princess Cruises Made 5 MASSIVE Changes. I Test Them Out

[@michelleflynn7485]

As a crew member, one of the behind the scenes improvements from medallion that I’ve seen is saving trees. There used to be literally a room full of paper patters going out to passenger cabins every day!

[@Fernanufret]

So many trees!! It was such a waste of paper! I’m glad that’s over. #PrincessRules 😎😎😎

[@CBH-cu1dt]

Environmentalist wacko.

[@eminiarvii]

Right on Michelle and if you want a paper copy you can get it…

[@roundandroundmyworld]

Michelle, I hope this also means that we won't have 10 pounds of advertising flyers for the Shops of Princess piled up in each cabin by the end of the cruise.

[@eminiarvii]

@@roundandroundmyworld so true😊

[@cruisecrazy7066]

I agree with you, Gary. I prefer the paper copy of the program over the cellphone version. Possibly some of the younger travelers would disagree with us.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

I need to spend time on the internet, and I find that internet speed on Medallion ships is LIGHTENING fast. It is even faster than the commercial internet at my office. Thanks Princess.

[@JaniceCrowell]

My last cruise for my 60th birthday was on Regal! I loved wearing the medallion as a watch and loved that I could swim with it. I could find my sister easily, too.

[@timwolfers7880]

I see two things with the changes. Some older people will struggle with the technology, especially those who cruise simply to relax. Also, it will cost more money in the long run, because cruise lines are always looking for ways to remove money from guests- it's the nature of the beast.😉

[@barbarasmith9825]

I really like Princess line but am annoyed this year 3 times it has been cancelled not sailing until 2022 the govt have done this know who I won't b voting 4

[@darrellh6225]

@@barbarasmith9825 Yes. Again, I will not vote for Trump. We would have been in a better position with cruises if Trump didn't screw up. Biden is doing a great job.

[@SandyToes75]

@@barbarasmith9825 Cruises have been cancelled. Nature of the beast right now. The key to anything during Covid is flexibility. The goal is to keep the crew and the guests healthy. 8 cruises have been moved and now even a 9th. It is all good. I want the crew well and I want a good on ship experience.

[@josephgaviota]

@@darrellh6225 What does Trump have to do with Princess? Too bad YOU are a princess.

[@jenniferb.9404]

@@josephgaviota Barbara started it....lol

[@chictown]

Great overview, Gary. Loved the smaller ships but am happy Princess hasn't gone to the 6K passenger ships.

[@SandyToes75]

I do NOT enjoy the mega ships. The midsized vessels are just perfect for me. The larger ones are port limited and even some ports are lost to the midsized ships.

[@russellyeley2561]

I have been on the Regal 3 times. I love the Medallion. My wife likes to sleep in so I can check the locate to see if she is still in the room.

[@AnnaPaul56]

Thank you. BTW Congratulations on being the number 1 in all the cruise sites.

[@KevinLeePGI]

Thanks for the video, Gary. We just returned from an Alaska cruise on Majestic Princess, our first cruise since the pandemic and having nine cruises canceled. This was our first cruise on a Royal-Class ship (we prefer Grand-Class) and the first time using Medallion Class. I agree with you on just about everything, both the lows and highs. It is great getting Ocean Ready and breezing through check-in at your assigned times, setting up your dining and other activities, and keeping track of what's going on. Like you, I find Journey View to be awful. It's flashy and glitzy, but cumbersome to use. Further, they don't show your dining and excursions on JV, so you need to go back and forth to make sure you don't have a conflict. As a long-time Princess cruiser, I prefer the Patter and the old way they listed events on the old app. I'm sure as they get feedback, they'll improve the UI, but that's a bit away. We'll see how it improves when we're on Regal Princess in November. Thanks for this update and all the videos you do. You are surely the premier cruise reviewer on KZbin and a trusted source.

[@druegillis1744]

Superb video, Gary. After watching 4 other video blogs, yours are the best, hands down. You are easy to listen to and understand, factual, to the point and above all, informative. Thanks for what you do for the cruise traveling people.

[@angelahorton5745]

Thank you! Another wonderful, informative video. As much as I embrace technology I hate to see people so dependent on mobile phones, particularly at meal times. I prefer to read a paper menu and get back to my cabin after dinner and read the Princess Patter or other cruiseline equivalent. I'm hoping these will still be available. The best change for me is the muster drill.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Yes, there is still paper menus. Great to hear you found this helpful :-)

[@glenda6607]

I like the paper Princess Patters.I bring them back home for reference/reminders of what was available.Did you go to the Guest services at night or the morning of to get yours? I wonder if the room steward could be persuaded to bring it nightly at turn down?

[@Scott__C]

My downside of some of these things is the lack of items as souvenirs - cruise card and paper event listings. Great info, Gary!

[@rsdworker]

actually if you saw gary holding paper event - its daily event paper

[@Patty747]

I miss the cruise card. I collected all my cruise cards from past cruises and on different lines. It's a great way to remember where you've been and when.

[@nickshields6966]

You get to keep the medallion which has the same info as the cruise card.

[@deborahsheldon9951]

One thing I like about Princess is I can log in at anytime and book excursions, air, an I can review my amount owed. There is a breakdown per passenger of the amount to pay.

[@timothysuhr7903]

The two items that come to mind are: Apps and personal security and how they are ensuring it both in the EU where strict laws are being enforced to ensure personal security of information? Andy, is there a way to include a ship tour to see the things that the crew experience?

[@tonytunzat]

It makes me so happy to see all of this great content coming from your channel, Gary! I’m glad that you have been able to go back to cruising so that we can all live through your fun times. Thanks for sharing!

[@robertbangkok]

LOL - People always went on cruises to enjoy the ocean and the scenery, to get away from everyday life - and now - Princess has people all staring at their smartphones. OMG!

[@Hawkeye2001]

I liked the ability to just lock my phone in the room safe and totally disconnect.

[@eminiarvii]

@@Hawkeye2001 i get it and you can do that…you don’t need the smart phone to enjoy your trip…lock it away, everything is still accessible to you

[@ginnyyamamotosyphax291]

You don’t have to carry your phone. There are many public places you can access the daily schedule. Or you can access it on your cabin tv

[@melissalentz32]

I’m way past this stage, but I had a funny thought about the “Medallion” knowing where everyone is all the time. What about those late night trysts that people wish to keep private lol!

[@josephgaviota]

So long as it's not a "palm flower" (as in Logan's Run).

[@lowercherty]

How can they not have a Pacific Princess? That name single handedly built the leisure cruise industry with its TV show.

[@eminiarvii]

Maybe the next cruise ship they build they can name it Pacific Princess in honor of the first

[@ModernClassic]

Only 15 alcoholic beverages per day! How can anyone survive on that?? Seriously, most of these sound like good changes. My wife and I love cruising but dining always seemed unnecessarily stressful because we like having a private table and it is not always clear in advance if we're going to be able to get that. So being able to select that in an app is a great thing. I also like the all inclusive fare option - basically bringing back the concept of *not* nickel and diming you on everything. Anyway, we haven't cruised in a while now and I can't wait to do it again. Our first cruise was on Princess and we loved it; wouldn't mind sailing with them for the next one either, especially with these new options and additions.

[@kathryncashner3294]

For us, the negative to Princess Plus is that we both have to purchase it. I would normally purchase a wifi package and soda package for my travel companion but not for myself. While those two would amount to about $20 per day, making the $25.50 "extra" charge for Princess Plus worth it, I also have to add it for myself. Since I don't drink alcohol and wouldn't purchase a second wifi package, .......I far prefer the Virgin approach where the wifi and all dining is included as well as non-alcoholic/specialty drinks.

[@charleylanzillotta5542]

I’ve very mixed feelings about the change in dining. We have met quite a number of friends that are still part of our lives through set dining, people we met at the dining table, and are still close friends with. Now, especially with the COVID situation, our tendency is to ask for table for two.

[@johnphelps9788]

I have always preferred anytime dining for the same reason you like fixed. I have met many more people per cruise, some are still close friends. My last cruise however was fixed dining and for 40 days I was stuck with people who were snobs and bores. Luckily I only had to put up with them at dinner but never again will I choose that option.

[@wwaxwork]

These include gratuities situations always make me wonder just how much of it goes to the crew and why don't they simply just pay them more and include it in the price in the first place then tips can go back to being occasional things and a way to thank crew for going above and beyond and doing something really special and not just their jobs, it just all feels unnecessary and you know the poor workers are going to be the ones loosing out. Also this whole set up with a "medallion" and booking restaurants and being tracked is super familiar to anyone that's been to Disneyworld. Though I hear all that is changing soon.

[@MrsDauphinee]

We are an elderly couple, one 75and the other 74. We absolutely love the Medallion system. We have no trouble navigating the system and used it for everything. We do not buy an internet package and we like to really relax. With 7 children and 10 grandkids,all living within 2 hours drive from us, relaxation is the main goal. Lol I have an iPad (with no data package) and we hook that up to the ship’s wifi system and our Medallian app is on it. You don’t need to purchase wifi connection to use the medallion system. So many aspects of the system are so easy to use and follow, but you need to take a few minutes to just use it,play around with it, it is well worth your time. The schedules are also on your tv system and a written daily schedule is also available if you prefer. You will never be lost no matter where you are on the ship with the wonderful systems they have in place.

[@sherrellbennett1333]

Thank you Gary for this information. I am cruising next April on the Majestic Princess. I relied on the paper copies of things to do and won't be using the "app" so it was good to know I could still get those paper copies.

[@josephgaviota]

Exactly. Who doesn't like sitting down with the daily Patter, reading what's possible, and maybe changing the itinerary for the day?

[@Chefbrad613]

We just sailed on the Majestic Princess to Alaska (8/8/21-8/15/21), I found the app experience to be a little frustrating. We had a semi difficult time getting Ocean ready as we weren't able to input some of our information into the app and had to call Princess directly to do it. I did use the app to order drinks and food just to try it out, sometimes our orders showed up and sometimes they didn't. We found it to be a bit cumbersome for each person in the cabin to order drinks separately in the app and have them delivered separately because it just causes more work for the staff and if you have the drink package and order more than 1 drink at a time you'll get charged for it even if all in the stateroom have a drink package. Overall we were happy with the cruise, embarkation really was a breeze, we picked up medallions at the pier, flew through security and were on the ship within about 20-25 minutes of getting dropped off at the pier.

[@michaelhargrove9076]

My wife and I were on the same cruise but a week earlier and had the same difficulties as you. We had to try repeatedly to get “Cruise Ready” and finally succeeded. We had the drinks package, and I used the app to order a drink for both of us, only to find out that we were charged for one drink since I’d ordered two at the same time. Also there are several ( 2?) different apps and I found myself confused at moments which app to use. Making dining reservations on the app was sometimes problematic. Still, all in all it was a great experience, and I suspect these are just bugs that will get worked out in time. It was only this ship’s second cruise post shut down, so I can definitely believe it will improve over time. I echo Gary’s feelings that the changes can make things much more convenient for the cruiser. I even like the option to bundle tips, internet, and drinks. Normally we don’t get the drinks package, but having it on this cruise allowed me to try some drinks that I normally wouldn’t have tried, which was fun. I think the changes were all improvements.

[@SandyToes75]

@@michaelhargrove9076 I enjoyed reading your positivity!

[@peteguard3571]

As of May 2022 the Medallion app still has problems. The stupidest one is having to re-enter the same data over and over. My birthdate didn't change in the 20 seconds since I entered it in the other screen.

[@dchenkin02]

Several cruise lines have changed the process for the Muster Drill since the start of the pandemic. Hopefully, the cruise industry keeps using technology to make the Muster Drill a faster and more efficient process.

[@jaypeesee3333]

Done!.. Wers ur nxt cruise🤔..c u onboard!!!

[@cherifurr3935]

I think almost all of them has changed this.

[@joerozario4406]

Thanks. All of these changes sound good, especially like the ability to reserve dining time. In the past, I tried to change my dining table seat and it was a hassle. I like the fact that I could be seated at different seats served by different servers.

[@allenmyers8568]

I wonder what the dining wait staff think about having people coming and going throughout the dining period rather than just having two settings for dinner.

[@silviaeaston]

THE plus to me going with my daughter and family was being able to "find" them and better to know that they could "find" me, without me wasting time looking for them, and me knowing that not necessarily this would be a "good thing". (grandma finding grandchildren).

[@lvthud]

I've been on the Royal class a few times and have to say, Princess did a fantastic job planning the traffic flows, I never felt like I was on a ship holding 3600 pax. All this tech is great, as long as it works, the problem is, when it doesn't work as planned you tend to alienate guests and then you have people like my mother in law who refuses to have anything to do with smartphones etc, as a company you run the risk of pushing those people out.

[@albertfinney1328]

Smart mother-in-law, Worth saying no to surveillance capitalism for whatever reason.

[@rhondaderiemaecker]

The Muster change is brilliant! Celebrity Edge has made this change as well 👍🏻

[@petemccormick676]

Leaving on the Majestic in 24 days! Green means go (finally Sesame Street is useful 👌).

[@TinaLee2042]

We must be on the same sailing!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Have a great trip. I’m on Majestic next year for Alaska ! Let me know how you get on and any tips !

[@connietraines9409]

Completed an Alaska cruise on Majestic August 8th, great time!

[@petemccormick676]

@TinaLee2042 OK, you take forward and we'll take aft! Meet you midship for dinner 🍽 😋

[@TinaLee2042]

@@petemccormick676 actually, we do have a forward facing cabin on Lido - big balcony for Glacier Bay! LOL!

[@zzzland1]

Good one, Gary. We did try ordering drinks from a lounge and it worked find. It was also quick. (The bar was closed at the time)

[@CrusifoxMedia]

Our first cruise was on the Regal 💜 We have our 2nd cruise booked on the Sky Princess for Nov 2022. We got a great deal for booking early and got our cabin with Princess Plus for a great discount AND got $50 onboard credit each. We also got a cabin on the Lido deck so we are right where the action is!

[@eminiarvii]

CottonTALE…Yes love the Princess plus pkg…it will be beneficial for me..i am on the Sky in December 2021…happy sailing

[@marymcmann9546]

Although I prefer smaller ships, I sailed on the Enchanted Princess last February and loved it. Even though it’s a big ship it felt intimate. I love the atrium because it is familiar and when I step onto the ship I feel at home. I agree with everything you pointed out in this video. At least Princess larger ships don’t have roller coasters, water slides, etc! Princess is my favorite!

[@ghjcmo]

I haven't explored Princess Plus fares, but if it's like Holland America it's another one these things where they stick it to solo traveler. On HAL you get charged the higher fare TWICE even though you're just one person. The message I get over and over from the cruise lines is that solo travelers just aren't wanted.

[@horsewithnoname12345]

It’s not that they’re not wanted, it just makes the cruise lines less money while occupying an entire room. Some lines now have solo cabins.

[@ghjcmo]

@@horsewithnoname12345 Tomayto-tomahto. Bottom line, they'd just as soon us solos would book their cheap inside cabins and leave the "good stuff" for group travelers. I have just recently discovered that MSC doesn't try to bend over a solo traveler. I don't know if something temporary or if that's their long term policy, but whenever the day comes when I can get back to sailing, I'm going to take a long hard look at them. Because apparently they want my business.

[@roundandroundmyworld]

Princess Plus was one charge-up on a solo fare, not two. I worked it out that, with tips, internet, 1 cappuccino and 2 glasses of wine per day, I'm already ahead of the game by getting the Plus fare.

[@ghjcmo]

@@roundandroundmyworld That’s good to know Ken. Thanks for the info

[@davidl.6509]

Norwegian has solo deals

[@JJCruise]

Thanks for the update! We are looking to book our first Princess ship soon 🚢🥳

[@jackbear5564]

We’re booked onto the Regal Princess later this year and it was helpful to see how the medallion worked. Our first Princess cruise since 2020 so really looking forward to seeing the changes.

[@dianefullerton6791]

I'm on the Regal, December 21st, so excited

[@SandyToes75]

@@dianefullerton6791 reading this a bit late. Hope you had a fabulous Christmas cruise!

[@dianefullerton6791]

@@SandyToes75 , thank you! We had a wonderful Christmas cruise!

[@02sparklestars02]

Definitely love the change in the muster. So much better than standing on the deck crowded together no being able to understand what was being said over the not so great speaker system.

[@davidh9844]

Once again Gary, thank you. I booked our first ever Princess cruise this morning. 14 nite Transatlantic in April 2023. The only thing I knew about Princess was that they sail humongous ships, and we prefer smaller ones. I turned to you first for you opinion, expecting to listen for 15 minutes, and come away with a horrible case of buyer's remorse. Other than the mobs and their smoking policy, I'm impressed! I gagged booking the P. Plus package, but I hate tipping, my wife and I may have something alcoholic with lunch, but invariably a cocktail pre dinner and wine with dinner. Plus coffee. Did the arithmetic, the package paid off for us. I was worried about the quality of the food, and alas, I can't stand eggs, much less a poached one. If tea isn't up to (British) par, well, I'm an American and probably won't notice the difference. The electronic edge, no issues there. Dining on my schedule rather than corporate's? No issues there. All and all, we're meeting up with friends, I think I made the right decision. So again, thank you! Oh, my offer to join you as a travel partner still stands.

[@notyourtypicalwatchreview2563]

I won’t be cruising anytime, soon, due to the restrictions. That’s sad, considering I was planning for my first cruise just before this insanity started. Until the normalcy returns, I content myself with watching your videos, and enjoying cruising vicariously.

[@ernestoaguilarmeza]

INSPIRING!! Thanks for sharing so valuable content. This particular video motivated me A LOT. Greetings!

[@asmrcarly_b8253]

I enjoy your videos Gary, and find them very informative, My husband and I have booked our first cruise for December. We are so excited. I will be celebrating my 60th birthday while cruising. I hope they have afternoon tea. I am looking forward to it.

[@labrat9786]

I've been on the Regal twice and love the Medallion Class. I was able to cruise with my brother and sister-in-law for the second time after over forty years in 2019 It was great to know where they were for meetups. I just wish Princess would load the daily dining room menus on it so I could opt for the buffet or specialty dining.

[@ChristianLehrer]

Considering Princess upgrade of technology, medallion, app and tv, seems ridiculous that they would not post the daily main dining room menus so you can plan your dinner and evening! Thanks for sharing this info! Hope Princess takes note!

[@SandyToes75]

I agree. The menu posting would be great. A simple patch to add it to the program. Please, Princess, hear us.

[@pelly318]

My wife and I just got back from one of the first cruises back from the shut down. It was on the Majestic going up to Alaska. I think you are spot on with most of your comments and I agree with just about everything. There were definitely some glitches with the Medallion service that I hope work their way out as more cruises happen. We had several times where the ship's system thought we were in a different location than we really were so as an example, food was delivered to our room rather than the location we were really at on the ship when we tried to get snacks through the app. The big thing I didn't like and you touched on it was the Dine My Way. I love the idea of being able to customize my dining choices, but for someone that really does love the traditional dining, I was surprised that they didn't offer it in some way. With 3 main dining rooms, they could have dedicated one of them to traditional. The reason I love it is because we like getting to know the wait staff and have them get to know us. Each night's dinner becomes better and better as they get used to each of our tastes and wishes. We also like to reward them at the end of the cruise. I was sad to see this option gone. Even if you choose to have the same dining room and time each night through the app, you still get a different table and waiter each night. Over all, though, I really like the changes and we've already booked our next adventure.

[@calumshaw7905]

Good vlog Gary. The one enjoyment my partner and I miss is the farewell to smaller Princess ships that had a Promenade Deck, usually 7, that circumnavigated the entire ship on one level. We don't enjoy the top deck exercise track, much preferring our ambling gait on the Promenade which is also closer to the surface of the sea, one of lifes immeasurable joys. The larger ships have stairs forward, doors connecting each side but requiring passage through a lounge or lobby area or no access at all across the stern.

[@terrymcbride2104]

Partner ? Really ?

[@calumshaw7905]

@@terrymcbride2104 Sorry Terry, but I don't understand your query.

[@glennstokes510]

When I want magnificent, I stay at a land based resort hotel. Enormous cruise ships are over the top for me. I enjoyed cruising on Princess when the ships were less large, and will book future cruises on smaller ships.

[@karenjensen2345]

Bravo!!! To the dining changes. Love picking the time and who you eat with!

[@loriolivent9127]

Love Princess! Booked for 2 in December! We will be on the Regal. Fingers crossed 🤞 it will go!

[@williamd9205]

Looking forward to our cruise on Princess next month. Thanks for all the information.

[@lovecruisin6457]

Shout out to vlogger “Cruise Show UK.” He completed a medallion app challenge while on the Sky Princess. A must see for an upcoming Princess cruise.

[@CruiseShowUK]

Thank you so much ! Very kind of you to take the time.

[@OKMmike]

Just love your videos Gary. I like the presentation which is slick but is not pandering. Your criticism is fair and just what people are looking for to help them. Your plus sides also give a choice without saying you must have this salesman style. Basically I just think you help a lot of people who want to cruise, which is fantastic.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching and great to hear your feedback and thoughts. I’m trying to do that and so great to hear you feel I’m doing just that

[@trbarton743]

Thanks for a great video. Good explanation of everything. I’m on my first Medallion cruise in October so you have covered everything. Thanks again.

[@kellyalvarado6533]

Glad to see the huge amount of paper waste being reduced because of these changes!!

[@dawnrecker5318]

Keep the daily activity/program guide but do away with all the single page advertising for the spa and such. The advertising pages are bigger waste than the daily schedule of events.

[@mrjasonsinco]

We just got back from Alaska on the Majestic Princess, and I have to say the one thing I really hated about the cruise was the app. It was so horrible to use. Everything from struggling through the initial boarding stuff to trying to get the functions to work while on the ship, to getting automatically logged out of it at the most inopportune times (like as soon as we pulled up to the port and needed the QR code to check in). Four out of the five people in our travel group had to buy new phones just to be able to run the app. My wife and I's phones were only two years old. I could go on and on... I almost exclusively used the TV and onboard interactive screens to do things just out of sheer frustration with the app. I am 40 and use apps on the phone and computer every day at home and at work, and I've never seen anything so bad.

[@anneharrison1594]

Have just had a week on Regal princess and found the app a nightmare kept going off and wasted half the cruise at reception and with WiFi experts try to get it working and about 15mins later would go off I have been on10 previous Princess cruises and never had to complain once so would probably not book another as spent half cruise stressed and really just want to relax even my daughters who works with computers said it was not fit for purpose We went on 30th September from Southampton which the first sailing where people were allowed to disembark science Covid 😨😢😓

[@lchew2001]

I just got back on 2/10/22 and the app is still not ready for roll out to the masses. Pre cruise, I could not save my profile picture, contact email automatically says not right format, could not book dining for two only on the app. On the seas, app would not update and you would not know because you can still navigate to other areas of the app. I wasted a half hour looking for my wife on deck 15 and finally asked a waiter to check on his device. He was able to show my wife was actually now on deck 7. Checking further on my app, I then noticed that I was showing as off ship. I then joking told the waiter to turn the ship around because the app shows that I was still on Mazatlan. Finally a small thing, the temperature was in Celsius and there is no way to change to Fahrenheit.

[@albertfinney1328]

For me, no app crap. Not a fan at all of technological "advancements" or wifi, EMF signals. Booked but considering I may cancel as not worth the hassle or hazards. Loved sailing and in the most simple way. No extras. No bars, specialty dining rooms, booked seating times, shopping, shows, gambling, games, constantly being reminded of the reverence for the germ theory and germ terror, so stupid. Sanitizers on skin instead of maintaining one's immunity and using healthful measures of protection that leave good bacteria intact is insane. Just being on board is the joy for me. NOT the ideal passenger in term of spending. May just largely enjoy our own balcony if I keep the reservation made. SIMPLE is what I love and chatting with others. If no apps means foregoing that, not such a loss.

[@earlstevens8472]

Thanks for the info. I don’t like ships over 3k passengers. My cruising days might be shortened. I don’t have cell phone coverage where I live, so we don’t have a smart phone. Another problem. I have worker on and around ships for 40 years. If there is a true emergency, you would appreciate some experience in rapidly finding your muster station, so the old muster doesn’t bother me.

[@pavla2055]

The first cruise we ever went on was the Sun Princess - we were so impressed . I still remember the most enjoyable forward buffet dining area . Several years later we were on the Sun again sailing out of Brisbane . The ship was run down and dirty , stained carpets etc . We asked for and got a partial refund because of the constant problems with the toilets and stress and inconvenience they caused . I've been on all their other decommissioned ships also - they all age out eventually . I like the changes they've brought in with the Medallion class ships .

[@sharonvc9647]

I personally like 2000 passenger ships for Princess. But the Royal is very nice also.

[@stephaniem839]

I LOVE the Medallion!!! That makes me happy. All the other changes I’m happy about, but not sure I’m happy about the dining changes yet. We’ll have to see.

[@ginnyyamamotosyphax291]

We do too! Sooooo much better!

[@stephaniem839]

@@ginnyyamamotosyphax291 agreed!!

[@willsmouse8111]

Excellent Gary! You give the best information on cruising ever!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jdane2277]

I haven't taken a Princess Cruise, but I think these arrangements are very passenger-centric and other than being strapped to your phone or having to touch a screen (ew) they are something I'd appreciate.

[@lorrainemudd5022]

We were on princess 2 yrs ago we enjoyed everything about it

[@gordonknox5759]

Thanks Gary, that was a very informative vlog. We are booked on the Sky Princess in January and we are looking forward to using the medallion and all it and the new technology has to offer. I also like the new dining changes, as well. It will allow us to have dinner at the time we feel like having it, where we want to have it, and possibly with someone we recently have met on board. Hope it doesn't get canceled! 🤞

[@stephenbedingfield]

Great and informative presentation, Gary. You have convinced us to rule out Princess as a possible cruise. Our preference is definitely smaller ships. And I am not impressed with their lackluster safety drill.

[@familyadventuredays1203]

Have just sailed on Regal Princess last week in the UK. The medallion app is very glitchy still and incomplete and staff struggled to handle the volume of orders coming in due to no bar service. You place your order on the app it gets sent to staffs screen they make it and locate you. The first problem is they don’t include all items on the app, mainly drinks. Some free food items such as pizza slice also had a charge despite us being sat next to the place! The next issue is staff finding you. I was sat in the plaza type part and the app told staff I was two floors up. When drinks and food did arrive it was great, however, the wait was long. Sat in the hot tub flagged a staff member got my drink in minutes. On app I was waiting upwards of 30 minutes and sometimes it never arrived. Was not impressed with Regal Princess. Hardly any events on things like captains welcome drinks, formal nights, all cancelled. No self service on Buffett and bars all closed. Face masks everywhere including when watching shows.

[@richards.4116]

Nice review! On the Regal Princess when it returns to Florida for its first cruise, unless CDC puts the ship on a 14 day hold/quarantine since it comes back from a foreign homeport. Fingers crossed.

[@cruisecrazy7066]

Hey Gary, that sounds like a really tough assignment. I don't know how you managed to do it.

[@tipsfortravellers]

😀😀😀

[@susiemurray5630]

Thank you for telling us about the changes, my friend would go on no other line than Princess, now I know why they do the same thing on each ship, you don't have to find things like on other ships.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

This will be my very first Princess cruise, and what was a big surprise to me was the fact that the fare is ALL-INCLUSIVE. I don't have a lot of cruising experience, so I found this to be a very pleasant surprise. Wifi, 15 alcoholic drinks per day, as well as other beverages, plus more is all included in my fare. That's a big change from my first cruise with RCL. While it was a spectacular cruise, it seemed like they nickeled and dimed me right and left, so that by the time I got finished paying for wifi, beverages, GRATUITIES, etc, I think I wound up paying about a grand more, above and beyond my cruise fare. Granted, I didn't know anything at that time about drink packages and whatnot at that time, but it still would have been considerably beyond what my initial cruise fare was. It's so good to know I won't have a massive bill to settle at the end of my cruise. I just get to relax and enjoy.

[@iangill8984]

Very informative, we are booked on our first Princess cruise next year, Sky Princess from Southampton to USA and Canada and back. The changes are certainly to our liking as they match the way we like to cruise. Unlike Gary we do like a drink so all inclusive suits us, we dont do binge drinking but it works out for us. We like dining anytime and by ourselves so another match up. Gratuities included in our package is perfect. We dont like tips being added to our bill - done lots of UK cruising with no gratuities but still tip those who help us such as cabin steward and any staff that look after us often.

[@terrifromm5085]

I know I am in the minority, but this medallion seems to be a lot of work. Maybe I just need to be on the ship to see how this works. I do like the paper copy of the Patter, though.

[@davidl.6509]

We had it on one of their first ships with it Caribbean Princess, and liked it fine. There is a lot of stuff available with their system that we really didn’t use though. You can use as much or little as you like.

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

I also like the paper Princess Plater. I take it home with me so I can see it years down the road!

[@gloriaspeller6856]

Very difficult to use before the cruise

[@Retiredtraveler1961]

Hi Gary Wonderful video. I emailed the Director of Guest Operations and laid them out ! -they’ve outsourced all phone help to the Philllipines -they rave about the “benefit” of plus without acknowledging anywhere dining, room service & Alfredo’s all used to be free! -my biggest angst is that when they lower prices, you have to rebook! I have one more cruise left with them on July but effective 2025, it’s Silversea & Seaborn. I booked and paid for my 1st cruise on Silversea Muse Auckland to Sydney 14 nite January 5, 2025.

[@samsmum3]

With the changes will I still be able to dine with random people that I don't know. I really like that, some people are really interesting to dine with.

[@benbrossard1392]

We took our first and probably last cruise this summer on Royal Princess. As we live close to Seattle, we took a round trip Alaskan inside passage cruise. At our age, we don't like fighting through an airport terminal, security, etc. The cruise was wonderful. We enjoyed everything about the cruise. The people were wonderful. We ate all our meals in the buffet, but found that to be wonderful too. We had beautiful weather, only a half day of rain. I doubt that we will take another cruise, but if we did, we would not hesitate to go on Princess again.

[@dwill123]

Over several cruises (prior to COVID-19) I had really developed a liking of Princess. I can understand a move toward automation and think some of the changes will make things better. That said, I still do not like the idea of 'tracking'. Having worked in the IT field for over 40 years I know that the information being COLLECTED (and the Medallion IS collecting information about YOU) is being used to 'profile' and 'associate'. To some this may seem harmless (and maybe it is). But I do believe that as they collect this information I will start to receive more garbage messaging in my email at home. Trying to sell me junk based on my movements on the cruise (not just limited to movements on the ship).

[@Scott__C]

Collecting data about people has been going on for decades, it's not new.

[@albertfinney1328]

Surveillance Capitalism. Existing hardly makes it good or "safe". Sale of your personal info is one of the most for-profit industries. China, and others collect it. Know for what? The oblivious don't know and don't care as nary a clue of potential harm to them and humanity, but just race to the cliff like lemmings..

[@craigo2142]

Was on Princess medallion cruise in 2019. Never failed to book a charge, but, took 4-5 times "reading" the medallion to get in the room. Sometimes even had to go get help to enter cabin. They replaced medallion twice but still problems. I hope they have this worked out. As another very, very seldom drinker, I do wish they would offer something besides the drinks package.

[@DaftCatBrewing]

We found the app pretty useless for daily activities. Half the activities in the Patter never made it into the app and there was so few items displayed on the screen at once in the app you were constantly scrolling up and down or left and right. It was particularly annoying on tablets like the iPad as you just had a larger version of the iPhone app and still couldn't see any more items on the screen at once, or zoom in and out. Other than that and a couple of bugs with the app, it was quite good. Like you we thought Princess plus was great value as just the gratuities and wifi was over half the cost as the princess plus so if you had a few coffees or other drinks each day then you were saving money. That said, even if you didn't necessarily save money, the confidence of knowing that you weren't going to have a huge on board spend bill at checkout and that it was all paid before boarding was worth every penny. With the dining times and dine my way you were also able to turn up without a booking at whatever time you wanted and they happily accommodated us in the main dining room

[@MikeThomasFaria]

Thanks for the info about the Patter. I may want to change my preference to the paper version.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

The Medallion app and tracker documents where you have been on the ship in detail to determine who you may have been in contact. 'Honey what were you doing in cabin 2370 while I was in the spa today getting my seaweed scrub?' 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@petemccormick676]

😇

[@huskidawgs]

On our LA to Hawaii RT on the Sapphire Princess last fall, I had a birthday and my wife and I an anniversary. Every time we got near one of those interactive screens at the elevators, we saw congratulatory messages to us and myself! On a 15-day cruise it got kind of funny to keep seeing that.

[@larry2436]

Great analysis. My wife and I traveled on the Regal in July 2019 on a scandinavian cruise. They had the medallion then. They had the muster via video in your room then. They had the easy on boarding with the medallion then. We prefer anytime dining so I don't know if they had the dining my way feature. regards the princess plus pricing - It can vary and our forthcoming cruise to iceland in 2022 (not on the regal) is only an extra GBP20 per day each - a bargain. Re the internet. It was pretty good back then. By memory, I'm sure I clocked it at around 25mips. Thats pretty slow for home use but on a ship is super quick.

[@Tricky_Adventures]

The one thing I don't think I would care for is the dining changes. As a solo traveler, I liked eating dinner at one of the large tables. You got to know those people and got to know your waiters. My waiter would often have my drink already waiting at the table for me before I got there. With the changes even if you could be placed at a larger table it would likely be with different people and waiters each time. Feels to me it would lose some of the camaraderie and discussions people would have on subsequent nights. It would all be initial get to know you chit chat every night. I would think I might get really annoyed with it and choose a single table for dinners. :(

[@michaelsladek9819]

We love the track your shipmates in the app. Was great for meeting up with our friends and family. Like you, I do prefer the Princess Patter and hope that doesn’t go away.

[@jamess5154]

We love Princess. Love the medallion as well--especially when opening my door with two cups o coffee in my hands bringing my wife her morning cup--the only reason she brings me along. Hint If you want to get various holders for the medallion they fit into a Fitbit Zip holder and there are many choices out there much cheaper and more choices than getting from Princess.

[@horsewithnoname12345]

Great tip!!

[@roundandroundmyworld]

I just leave mine in the plastic case it comes in and carry it in my pocket. Ample room since I don't have to carry keys, wallet, and other stuff I would normally be fitting in pockets.

[@jamess5154]

@@roundandroundmyworld I generally have mine in a little holder with a clip so I do not have to worry about it falling out when sitting.

[@SkipFilmProductions]

you do a fantastic job in producing your videos well done

[@l.faraday8767]

Thanks for the update Gary. We are booked on the Enchanted Princess for 2023. I’m not sure what we’ll do as far as dining goes, but we’ll figure that out before we go!

[@markcoleman8568]

Gary one big problem now with all the open seating for dining the theater show are overrun - with the two seatings the shows framed up around these times - if this trend continues Princess need to add shows! Our last trip we only got into one show all others were packed and folks saving sits?

[@tipsfortravellers]

Good point!!! They’ll need to do bookings or more show times. Will be interesting to see how they go. Lines like Norwegian and MSC do bookings

[@cruisecrazy7066]

The person that I travel with does not drink alcohol, whereas I do. This makes the drink package prohibitively expensive for us. I would like to be able to just purchase it for one, but I understand why they insist that everyone have it, as otherwise one person would get drinks for both.

[@ronoconnor8971]

The wife and I went on several cruises recently and two to Alaska on Princess one was while the medallion was tested four years ago or so and later once it was fully functional. It worked great. Makes you forget how much you are spending for sure. The kiosk will tally whenever you really want to know, but that is a bummer about having fun for 14 days anyway. Fun ships

[@Mama-tea]

I’ve never been on the Regal princess , we’re booked up for Feb 2023 for my 50th birthday. Thanks for the information

[@tipsfortravellers]

You’re welcome 😊

[@antonioruiz9461]

Completed a Pacific Northwest Cruise on the Ruby Princess last week. The new dining system was chaotic and inefficient. Cruisers reserve on a time slot and there were too many times when either they came in late, not all members show up at the same time or not even show up for their reservation at all. in these cases the table reserved is held for thirty minutes and creates a huge backlog. Once you are seated then you notice that there are quite a number of seats unoccupied.

[@dr.stephenhandy4352]

Thank you Gary for the wonderful information on Princess cruises. We are planning the Panama Canal Dec 2024. We are sailing on the Coral Princess. We love your insightful videos, we love watching your videos and have learned much. Stephen Handy Saint George, Utah USA

[@richardparmenter188]

4 weeks today!! Taken 2 years to get to this point sadly. We keep hearing complaints regarding the time it takes to be served through the app. One chap said he ordered a sandwich for an evening stack and it turned up after his breakfast! There are going to be teething problems and I think the staff need to be cut some slack-at least for now. Now roll on September 16th!

[@helenhall3705]

Sadly I think they were exaggerating. Before Covid-19, I travelled on a medallion class ship. Ordered a drink in Crooners and they found me very promptly

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

I like the paper copies of the platter for my scrap book. The medallion looks like a good idea.

[@tchklette]

We sailed on the original Pacific Princess/Love Boat from New York to Bermuda in 2001. We absolutely loved that entire cruise. We are doing the LA/Panama Canal/Ft. Lauderdale cruise in 2023 and are very much looking forward to sailing with Princess again. Thanks for the update- your videos will help make things familiar for our trip.

[@travelingwithmikeandpam9074]

I like the printed copies of the Princess Plater. I put them in a scrap book/Photo Album.

[@reestyfarts]

The new larger ships deleted the prow promenade for viewing wildlife and islands rearing up over the horizon as it approaches. Most of the flank promenade is gone as well. Hence we won't consider Princess unless it's an older Grand, Emerald, Golden, Sapphire, Crown, etc.

[@nicoleaustin8616]

Thank you SO MUCH for your videos. We are first time cruisers heading out in May on a Princess ship. Your videos have been TREMENDOUSLY helpful in our planning. They have also helped us know what to expect and heightened our excitement for this experience!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad you like them and found them so helpful. Hope you have a fantastic trip!

[@lynnfranklin427]

Fyi. MediallionIt works too well last cruise before the Pause my hubby eft his in the room and we came back after a day at sea and Oops. Cabin mycabin wasn't turned over because they thought he was there😆🛳

[@willgaukler8979]

... not a fan of the medallion really but understand why there are needed ... tip ... Princess Patter ... use your cell phone and take a picture of each page you have interest ... this way it is likely always with you ...for reference later... also elevators sound one chime going up and two sounds going down ... let them off first tho the elevators are rather small ...