Princess Announces Updates to OceanReady Embarkation
Princess Cruises is excited to announce updates to its OceanReady embarkation process, aimed at expediting check-in and getting guests onboard faster than ever. The enhancements include the introduction of “Green Lane” and “Blue Lane” designations, which streamline the embarkation process for guests who have completed the required Travel Checklist steps and received their Medallions prior to their cruise. Additionally, Princess will now offer pre-cruise Medallion shipping for Canadian residents, with plans to expand to Australia and the UK in the coming months. Guests who purchase certain packages will also receive complimentary Medallion and accessory delivery. In other exciting news, Princess will be introducing specialty dining options for lunch, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal in select restaurants onboard.
Enhancements to OceanReady Process
Introduction to the enhancements
Princess Cruises has recently announced updates to its OceanReady process that aim to expedite embarkation across its fleet. The enhancements include the introduction of the “Green Lane” and “Blue Lane” system, as well as improvements to Medallion delivery and accessories.
How the updates expedite embarkation
The updates to the OceanReady process are designed to streamline the embarkation process for guests, getting them onboard faster than ever. By dividing guests into different lanes based on their completion of the required Travel Checklist steps and Medallion delivery, the check-in process becomes more efficient and organized.
Explanation of ‘Green Lane’ and ‘Blue Lane’ system
The “Green Lane” and “Blue Lane” system is a new feature of the OceanReady process that categorizes guests based on their completion of the Travel Checklist steps and Medallion delivery. Guests who have completed the required steps and have received their Medallion prior to their cruise are designated as Green Lane guests. On the other hand, guests who have an incomplete checklist or choose to pick up their Medallions during embarkation are designated as Blue Lane guests.
Green Lane vs Blue Lane
Who qualifies for Green Lane boarding
Guests who have completed all the required Travel Checklist steps and have received their Medallion before the cruise qualify for Green Lane boarding. The Travel Checklist steps include providing necessary travel documents, completing health screenings, and submitting any required forms.
Procedures for Green Lane guests
Green Lane guests enjoy a more expedited boarding process. After a quick document check, they can simply board the ship by scanning their Medallion. This eliminates the need for lengthy check-in procedures and allows for a smooth and efficient embarkation experience.
Who qualifies for Blue Lane boarding
Blue Lane boarding is for guests who have an incomplete checklist or choose to pick up their Medallions during embarkation. These guests may still complete their check-in process at the terminal check-in station, but they will need to visit a Princess representative to confirm their travel documents and complete their checklist.
Procedures for Blue Lane guests
Blue Lane guests follow similar procedures to Green Lane guests but may need additional assistance to complete their check-in process. They will have the opportunity to visit a Princess representative who can guide them through the necessary steps, confirm their travel documents, and provide them with their Medallions if they haven’t received them beforehand.
Medallion Delivery and Accessories
Pre-cruise Medallion shipping availability
Starting from September 25, 2023, Princess Cruises will offer pre-cruise Medallion shipping for guests residing in Canada. This means that Canadian guests can have their Medallions delivered to their doorstep before their cruise, eliminating the need for onsite pick-up.
Pricing for standard package customers
For guests on a standard package, the option for Medallion and accessory delivery is available for a fee of $10 (U.S.)/$15 (Canada). This fee covers the shipping costs and ensures that guests can receive their Medallions and accessories conveniently and hassle-free.
Expansion of Medallion shipping to Australia and UK
Princess Cruises plans to expand its pre-cruise Medallion shipping to guests residing in Australia and the UK by early 2024. This expansion will extend the convenience of doorstep Medallion delivery to international guests, making the embarkation process even smoother for a broader range of Princess travelers.
Princess Plus and Princess Premier Package Benefits
Medallion and accessory delivery
Guests who purchase a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package receive complimentary Medallion and accessory delivery. This means that they can enjoy the convenience of having their Medallions and accessories shipped directly to their homes, free of charge, before their cruise.
Additional perks for these package holders
In addition to complimentary Medallion and accessory delivery, Princess Plus and Princess Premier package holders enjoy a range of other benefits. These can include all-inclusive beverage packages, unlimited Wi-Fi, and additional onboard credits, providing an enhanced cruise experience and added value for package holders.
New Accessory Options
Leather keychain and Carabiner clip-on keychains
Princess Cruises has expanded its accessory offerings to include leather key chains and Carabiner clip-on key chains. The leather key chains are priced at $7 each if purchased before the cruise, while the colorful Carabiner clip-on key chains are priced at $15 each. These new accessory options provide guests with stylish and functional ways to wear their Medallions.
Pricing for pre-cruise purchase
Guests have the option to purchase accessories, including the new leather and Carabiner key chains, before their cruise. This allows them to customize their Medallion experience and have their accessories ready to use once they embark on their Princess cruise.
Expanded accessory offerings
In addition to the leather and Carabiner key chains, Princess Cruises offers a wide range of other accessory options for guests. These include bracelets, necklaces, wearables, clip-ons, and lanyards, allowing guests to choose the accessory that best fits their style and preferences.
Updated Pricing for Medallions and Accessories
Detailed pricing for U.S. and Canadian customers
The pricing for Medallions and accessories varies depending on the guest’s location. For U.S. and Canadian customers, Medallions are included with their booking at no extra charge. The pricing for accessories, such as the leather and Carabiner key chains, is outlined in the previous sections.
Pricing for different accessories before the cruise
Guests have the opportunity to purchase accessories before their cruise at specified prices. The pricing for each accessory, including bracelets, necklaces, clip-ons, and lanyards, is available on the Princess Cruises website and can be added to the guest’s pre-cruise preparations.
Future Expansion of Pre-cruise Medallion Shipping
Projected timeline for Australia and UK expansion
Princess Cruises is planning to expand its pre-cruise Medallion shipping to Australia and the UK by early 2024. This expansion aims to provide international Princess guests with the same convenience and efficiency in the embarkation process as guests residing in the United States and Canada.
How this will benefit international Princess guests
The expansion of pre-cruise Medallion shipping to Australia and the UK will greatly benefit international Princess guests. Instead of having to pick up their Medallions and accessories at the embarkation terminal, they can now have them delivered to their homes, making the embarkation process seamless and hassle-free.
Introduction of Specialty Dining for Lunch
Details about the new lunch offering
Princess Cruises is introducing specialty dining options for lunch, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a luxurious dining experience during the midday hours. This new offering will provide guests with a wider range of dining options and enhance their onboard culinary experiences.
List of restaurants offering the lunch option
The specialty dining options for lunch will be available in several restaurants across the Princess Cruises fleet. Guests can look forward to enjoying lunch in Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, and The Catch on various days during their cruise. These restaurants offer a range of delectable menu choices, ensuring that guests can indulge in a memorable dining experience.
Timeline for fleetwide rollout
The specialty dining option for lunch will be rolled out fleetwide by the end of August. This means that guests sailing on any Princess Cruises ship will be able to enjoy the new lunch offering, providing them with more flexibility and variety in their onboard dining experiences.
Timeline of Changes
Summary of when each change will take effect
The changes to the OceanReady process, Medallion delivery, and accessory options will be implemented according to a specific timeline. The enhancements to the Green Lane and Blue Lane system and the availability of pre-cruise Medallion shipping for Canadian guests began on September 25, 2023. The expansion of Medallion shipping to Australia and the UK is expected to occur by early 2024. The specialty dining options for lunch will be rolled out fleetwide by the end of August.
What guests should expect in the transition period
During the transition period, guests should expect a smoother and more efficient embarkation process. The updates to the OceanReady process, including the Green Lane and Blue Lane system, are designed to expedite check-in and get guests onboard faster. The availability of pre-cruise Medallion shipping and expanded accessory options provide guests with more convenience and customization in their Medallion experience. The introduction of specialty dining for lunch offers guests a new dining option that enhances their onboard culinary experiences. Overall, guests can anticipate a more streamlined and enjoyable cruising experience with these updates.
Impact of Updates on Cruising Experience
How the changes are expected to improve onboard experiences
The updates to the OceanReady process, Medallion delivery, and accessory options are expected to enhance the overall cruising experience for guests. By expediting the embarkation process through the Green Lane and Blue Lane system, guests can start enjoying their cruise sooner. The availability of pre-cruise Medallion shipping and expanded accessory options provide guests with more convenience and flexibility in personalizing their Medallion experience. The introduction of specialty dining for lunch expands the culinary offerings onboard, giving guests more choices and opportunities to indulge in delicious meals.
Expectations for future enhancements
With these recent updates, Princess Cruises has demonstrated its commitment to continuously improving the cruising experience for its guests. Moving forward, guests can expect further enhancements and innovations that aim to make their Princess cruise even more enjoyable, convenient, and memorable. Princess Cruises remains dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring that guests have the best possible experience from the moment they embark on their cruise to the moment they disembark.
