Princess Cruises has wrapped a major renovation project to bring its new Ocean Medallion experience to its Princess Cays private island destination, among other enhancements. The project added Princess’ MedallionNet Wi-Fi network, allowing guests to share their vacation on social media or stream video on their mobile devices from the beach.
MedallionNet is a major investment in shipboard and shoreside Wi-Fi by Princess Cruises parent company Carnival Corporation. The new connectivity service aims to provide enhanced speed, bandwidth, signal strength and consistency of service through a combination of a satellite network, managed services, antenna and improved technology. The service is enabled by hardware and software advances associated with Carnival Corp.’s OCEAN Experience Platform, which will allow guests on Princess Cruises and other Carnival Corp. brands to perform a variety of activities, such as opening their stateroom door, tracking children or ordering drinks or entertainment, through an Ocean Medallion wearable device powered by a network of sensors embedded throughout ships and shoreside destinations.
The Princess Cays renovation project also added new shore excursions, refurbished retail and bar areas, shopping, landscape and infrastructure. Starting February 17, the destination will introduce the new Lagoon Clear-Bottom Kayaking Adventure, a guided paddle through the island’s lagoon. An Island Bicycle Adventure will offer a leisurely bike ride to popular sites in town, while a new “Davy Jones” water sports rental equipment will provide snorkeling and water gear. Additionally, a new Stingray Beach Encounter will allow guests to feed, touch and hold live stingrays, as well as learn interesting facts about the animals from trainers.
The island’s Bahama Treasure store has also added a new nautical-themed and “pick-a-pearl” jewelry section, while an expanded marina allows for larger tenders and smoother disembarkation/embarkation of guests – including a shaded security pre-clearance area. There is also a new information booth with shaded waiting lounge area; a new public announcement and music system; newly painted structures both inside and out with tropical pastel colors; guest services station for towel and water distribution at the Welcome Center; and new landscaping.
Looking ahead, Princess Cruises is the first cruise brand to debut the Ocean Medallion experience. The line’s most recently announced plan is to “phase in” activation of the new platform on the Regal Princess. This more conservative approach will gradually introduce the wearable technology to select groups of guests through the spring, allowing the line to receive continuous feedback during the rollout process.
Related Stories
Pearl Seas Kicks Off Spring Cuba Cruises
Red, White and Quirky: Inside Virgin Voyages' South Florida HQ
Caribbean Tourism Reps Reveal 2017 Travel Patterns
Gloria Bohan Named Godmother of Riviera River Cruises’ New Ship