Planning a cruise with Princess Cruises is always an exciting experience. Whether you are heading to the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe, one of the most important steps before you sail is completing your online check-in. This step ensures that your travel information, identification, and boarding passes are ready in advance—helping you avoid long lines at the terminal and allowing for a stress-free start to your vacation.
In today’s digital era, Princess Cruises has made the online check-in process incredibly convenient through its Cruise Personalizer and MedallionClass app. But for first-time cruisers, the process can seem confusing. Questions like “When should I check in?”, “What documents do I need?”, or “How do I get my Medallion boarding pass?” are very common.
This detailed guide walks you through everything you need to know—step by step—about how to do online check-in on Princess Cruises, along with useful tips to ensure you’re ready for embarkation day.
Online check-in is a digital process where you provide all the necessary travel and personal details to Princess Cruises before your sailing date. Instead of filling out forms at the port, you complete them online. The process involves entering passport information, emergency contacts, travel details, and payment information for onboard expenses.
Once you’ve completed check-in, Princess Cruises issues your boarding pass and MedallionClass profile, which are essential for boarding the ship.
The main purpose of online check-in is to streamline the embarkation process, reduce wait times, and ensure that all passengers meet the required travel and health documentation standards before sailing.
Princess Cruises typically opens online check-in about 120 days (4 months) before your sailing date. However, the timeline may vary slightly depending on the itinerary and cruise type.
It is highly recommended to complete online check-in at least 5 to 7 days before your departure. Early check-in gives you time to resolve any issues—such as missing documents or incorrect information—and also allows you to select an embarkation group for smooth boarding.
If you’re sailing on a MedallionClass cruise, you should complete your online check-in as soon as it becomes available. The earlier you do it, the sooner you can receive your OceanMedallion (Princess’s smart wearable device) shipped to your home if eligible.
Princess Cruises offers two main platforms for completing online check-in:
Cruise Personalizer (Website)This is the official online portal where guests can manage their booking, enter travel details, and download cruise documents.
MedallionClass App (Mobile App)This app takes the process further by allowing guests to upload photos, check health protocols, and complete travel readiness steps on mobile.
While both platforms serve similar purposes, it’s best to complete the initial check-in via the Cruise Personalizer and then use the MedallionClass app to finalize your profile and embarkation preferences.
Go to the Princess Cruises official website and navigate to the Cruise Personalizer page. You’ll need to log in using your:
First name and last name (exactly as shown on your booking)
Booking number (provided at the time of reservation)
Date of birth
Once logged in, you’ll have access to your cruise itinerary, payment options, and check-in section.
In this section, you’ll be asked to provide personal details, including:
Full legal name (matching your passport or government ID)
Date of birth
Gender
Nationality
Home address and contact number
Accuracy is essential. Even minor spelling errors can cause problems during document verification at the terminal.
You must enter valid passport details for all travelers in your booking. This includes:
Passport number
Country of issue
Expiry date
Place of issue
Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, as some destinations enforce this rule strictly.
If your cruise includes international ports, you may also be asked to provide visa information (if applicable).
Princess Cruises requires you to list at least one emergency contact person who is not traveling with you. You’ll need their:
Full name
Relationship to you
Phone number
Email address
This step is mandatory for all passengers and must be completed before check-in is finalized.
During your cruise, you can make purchases such as drinks, spa treatments, and shore excursions. Instead of paying in cash each time, you’ll use your Medallion device or cruise card linked to your onboard account.
At this step, you’ll need to register a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit for onboard spending. This ensures that all charges are automatically billed to your account.
If you’re uncomfortable linking your card online, you can also set up payment at the port, but completing it during online check-in saves time.
Princess Cruises provides an electronic copy of its Cruise Contract and Passage Conditions, which you must read and accept. This legal agreement covers passenger rights, responsibilities, and liability clauses.
Make sure to review this carefully, especially if you’re traveling internationally or have special medical needs.
You’ll need to upload a passport-style photo (headshot with plain background). This picture is used for facial recognition at embarkation and throughout the ship.
Guidelines for the photo:
Face clearly visible and centered
Plain light background
No sunglasses or hats
File under 10 MB in JPG or PNG format
If you skip this step, staff will take your photo at the port, which may delay your boarding.
This feature is designed to manage embarkation flow. You’ll be asked to choose a check-in time slot or arrival window.
Selecting an early time helps you board sooner and start enjoying ship amenities earlier. However, if your travel plans might cause a delay, choose a later slot to avoid long waiting periods.
Your boarding pass will display your chosen arrival group and time.
Depending on the cruise line’s latest travel requirements, you may need to complete a health declaration form.
Typical questions include:
Have you experienced fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms recently?
Have you been in contact with anyone sick?
Have you traveled to restricted areas recently?
This form usually becomes available 24 to 72 hours before embarkation and is essential for final clearance.
After all sections show as “Complete,” you’ll receive a confirmation that your check-in is finished. You can then:
Print your Boarding Pass
Print your Luggage Tags
Review your travel summary
It’s a good idea to print extra copies of these documents and keep digital backups on your phone.
After completing online check-in via the Cruise Personalizer, you can finalize your readiness through the Princess MedallionClass app.
Here’s what you can do inside the app:
Verify your identity using the uploaded photo.
Track your check-in progress under “Travel Checklist.”
Complete the “OceanReady” steps.
Choose your preferred Medallion delivery option (home delivery or pickup at port).
Review your embarkation group.
The app also allows you to pre-book onboard activities, order food and drinks, and view your itinerary once you’re onboard.
Once your online check-in is complete and your OceanReady status is confirmed, you’ll see a green boarding pass in your app or personalizer.
This means you’re fully prepared for embarkation day. If you’re in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., or Australia and complete your check-in early, Princess may ship your Medallion to your home about two weeks before your cruise.
If you’re outside these regions or finish check-in late, you’ll collect your Medallion at the port terminal during boarding.
Even after completing online check-in, you must bring the following physical documents:
Valid passport or government-issued photo ID
Cruise boarding pass (printed or digital)
Visa (if required for any destination)
Health documents (if applicable)
Payment card (if not pre-linked online)
Having these ready will ensure a smooth embarkation process.
Double-check your booking information – Make sure the name on your booking matches your passport exactly.
Use a stable internet connection – Interruptions during data entry can cause errors.
Complete check-in early – Early check-in ensures better embarkation times and Medallion delivery.
Upload your photo correctly – Avoid shadows or filters; it must look like a passport photo.
Keep your confirmation email – It serves as proof of check-in in case of system issues.
Update your app – Always use the latest version of the MedallionClass app for accurate functionality.
Problem 1: Cannot log in to Cruise Personalizer
Check if your booking number and name match the reservation.
Clear your browser cache or use a different browser.
Problem 2: Photo upload keeps failing
Resize the image to under 10 MB.
Use standard file formats like JPG or PNG.
Problem 3: Missing Medallion shipping option
This usually happens if check-in is incomplete or done too late. You can still collect it at the port.
Problem 4: Incomplete sections in the app
Ensure all fields (passport, emergency contact, payment) are filled.
The app updates within a few minutes after submission, so refresh it.
Online check-in isn’t just a convenience—it’s a requirement for boarding your cruise efficiently. Here’s why it matters:
Saves time at the terminal: You can skip manual paperwork and proceed directly to security and boarding.
Ensures faster Medallion activation: Your OceanMedallion works only after your details are verified.
Reduces human errors: Data entered online is automatically synced with Princess’s boarding system.
Improves travel safety: Emergency contact and health information help the cruise line respond quickly if needed.
Customizes your cruise experience: Completing the app steps lets you unlock MedallionClass features before you even set sail.
The OceanMedallion is a revolutionary wearable device that replaces the traditional cruise card. Once your online check-in is complete, your Medallion acts as:
Your digital boarding pass
Your stateroom key
A payment method for onboard purchases
A locator for family members or friends
A personal concierge device for onboard services
To activate it, you must complete all OceanReady steps via online check-in. Without this, you’ll experience delays when collecting or activating your Medallion at the terminal.
Arrive at the port during your assigned window. This helps control passenger flow.
Have your documents ready – passport, boarding pass, and health forms.
Show your OceanReady status in the app.
Pick up or scan your Medallion – depending on whether it was mailed to you or waiting at the terminal.
Go through security screening.
Board the ship and start your vacation!
Once onboard, you can begin exploring immediately, as your check-in details are already verified.
Q1: Do I need to print my boarding pass if I have the app?
No, a digital version in the MedallionClass app is sufficient. However, carrying a printed backup is always smart.
Q2: Can I update my check-in details after submission?
Yes. You can log back into the Cruise Personalizer anytime before sailing to edit passport or payment details.
Q3: What happens if I forget to do online check-in?
You can still check in manually at the terminal, but it will take longer, and you may lose early boarding privileges.
Q4: Can multiple passengers on the same booking complete check-in separately?
Yes. Each passenger can log in using the shared booking number and their individual information.
Q5: What if I don’t have a smartphone?
You can complete check-in on a computer through the Cruise Personalizer and collect your Medallion at the port.
Start the process early: Don’t wait until the week of your cruise; begin as soon as the portal opens.
Check your travel restrictions: Some destinations may require additional health or visa documentation.
Stay organized: Keep a folder (digital or printed) with all confirmations and IDs.
Use the app actively: The MedallionClass app is not just for check-in; it enhances your onboard experience with real-time service.
Be patient during peak hours: Cruise lines process thousands of passengers; small delays are normal.
Completing your online check-in for Princess Cruises is one of the most important preparations before your dream vacation at sea. By using the Cruise Personalizer and MedallionClass app, you can easily provide all your travel details, upload documents, and receive your boarding pass well ahead of time.
Doing so ensures a fast and stress-free embarkation, giving you more time to enjoy everything that Princess Cruises has to offer—from world-class dining and entertainment to breathtaking destinations.
In short, your journey begins long before you step on board. By taking just a few minutes to complete the Princess Cruises online check-in process, you set the tone for a truly seamless, luxurious, and unforgettable voyage.
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