Guests sailing with Princess Cruises will now have a contactless purchasing option that eliminates the need for them to carry cash or credit cards in select destinations.

The expansion of MedallionPay means they will be able to use the Medallion wearable device to make contactless payments in ports of call in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Alaska, and receive 7 per cent back on shoreside purchases as on-board credit.

The option will be available in retail locations in Cabo San Lucas, St. Thomas, Puerto Vallarta, and all Alaskan ports of call. More destinations will be added in the “near future”, Princess said.

When making a purchase, merchants will securely confirm the transaction with a two-factor authentication that exceeds typical credit card transaction.

No credit card or personal information is stored on the Medallion, the cruise line confirmed.

Princess Cruises president John Padgett said: “MedallionPay offers the ultimate in payment convenience and security for guests both on board and now in ports we visit, seamlessly blending the on board and destination experience.

“What makes MedallionPay extra special is the instant on-board value it delivers to guests in addition to base benefits with their associated credit card.”

The MedallionClass experience

Princess Cruises’ Medallion technology has been designed to improve the passenger experience and personalise each cruise.

The small, wearable device is used for touchless stateroom entry and on-demand services, among other things.

In May 2021, the line added the Dine My Way concept, giving guests the freedom to make reservations in on-board dining rooms and speciality restaurants at times they prefer and with their chosen dining partners.

Princess also recently took delivery of Discovery Princess, the latest MedallionClass ship in the fleet.

The ship is scheduled to operate a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages starting from 27 March 2022.