Hello there, Shridhar! Welcome to planDisney!
Thank you for bringing your question, because I absolutely understand your point of view, having been right where you are as a parent. My kids have grown up on board the Disney Cruise Line, and we’ve gone through all the different childhood milestones, including this newest “independence” stage in their tween and teen years. Rest assured that guest safety is always Disney Cruise Line’s top priority, and I’d be happy to share the safety guidelines in place, as well as some ways you can communicate together on board.
While I’m not sure how old your child is and therefore which
Youth Club she will be in, I’ll share the guidelines for all of them. Please keep in mind that the age guidelines for the Youth Clubs are in place during “Operating Hours” but during
“Open House” any guest may enter, and all of this is always subject to change at any time.
Disney’s Oceaneer Club is for guests aged 3-10,
Edge is for guests aged 11-14, and
Vibe is for guests aged 14-17.
Kids in Disney’s Oceaneer Club are unable to check themselves in and out unless specified by their parents during the Online Check-In process or on board. Kids in Edge or Vibe can enter and exit the Youth Club as they wish.
When my kids transitioned from Disney’s Oceaneer Club to Edge, I was worried about how I would keep track of them in there, as my kids also do not use a cell phone. Here’s what works well for my family during our sailings:
- I allow them to use an old cell phone that belonged to me so that I can communicate with them on board through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is completely free to download and use, and includes a handy Chat feature that lets you message guests on board. This is our preferred method of communicating, as it always works, and I’m able to message them no matter where they are on the ship. Plus, I like the security of knowing that, since we're only chatting through the app, there's no risk of them using any other cellular or WiFi features. WhatsApp also worked for me, though make sure to check your own cellular guidelines.
- While in any of the Youth Clubs, you may also call there using any of the ship phones. There is a ship phone available on each deck, and guests are absolutely able to use them to call the Youth Clubs to speak to their children. I’ve called the Youth Clubs many times to check on my kids!
- You’re also able to physically check on her in any of the Youth Clubs, but during Operating Hours you will have to check with the Youth Counselors for security reasons. Even in Edge and Vibe, while kids are allowed to enter and exit as they wish during Operating Hours, only the Edge and Vibe kids may enter, and no other guest may do so. Rest assured that the Youth Counselors know me as a "regular" and are perfectly fine with me coming and going to check on my kids!
Shridhar, I hope I offered reassurance and guidance. I wish your family the most amazing cruise and plenty of beautiful memories made! Please sail back to planDisney if you have any other questions.
Seas the Adventure,
Rana