Ahoy, Linda!
Thank you so much for the sweet compliment! We are so lucky to be able to share our love and knowledge of Disney Cruise Line with Guests like you!
Your grandchildren are wonderful ages to enjoy the amazing
youth programming on the ship. My children have experienced the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab for years, and it is always a highlight of their cruise. You can sign-up for the youth programming once your onboard booking window opens up, which is 75 days prior to your departure date if this is your first Disney Cruise. You'll find the registration by logging in and looking for "Child Registration" under "My Cruise Reservation." You'll just click on "Register Now" and it will take you to the page with some helpful information and a place to choose a password for checking out your grandchildren. You do not need to select a day and time as the club and lab are open each day from early morning until late at night (hours of operation will be posted in your cruise newsletter each day). So you can check them in and out as often as you like while the spaces are open! You will need to stop by the Youth Desk in the terminal or the youth spaces once aboard to pick up your grandchildren's Oceaneer Bands. These bands help the counselors keep track of them while they are checked in.
I have always felt very comfortable with my children in the youth areas because safety is Disney's number concern. In fact, you'll be able to receive messages from the counselors if anything happens via a Wave phone that you'll be able to carry anywhere around the ship. My advice is to visit the club and lab on the first afternoon during Open House hours to meet the counselors and get a feel for the areas. My children love getting to know them and always hate to say goodbye when it's time for the cruise to be over.
I hope my answer is helpful, Linda!
Nancy