If you’re looking for the best stroller for a cruise ship, then you are in the right place. Just keep reading this buying guide to find out what to look for and what’s the best cruising stroller.
Quick Overview For Busy Parents
Why should you take a stroller with you on a cruise ship?
Many parents wonder if they should take a stroller with them when going on a cruise with a baby or toddler.

Alternatives to taking a stroller with you
Baby Carrier
If you don’t like the idea of a bulky stroller, then you may opt for a baby carrier.
That said, if you have back issues, then it’s probably not suitable for you.
It also depends on the temperament of your kid if you can use it. For example, my kid manages to sit a couple of hours calmly in a carrier, but after that he usually gets bored. So I wouldn’t dream of only taking a baby carrier with me to a week-long cruise.
Another thing to consider is the heat and humidity. I find baby carriers quite tiresome if I have to move around a lot. If you travel to the Caribbean, a baby carrier can be uncomfortable both for you and your kid.
Rent a stroller
Some cruise lines offer the possibility to rent a stroller. For example, you can rent a stroller on Carnival for six to eight dollars per day.
What To Look For When Buying A Cruising Stroller?
You want to buy a stroller that’s easy to maneuver in the narrow hallways filled with cleaning cards and other passengers. But the stroller should also do well on the shore and not take up much space in your cabin.
Weight and foldability of your cruising stroller
You should aim for the weight of your stroller to be less than 23 lb (10,5 kg).
Parents aren’t allowed to keep buggys in a hallway, so a lightweight easily foldable stroller will make your life easier and save some space in your cabin. You can usually keep foldable strollers under the bed or in the wardrobe.
Sometimes the hallways and streets may be so crowded that you may find it easier to fold the stroller and carry it quickly. And if you have an older toddler who likes to walk, then you may have to carry the stroller most of the time until he or she gets tired.
GB Pockit (check the latest price on Amazon) is probably the most compact stroller on the market, and it weighs only 9.5lb (4,3kg).
Stroller Wheels: Maneuverability and suspension
The best stroller for cruise ship should have swiveling wheels for better maneuverability.
Umbrella strollers weigh less than typical lightweight strollers. On the other hand, they usually come with plastic wheels. Plastic wheels are perfect if you move around the ship or on smooth city streets.
That said, if you plan to visit many ports, then you may have to face cobblestones and sand. This means that you may want better suspension and air-filled-tires offer just that.

Dimensions of your stroller
I’ve already covered (sorry for repeating myself) the importance of good foldability- it will save you some time and space in your cabin.
That said, if you take your stroller with you, make sure that the width is less than 21”(53 cm). The width of cabin doors is generally 21-24” (53-61 cm).
Price of the stroller
If you pay more for your stroller, then you’ll probably get a better product.
That said, your stroller will be dirty after the cruise:
If you plan to make only one trip, you may want to buy a cheap umbrella stroller. That said, a more expensive quality product will probably serve you for years if you maintain it properly. Just don’t be dismayed by a couple of stains here and there.
Reclining Seat
Most cruise lines require your baby to be at least six months old before you can take him or her on a cruise. So parents usually go on these types of vacations when their kids can already sit, and it’s not essential that the seat reclines fully. That said, the backrest should be adjustable to allow your kid to take a nap in it.
Other features to consider when buying a stroller for cruising
All top strollers have a five-point-harness and a foot brake, so they are safe to use.
An adjustable handle will make the ride more comfortable for parents.
A front bar is a nice feature, but many lightweight strollers don’t have them because it would make them bulkier.
If you wish, you can read more about stroller extras by checking out my buying guide.
Valuable extras to consider when buying the best Stroller For Cruise Ship
A rain cover is a must because you can’t pick the feather when visiting the ports.
Another thing to buy is a mosquito net. It’s especially crucial if you happen to visit places where malaria occurs as mosquitoes transmit this disease. You can check the endemic areas by clicking here.
And...don’t forget to buy some stroller toys for your little one.
The Best Strollers For Cruise Ships Reviewed (For DadProgress)
Kolcraft has made baby products for over seventy years. This great lightweight stroller is one of the cheapest options out there, but you’ll not be disappointed. It has all the essential features that you need when going on a cruising vacation.
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GB Pockit is one of the most compact strollers available. You can fold it into a handbag shaped package that weighs under 12 lb (5,4 kg). It’s perfect if you have an older toddler and you wish to have a stroller with you just in case he’ll get tired. It’s worth noting that there’s also Gb Pockit Plus (sold on Amazon). That you can use with car seats, so it's suitable from birth. It’s a slightly heavier model though. In 2018 GB introduced a newer version- GB Pockit Air All-Terrain. At the moment of writing, it’s not yet widely available though.
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Summer Infant 3 D Lite is one of the most popular strollers among parents who love cruising. It’s a classic umbrella stroller, but it competes well with more expensive models.
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If you’re looking for a luxury lightweight stroller, then this product is for you. It has everything you’d expect from a travel stroller, but it comes with a price tag.
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Many parents recommended the Mountain Buggy. It’s a great lightweight stroller that has all the required features. It’s a perfect choice if you want to use a car seat with your buggy because it has an onboard car seat adapter.
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To Sum Up
Finding the best stroller for a cruise ship depends on your needs. All links here will point you to Amazon to check the latest price.
For me, the best overall is the Kolcraft Cloud Plus stroller because it offers a lot of features for a relatively small price tag. It weighs only 11.8 lb, you can fold it with one hand, and maneuverability is excellent.
3D Lite Plus is an umbrella stroller that offers all you need for a great cruising vacation. It usually costs a little more than the Kolcraft Cloud Plus, but according to many parents, the quality is better too.
GB Pockit is the lightest stroller here, and it’s perfect if you have a toddler who walks. It’s easy to carry this stroller around, and if your kid gets tired, you have a buggy available. Keep in mind that the seat doesn’t recline though.
If you’re looking for a luxury lightweight stroller, then buy the Babyzen YOYO.
Mountain Buggy Nano is for parents who wish to use the stroller with a car seat. Otherwise, you can find cheaper options here that will perform just as well.
If you have two children, then you can attach a board to both YOYO and Mountain Buggy Nano.
All the reviewed lightweight strollers here have been tested by parents, and so the final choice depends only on your needs.
