What kind of stroller to bring?

[newfamilyman]

My DS1 sleeps easier in the larger, more padded (but also more cumbersome) stroller that we initially purchased for our DD4. This stroller also has more storage room. However, we also have an umbrella stroller which would be easier to take in the stairwells. I'm afraid if we take the larger stroller, we'll never find room in the elevator, but if I take the umbrella stroller, he won't fall asleep in it. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[lindakmonty]

I can tell you that I usually don't see too many of the larger strollers on the cruise...but personally I took my Maclaren umbrella stroller and it worked wonderful when my son was at that stage... it does lean back enough for them to sleep comfortably. It did have ok amount of storage underneath... I bought this stroller just for the cruise and ended up being my favorite by far. they are very nice. also, storing the larger stroller in your stateroom would be cramped ...

 

[webray]

Just remember, the hallways are very narrow, and there isn't much room in your stateroom for storage of a large stroller. People who have balcony rooms store strollers on their balcony while in the stateroom.

I would take the umbrella stroller.

 

[HeelMD]

Our last cruise, our DS was 13 months and we took the larger stroller. We really didn't have any problems. It is a little tight in the hallways, but not too bad. We had the same concerns about him not being able to sleep in the umbrella.

 

[mommasita]

Having cruised last year with an almost two year old cousin, although younger, I would take both...I would use the large one to embark, and send the other one with my carryon luggage...At least you have the option there...If the baby needs to sleep, you can use the larger one, and if it is just to go to the pools or what have you, the umbrella one can be perfect...It is most difficult on the elevators with the large one though, sometimes you are waiting and waiting for an empty one..

 

[lbgraves]

We take the umbrella one and get one on the ship to use when one of the kids is sleeping during dinner. It is much more comfortable for them than the umbrella. On our first cruise just DS 4 slept thru dinner. On the last one both of the kids slept at least once...DS did twice and he was 5 then. Oh, we just folded it up in the room, no problem at all. I have heard some people say they put the stroller in the tub when not using it during the day.

 

[HeelMD]

Didn't think of that. Ignore what I said. I think lbgraves' idea is better.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We take the umbrella one and get one on the ship to use when one of the kids is sleeping during dinner. It is much more comfortable for them than the umbrella. On our first cruise just DS 4 slept thru dinner. On the last one both of the kids slept at least once...DS did twice and he was 5 then. Oh, we just folded it up in the room, no problem at all. I have heard some people say they put the stroller in the tub when not using it during the day.

Great idea. I'll have to remember that advice.

 

[CindyandBrice]

When I Was On Wonder In 2002 They Had Strollers To Use FrEe Of Charge When On The Cruise. Just Ask At The Desk.

 

[kcashner]

We've cruised on the Magic 12 times. On our last cruise, several people "stored" their large strollers in the hall. It was the first time I've seen this. The halls are narrow. These strollers made it very difficult to get by, expecially if you were carrying something, wearing a formal, etc....

Yes, use the ship's big stroller...but please store it in the space that you've paid for.

 

[rsjj]

vote for umbrella stroller!

i know the big ones are more "comfy"...how about bringing his/her favorite blanket, teddy, or something of that sort, to help him sleep? would that be an option?

our DSs were 2 & 4 at the time we cruised...we have a double stroller, but that's WAY big for the plane ride, and on the ship! so we brought an umbrella one, just for DS2, and told our DS4 that he'd need to walk, and not sit in a stroller! he understood, cuz he's a "big boy" now.

this time, am still bringing the umbrella one, for DS3, just in case!

 

[newfamilyman]

Thanks for all the opinions! They were really helpful

 

[4Smilee]

Does anyone have a photo that they can post of the strollers provided by DCL to borrow? I'm really torn. DS cannot sit up yet (I hope he is by the cruise . . but I don't know), so an umbrella stroller isn't really an option for him. I'd hate to bring the huge Graco travel system stroller. But I am bringing the infant carrier/car seat anyway . . .

Can't decide. Argh.

 

[aprilgail2]

We've cruised on the Magic 12 times. On our last cruise, several people "stored" their large strollers in the hall. It was the first time I've seen this. The halls are narrow. These strollers made it very difficult to get by, expecially if you were carrying something, wearing a formal, etc....

Yes, use the ship's big stroller...but please store it in the space that you've paid for.

That is one thing that majorly irked me on the cruise was people using the hallway for storage. It makes it difficult for people in wheelchairs to get around if the whole hallway is cluttered up with strollers people put out there just so they won't have to store them in their rooms! We kept ours in the closet, fit perfectly! It makes it very dangerous in an emergancy to have all those things out in the hallway!

 

[grlzmom]

I agree about storing strollers in the hallway, that is just unacceptable and a safety hazard, storing anything in the hallway should be a no no. Seems like this could cause a big problem in an emergency. We have seen lots of strollers and occasionally golfclub and wheelchairs in the hallway.

If we can fit our double in the closet so can everyone else

There are many lightweight, fold up, recline strollers out today that are similar to an umbrella but will give a little recline and padding if the kiddo falls asleep. They also have storage baskets. We prefer those to a standard umbrella because if they fall asleep in an umbrella they always seems to slump over. I think you can pick them up in the 20-40 dollar price range on the cheap side and get a nicer brand for 60-80.

We have never used the disney ones but they look comfy and sturdy. I think you leave a credit card deposit or something, but I may be wrong.

 

[t-bone]

HI Guys...I just got a strollre at Toys r us just for the cruise...It is a cross between an umbrella and a reg. stroller. It folds up with ONE hand and almost folds flat . It is the Kolcraft travel about. Here is the best part...IT WAS 19.99 !!!!! I bought it for my 5 year old DD. She hasn't been in a stroller for years but I know that on long excursions and very hot days she gets very tired and doesn't want to walk. So I decided this was better than hearing the whining !!! It does recline almost all the way and it is a bit more sturdy than an umbrella. Hope this helps..Tracey

 

[lbgraves]

Yes it takes a $100 deposit for the ones on the ship. They are the large wheeled Graco ones. Very nice with a big basket underneath. Here is a picture showing most of the stroller. The back reclines. It is not adjustable, just goes all the way back, but that worked for us.

 

[disjest8]

Help. I was planning on taking a double stroller for our DS2 & DS3. We have both a double jogging stroller (side by side) and one with one seat behind the other. Will the double with one seat behind the other fit through the hallways?

 

[lbgraves]

Since the stroller is as wide as a regular one I wouldn't think that you would have a problem. The biggest thing will be getting onto an elevator. We have had good experiences with that but not everyone has.

 

[disjest8]

Thanks for your help Lisa.