Can you bring a side-by-side double stroller on a cruise ship? So many people seem to have negative things to say about it— the hallways are too narrow, you won’t be able to pass by the housekeeping carts, you’ll never get onto an elevator. So, I had to see for myself. Last October, I brought my Zoe Twin+ on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas. Here’s my full review!

For reference, I have the Zoe Twin+ V1, and its width is 29”. Please note that this was my experience on this specific ship with this specific stroller, so I cannot guarantee how it will translate to other ships, cruise lines, or strollers.

I have also brought this stroller on the Disney Dream. Check out that review here.

Embarkation and Disembarkation

Getting on and off the ship at the cruise terminal and in port was easy!

The embarkation area in the Miami cruise terminal is on the second floor, but there were quick and efficient elevators that were clearly marked. The gangway from the cruise terminal to the ship was huge and easy to navigate with the stroller. There was plenty of room for people to pass to the side of us, and we were able to roll right onto the ship without any trouble.

Getting off the ship in the port at Nassau, the area where they scan the Seapasses was a little too narrow, but the crew members happily moved the temporary rope stands over to make enough room for us to pass through. The gangway itself was just wide enough to accommodate the stroller. When we got back on the ship after our time at Nassau, we had to pull over and wait until some people coming off the ship passed by us before proceeding up the gangway.

Cabin Accessibility

We stayed in a Spacious Ocean View Balcony room. The stroller did not fit through the doorway of the room or in the entry hallway. I had to fold it before coming into the room and set it up in the hallway when leaving.

The double stroller could not fit through the doorway in the cabin.

Inside the cabin, the stroller fit perfectly propped up against the balcony door on the side that didn’t open, behind the curtain. I think it could have easily slid under the bed or fit in the empty closet.

Check out a quick cabin tour on my YouTube cannel here.

Navigating the Ship

Navigating around the ship once out of the cabin was a breeze.

The cabin hallways were wide enough in most areas to pass luggage, housekeeping carts, and other people without any issues. There were some narrow areas where there wasn’t enough room to pass some items, but the narrow spots were brief. When I saw people coming, I simply pulled over and let them pass before entering the narrow area. There was only one instance where I ran into a housekeeping cart in a narrow spot, and I was able to push it a few inches into the doorway of the room that was being cleaned to pass without issue.

The double stroller next to a housekeeping cart in the hallway.

The double stroller passing by luggage in the hallway.

All other public spaces, including elevators, were easy to navigate, even when busy. The stroller fit easily into all of the elevators. Even when they were busy, we didn’t have a hard time getting on an elevator. The other guests were very accommodating and understanding.

The double stroller in one of the small elevators.

Dining

The cafes onboard were easy to navigate with the stroller. I was able to take it through the line and right up to a table at both Sorrento’s and Starbucks.

The double stroller in line at Starbucks.

The double stroller pulled up to a table at Sorrento’s.

At Windjammer Cafe, I was able to bring the stroller through the buffet line and pull it right up to a table with us.

The double stroller pulled up to the table at Windjammer Cafe.

At the main dining room, I was not able to pull the stroller up to the table, but they allowed me to park it outside the restaurant while we were dining.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I was very happy with my decision to bring the double stroller aboard Freedom of the Seas. I had no issues at all navigating around the ship, and the minor inconvenience of getting it in and out of the room was totally worth the benefit of having it with me as we moved around. To anyone wondering whether they should bring their own, I say absolutely, yes!