Packing for your cruise?
So many cute clothes to take… and not enough room!
And when flying I try to limit how many suitcases I take. This is my way of creating extra space!

Rolling clothes is a space-saving cruise packing technique. It ‘s also a great way to reduce wrinkles.

This method works perfectly for cruise travel. It is especially useful if you want to avoid ironing on your cruise. Irons are not allowed in your cabins but most ships have an ironing room available for your use. They can get very crowded on elegant night though.

Here’s a quick guide on how to roll clothes for cruise packing, including the best way to roll different items:

BASIC ROLLING TECHNIQUE (The Classic Roll)

1. Lay clothing flat (like a t-shirt).
2. Fold sleeves in (if applicable) to make a long rectangle.
3. Fold in half (lengthwise) if needed.
4. Tightly roll from the bottom up toward the neckline or waistband.

This works great for:

• T-shirts
• Shorts
• Casual dresses
• Workout clothes
• Swimsuits

HOW TO ROLL SPECIFIC ITEMS

Tops & T-Shirts

• Lay shirt face down.
• Fold in the sides to make a rectangle.
• Fold in half lengthwise, then roll tightly from the bottom.

Dresses & Skirts

• Fold dress/skirt in half lengthwise.
• Smooth out any wrinkles.
• Roll tightly from the hem upward.

Pants & Jeans

• Fold in half leg over leg.
• Smooth out the fabric.
• Roll from the bottom up toward the waistband.

Underwear & Swimwear

• Fold in thirds if needed.
• Roll tightly into little bundles (great to tuck into shoes or corners of packing cubes).

Jackets & Bulky Items

• Consider folding bulky items instead and placing them at the bottom of your suitcase.
• Or wear them on embarkation day to save space.

BONUS TIPS

• Use packing cubes: Roll each item and tuck them by type (tops in one, bottoms in another).
• When using packing cubes you can just unzip and place in a drawer without unpacking!
• Tuck socks/undies in shoes to save room.
• Use rubber bands or hair ties to keep rolls tight if needed.
• Take a small bottle of wrinkle release non-aerosol spray.
• Take garments that are made of lightweight, wrinkle free fabric.

My sister uses the rolling technique when packing for her travel. She takes her time and rolls each item very carefully. When she unpack, her clothes looks like she just picked them up from the cleaners! They are perfect with no wrinkles at all! I do a pretty good job with my clothes but nothing like hers!

Essential Packing List for Your Warm Weather Cruise

Here’s a group just for new cruisers and others! No judgment with correct answers to your questions. Lots of in-depth information, tips and personal advice! 

Carnival Cruising for First Timers & Seasoned Sailors