Packing with Plaastic

I used to do that all the time. No trick to it, you just lay it out flat in the bottom of your suitcase and put your piece of clothing on it, fold the leftover plastic over top of piece you just laid down, then put another piece of clothing on top and so on. Now I use the largest size Zip-Loc bags I can find, biggest ones I found at Target (2 maybe 2 1/2 gallon size, can't remember). Keeps everything in my suitcase organized, wrinkle free and much easier than the dry cleaning plastic.

I do the same as Susan, 2.5 gallon Ziploc bags. I like them particularly because of the possibility of TSA checking the luggage. They can see what is in the bags without opening them, and nothing gets messed up. You can also sort of use them as compression bags to save space. Also great for separating wet or dirty items, which you can't do with drycleaning bags.

I've used zip lock bags, but prefer using packing cubes. I would think either of those methods would be preferable to using dry cleaner bags.

Actually for packing formal wear a packing cube would not be ideal for most peoples outfits.. Paula, I have used drycleaning bags to pack my dresses. You have to drape them across your suitcase and sort of pack things around the insides then fold the sides over so there are no sharp creases.. the bags help. I would google for a diagram since I can't describe it properly.

My former mother-in-law always used sheets of tissue paper, great for formal wear.

I didn't see any mention of formal wear in the OP.

Come on, lighten up. OP referenced a cruise and most cruises have some requirements for formal wear. Not an illogical conclusion. The role that the plastic plays (or any other slippery surface)is that it prevents packed clothing from wrinkling somewhat by allowing the clothes to slide back and forth and not catch on the other clothing above and below.

One of the tricks that I have used is to roll up my clothes, rather than fold them. I lay them out flat, smooth out all surfaces, then roll them up. It is a great space saver. Rolled clothes can be manipulated into the corners of your suitcase. I have also hung slightly wrinkled clothes in the bathroom during a shower to help 'steam' out some of the wrinkles.

Thanks for all the great tips. I have been busy gardening during Our beautiful spring. Weather and now it is time to pack. I have used most of these tips at one time or another and I frequently use recycled linen containers that contained blankets or sheets.. really handy. This trip I am planning to take a couple of linen outfits and wanted to prevent creases. I can get my formal wear in a a couple pf one gallon zip lock bags! Thanks again for these
Helpful suggestions.