So, I’m leaving on a cruise tomorrow. Like, in twelve hours. And I just remembered the wheel of my suitcase got crushed by Delta last time and I had to run out and buy a new one. Target didn’t have any suitcases with the “suit saver” thing I’m used to - you know, the panels that fold out of the lid and you can carefully fold your dresses into it. I have a floor length evening gown I’m taking on the cruise. The handbook says there are irons and they do dry cleaning, but I don’t know if they’ll be able to steam it for me. What’s the best way to try to pack it? Roll it? Fold it? It’s a jersey, I think, not super-wrinklable but not immune either.
I have to admit I had a whole different notion of what you were asking re how to “pack” an evening gown. 
They will absolutely be able to steam it for you, 100% guaranteed, unless you bought tickets on Ed’s Croose Lines. And if, by some crazy chance the whole laundry staff is eaten by sharks, you can get out wrinkles by hanging your dress outside the shower while you take a hot shower, then use your blowdryer to blow out the wrinkles.
But, for the record, the best way to pack an evening gown is with a lot of tissue paper. Failing that, pack the rest of your stuff high in the center, so it forms a little mound. Lay your dress over the mound and gently tuck it around and down the sides - this shapes gives it the greatest surface area possible in the suitcase, which will minimize the wrinkling.
Be sure to take it out and hang it as soon as you get on board.
I’d use lots of tissue paper. When you get there throw it in the bathroom and turn the shower on. They will press it for you, and they do have laundry rooms with ironing boards available.
Hope you have a great time! I’m so jealous. I went this time last year and had so much fun.
Good lord, should have asked how to pack the rest of it! This time I swore up and down that I was taking practically NOTHING, that I’d either freeze or roast and everybody would have to get used to those black traveller’s pants from Chico’s, right? And I really did stick to it! And I still had to sit on it! (And then the zipper seperated, and I had a little heart attack but it fixed, and then I took out more stuff.) I decided to just tuck the gown in as nicely as I could (don’t have any tissue paper, and it wouldn’t help anyway with how packed this bag is) and leave it to the tender care of those mysterious Filipino cabin servers.
Would you believe most of the people I’m going with are renting the house dress? I love getting the chance to dress up, and I just fit back into this dress! (Uh, the formal nights had better come early. Real early.)
This may be too late, but I find most things pack smaller if you roll them instead of folding them. My husband always makes fun of me because my packing looks like a package of hot dogs, but I always take tons of stuff in a pretty small bag. Heavy, but small.
But have fun on your cruise!
I was gonna say, “Flesh, preferably female.” myself.
Hubby and I try to cruise once every year or two. We take 4 big bags for the two of us. That’s whether it’s a 7 day or 12 day.
On lots of cruises these days, the formal nights aren’t taken so seriously any more. Sometimes most of the men are in simple suits (maybe not even a tie) and women wear nice, but simple dresses. The tuxes and ball gowns are fewer than they used to be.
So enjoy dressing up…and tell us how it went. ('cause you dont want to leave us Dopers ignorant, ya know)
Last time I went there was a crazy mix (really fascinating!) of cocktail dresses, sports coats, wacky Japanese hot pants, gowns, what have you. I just wanted the chance to wear something nice, even though I have to pack it.
I did roll things. I ended up tossing my jacket, of all things, and hoping my sweater and cardigan are enough. If I get cold enough, I guess I can buy something there, right? (It’s Europe.)
Oh well, the cab comes in 10 minutes. I’m absolutely sure my boyfriend is going to burn the house down and let the cat eat the fish!