Everyone knows how stressful it is to pack before a cruise. Packing can be a struggle for some people, but for others, utilizing certain strategies and products can make the process a breeze. All that planning, not to mention the huffing and puffing just to get the suitcase to close, can be exhausting. Here are a few ideas to help make your packing easier.

The experienced travelers of InterContinental Hotels Group's Priority Club have provided us with some great tips for packing. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. A great way to organize your suitcase is to use “space bags.” There are many types of space bags for each individual to choose from, but honestly, gallon size plastic bags work great. You can pack each day of clothes into bags to keep them organized or keep shorts separate from shirts, etc. These plastic bags are also great to store toiletries, shampoo, etc and prevent shaving gel or hairspray from accidentally leaking onto your clothes. Other “space bags” can be purchased in different sizes and allow you to vacuum out the air. These nifty bags allow you to easily pack everything you need instead of cramming everything into the suitcase and having to sit on top to close it.

2. Mix up your clothes rather than packing each person's clothes in a separate suitcase. That way, if one piece of luggage gets delayed or is lost - each person will still have some clothes for the trip.

3. Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Most hotels have an ironing board and iron located inside the room. Because of this convenience travelers can roll their clothes, allowing more room to pack, without the worry of wrinkling their garments.

4. Pack socks and other items into shoes in order to create more space inside the suitcase. This can also be an organizational tip because you can already match the socks with shoes you will wear instead of having to dig them out of the bottom of the suitcase.

5. Be sure to leave room for souvenirs. Pack some clothes that are not important and that you are willing to leave behind at the end of your travels. This can be a way to clean out your closet and simultaneously help you to be able to pack better for your trip.

So next time you get ready to pack for your cruise, keep these packing tips in mind and you won’t have to stress about trying to cram tons of clothes in a heavy and bulky suitcase. And, when all else fails ... don't forget to bring a roll of duct tape in case of a luggage malfunction.