Transport from POFQ to Port Canaveral

[lanejudy]

The terminal opens at 10:00. That's when check in starts.

Actually, the terminal opens at 10:30am for check-in. It's possibly a couple of early buses from MCO will arrive earlier, in which case those guests are allowed into the terminal for security and check-in. But guests arriving by any other mode will be held outside until 10:30am. That is the first PAT window as well.

I am reading that early strivers (10:30/11:00) just end up sitting around and waiting? Why is that? If you arrive by 11am what time do you board the ship?

As PP mentions, while check-in starts earlier, boarding doesn't begin until around 11:30, give or take. And the boarding number received when checking in at the terminal corresponds directly with the PAT. So early arrival at the terminal does not necessarily get someone onboard the ship any sooner. If you arrive considerably earlier than your PAT, you will wait longer to board than someone arriving at the same time but within their PAT window.

Enjoy your cruise!