When you check in at the port, they will give you a piece of paper listing various "first day" things on the ship. You will have time while you stand in line to board to study this and figure out what you need to do. Most of these things don't start till 1:00, so there's no point in being in the line before about 12:30 - 12:45
Possibilities--do you need dining changes? If so, there will be a location listed for that. If you are happy with your seating and/or rotation, you can skip this one. You will need one adult member of your party WITH your dining tickets.
Palo--this is the highest priority "line" on the ship. One adult member of your party needs to be at the line ASAP.
Registering your kids in the club/lab--this is open all afternoon and evening. You will need the kids with one adult member of each family. However, this can wait till you have accomplished the "high priorities."
Spa--if desired...the adult reserving the service needs to go with his/her KTTW card
Shore excursions--this can be booked by phone or e-mail starting 60 days before your cruise IF you know what you want. The shore excursion desk is not usually open right at boarding, but opens later in the evening to add things. Note....you can change/cancel up to 2 days before sailing. After that, you will pay even if you decide not to go.
SO.....my ordering is....get on ship. Depending on time, drop carryons in stateroom, pick up dining tickets. IF time, go to lunch. Then one person to Palo line, one person to dining changes line. After that, spa appointments. After that, register kids in club/lab. Then, go swimming.
