The parade is at 7:30 and there are ferries at 8:30, 9:00 and 10:30 so no need to miss the parade. I have taken the 9 and 10:30 ferries with no issues. The last time I took the 9 and it was not overcrowded. When I took the 10:30 ferry they had an extra ferry so the ferry was not crowded. Don''t know if they still do that. Also the most interesting thing in the parade is the dancers. So you only need to watch them for 10 to 15 minutes and then can go get a drink, food or catch a return ferry. If you have been before like you have skipping Harbour Nights is logical.