I know this is an old thread, but I really appreciate the information. We've cruised out of FLL, MIA and NYC and NYC is always chaos! This is our first cruse leaving from SD.
We have reservations to stay across the road at Springhill Suites, I had thought about changing them to the Gaslight district, but after reading this I think I'll stick with what we've got.
It looks like there are 2 ships in port on our embarkation day. Will that effect people flow?
We will be on the Zaandam, what time will the mdr be open until for lunch? I'm eager to get on board, but not eager to wait in chaos.