Our first cruise in 1991 was on QE2, it was a compettion prize and we were bussed to it from a hotel, its a long time ago now, and have no idea what rtime be boarded! After that we cruised on P&O, if my memory serves me right, you turned up at Mayflower at 1pm when check-in opened, then waited till around 3pm, when you boarded by coloured and number cards, given to you at check-in. Sp its a lot better these days!