More of the cruise lines are giving passengers a choice of embarkation times and it has really managed the process. They monitor those times, you don’t get in ahead of your designated time( but you get in if you are late for your scheduled time) .On our last 3 cruises our room was ready when we got on board, so we drop off our carryons. We are not elite class and just have regular veranda, no suite. We watch the muster video and then go to the muster station to check in, then find lunch. We eat in the buffet, then go wander about the ship or do as so many have already suggested and find a comfortable seat in a public place and read, make last minute phone calls, make dinner arrangements if not already made. A ready room does not mean your luggage will be there. But there really isn’t chaos anywhere. We tip our room attendant when we meet them ( above the stated daily amount) and ask that we have one additional bath towel in our bathroom. It creates good rapport and gets me an extra towel for hair drying. Have a great cruise- it’s a great way to vacation.