You may be right about the age of the passengers. We are embarking this Saturday, the 9th and also got a first-ever group A 10AM assignment. We are also older, but not quite to the fourscore point. There are "only" 3 ships next Saturday, but I'm thinking it might be good for us to get through the checkin procedures quickly and at least have a seat in the waiting area instead of standing in long lines. For one of us, standing for awhile is a problem. If we can get on the ship earlier, that would be even better...