Embarkation vs. room availability tweak

Not sure if Viking meant this in their new FAQs. On website it was always embarkation for all starting at 11am with sliding schedule of room availability. Now a stricter sliding schedule of embarkation times with wording about holding luggage while your explore ashore. Does this mean they will hold off boarding until your allotted time? I'm not convinced about this discrepancy.

Can others who have sailed with other smaller upscale lines confirm if this is standard practice?

When is embarkation?

The ship is ready for embarkation as below:

11:00 AM: Explorer Suite and Penthouse Veranda Suite

12:30 PM: Penthouse Veranda

2:00 PM: Deluxe Veranda

3:00 PM: Veranda

Should you arrive prior to your allocated time and wish to explore your port of call, please drop off your luggage shoreside in the terminal where we will be happy to look after it. And please keep in mind, if you do go exploring, that you need to be aboard the ship at least 2 (two) hours before scheduled departure time.

On Azamara any "class" of passenger can board from 1100 on wards. Your cabin probably won't be ready till at least 1300 or so but you can tour around the ship, eat lunch at the buffet etc. Of course your luggage is taken when you go through the boarding process to board the ship and you have a small carry one with you.

On Windstar ... you pretty much just board! Wait in a line of 1 or 2 people to go through the check in process and that is it!

All cabin categories can board at 11. Rooms will be ready according to the timetable above.