San Diego embarkation/debarkation

[tomculb]

My wife and I are about to book an April Mexico cruise (our first!) on the Oosterdam, and I have some questions.

 

Embarkation: We're arriving in San Diego late the evening before and would like to wander around the city a bit the next day before boarding. Is it advisable (or even possible) to get to the terminal early, check in and leave our bags, and then return a few hours later for actual boarding?

 

Debarkation: Similar question -- once off the ship is it possible to leave our bags somewhere before a late afternoon flight? I think I read somewhere that there is a service where you can check your bags on board the night before to your flight, which would be great. Anyone know whether that works with Southwest Airlines? Also, how long can we stay on the ship after its 7AM arrival.

 

Thanks