Have you got the medallion app on your phone? Our app now says for our cruise from Sydney on 18th March, that our boarding time is 12.30-3pm. I think they have changed from time slots we used to select. This time only appeared for us today.
as soon as you get on board you can head for lunch, either Horizon court (buffet) or we like to head to one of the main dining rooms (they allocate one for lunch) as it’s much quieter than heading to buffet, and nice to sit and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
enjoy your first cruise.