It all depends on how fast the waiter gets your order into the kitchen, and what you have ordered. 20 plus cruises here. We are always on time to sit and know what we want. Dinner service for us is right at an hour. If you are in a rush just let them know.
If you do stay at H.P. and arrive early the more than likely will get you in a room ASAP. Friendly staff, clean rooms, not busy like E.S. Free breakfast, $2 per room ride from the airport, just call when you are outside with your luggage. If the driver is in between pickups he took us to the beach. I did tip him for the ride.
In the Harbor Shops area off of 17th. street there are about 4 places to eat. Joe's, Gilbert's, Duffy's sports bar 2 for 1 drinks all day, Willey's Seafood Shack, We like Duffy's. 10 min from the airport.
Your boarding this Sunday is going to be delayed. The ship had to make a medical stop and is now delayed about 12 hours. Looks as if it will not be into port until 7-8 PM Sunday evening.
There are shopping plazas on 17th street about a 2 block walk. to where you board. https://www.google.com/maps/place/1850+Eller+Dr,+Fort+Lauderdale,+FL+33316/@26.0949723,-80.1273174,15z/data=!4m13!1m7!3m6!1s0x88d9000acb53aa5b:0xb27ceb98027011f0!2s1850+Eller+Dr,+Fort+Lauderdale,+FL+33316!3b1!8m2!3d26.0816782!4d-80.1206082!3m4!1s0x88d9000acb53aa5b:0xb27ceb98027011f0!8m2!3d26.0816782!4d-80.1206082
If you just want to store your luggage, head over to Embassy Suites on 17th street. They will hold your bags for $5. Then you can do whatever you want till later.
We have always got in early at Hyatt Place convention center on se 10 th. street. They will give you a room as soon as they are available, or will hold your luggage for you. Last month after our cruise we were in a room by 10am and they did not charge us extra. This was 2 days before Hurricane Ian hit also.