Returning cruiser with a few questions

[spotte]

I am Sailing on the Connie from Tampa in November. It’s been a few years since I sailed on Celebrity. 
I am looking for information on earliest boarding times in Tampa and for people that get their drinks free in the casino, will they bring soda to you unopened?  Also, for people that have sailed recently, can you bring soda and bottled water onboard at embarkation? Also,   I am trying to book my select dining reservations and the earliest reservation is at 6:00. I have seen people post that it opens at 5:30. Does anyone know which time is correct?  Thank you for your help!

Edited September 16, 2022 by spotte

[cruisestitch]

You pick your morning time when you do the online check-in.

 

They will bring you unopened cans of soda.

 

If you want the earliest possible dining time, you probably don’t need to book  it at all.  Look on the app or In the daily planner and you will see what time the dining room opened, so go then