IMHO... I would plan on arriving at the pier around 10:30AM. The departing passengers should be gone by then. The port is well marked, and you will be directed to a luggage drop-off for Carnival. I would leave the family with the luggage and sea cap, and there will be signs (& policemen) directing you to the parking lots. A Free shuttle will bring you back to the front door of the terminal. Everything is well marked, and early in the morning the whole process should be 15 to 20 minutes MAX....