We have never sailed from Norfolk, but here is my take on the lines at the ports. We always arrive early, approx. 10 am for the 1 pm embarkation. We bring along all of our documentation and have it at the ready (passports, sign & sail form filled in, credit card and tickets) to make the check in process quick and easy, and then we have a book and water for the wait. Being one of the first ones checked in means that we get on board quicker. But all in all, in the front of the line or the back, I think that Carnival does a great job of getting off all the debarkers and getting on all the embarkers in a very efficient, timely manner, with pleasantness and enthusiasm. Don't sweat the small stuff, it is just a small step on your unforgettable vacation.