Hey motraveler! You can stay on the ship until they kick you off pretty much. On the day before your last day on the ship, heading back to port, opt to carry your luggage off the ship yourself. That way you don't have to leave it outside your room to be taken off and sorted by the staff. They give you the option. Then, when you get to port, take your time getting up, when you're all packed and ready to leave your room finally, take everything with you, go get some lunch, and enjoy your last hours on the ship. Then get off the ship when you're ready. You do have to be off at a certain time because of the next vacationers getting on, but you can go by your own schedule and not rush.
I hope this helps.
I'm goin in 2 weeks.... Nov. 14th :-) 5th year in a row and don't plan on stopping