Being platinum, and usually parking at a hotel or offsite, my car isnt in anyone's way... and I get on the ship first and dont have picked over buffet, get to it first.
I like not having the buffet foods all picked over, so its worth it to me to arrive early enough to board VIP. Im in the arrive before 11 am camp.
My tip is never pay the port parking fees, find a hotel that allows parking during your cruise, and go there the night before and relax. Start your vacation a day early.