I was wondering whether the arrival time in a cruise brochure is the time the boat docks in port or when passengers can expect to depart the boat? If its when the boat docks, how long should I expect to wait to get ashore? Im thinking of using Carnival, so it will be a large boat and the ports are St Thomas and Bridgetown Barbados. My question results from booking my own shore excursions, so I need to know when I will actually be off the boat and in port. Thanks.

The time listed in the brochure is the time the ship is scheduled to dock. Generally, passengers can leave the ship about 1/2 to one hour later, but much depends on the port. In U.S. ports and possessions, a special onboard ID check is held of all passengers prior to allowing anyone off - this occurs when the previous port stop was in a foreign country (for example, a San Juan port call following a Nassau port call, etc.) so you should allow at least an hour extra before debarking in those cases. Also remember, the time listed isn't written in stone - weather, sea conditions and other factors can influence when, and if, the ship docks in any given port.

Correction to previous post: I understated the amount of time you have between docking and debarkation in most cases - I'd figure on an hour or more. And in some cases when you have to tender to shore, it may take quite a while, as those with early shore excursions booked thru the cruise line will probably get assigned to the earliest tenders.
Karen