Now Marc that is an interesting question.
If the dates did not matter to you I think I would go early because it might be a let down the second week otherwise. The week before you can be "looking forward" to everyones arrival(a positive) but the week after you will be "missing everyone" (a negative). I wont be doing the pre-cruise I will just come in for the seven day trip.
Marcie good thought about Mothers day many may not want to miss that.