Other companies (TMM) OFFER a sleep aboard PRIOR to the start of your charter , which is typically about 50% of the daily rate. This actually saves $ compared to 3-4 hotel rooms and allows getting provisioned/settled in with departing the docks before noon for most people.
But DMcGuire, you are saying that the first day is shortened by 5 hours or more.
I understand why you would look for other options .