If you book through a travel agent you will usually have to pick them up, or at least ask the agent to post to you.
If you book on-line you will get them through the post.
If as someone has mentioned you book last minute you get quickly made up ticket on departure.
The booklet has very brief information, no more than the brochure really. When you land you get a little more info on your transfer coach then in your cabin you will have your cruise news, destination guides, ship guides, loads of info that you don't get time to read!!
They also do a little seminar thing to talk about the ports of call, and how to do it yourself if you want to.
I would like to have all the info before I go so I can concentrate on relaxing once I am there, thats why I read holiday truth all the time