We left on the Norwegian Dawn from NYC on July 28, 2007. I thought embarkation went well. We stood in line for awhile, but it kept moving and once we got our keys, we were allowed on the ship. However, our room wasn't ready and we had to wait for that-carrying bags!
The ship was clean and they were always painting or doing something else to it.
The freestyle cruising was a nightmare. Nobody told us you have to make reservations for the restaurants. Oh and you have to make them around 7am for that day and the next only. If you don't call around 7am, they are full and you must in the main restaurants. Who wants to remember to call at 7am on vacation!! Once in the restaurants, the staff was not very friendly. They know they are already getting a tip from you (they are charged on your account).