Bottom Line This is a very long review, so for those who want to skip to the bottom line, here it is - I very much enjoyed my cruise on the Gem. As noted below, there were a few minor annoyances or disappointments, but they were far outweighed by the positives.
Background My friend Linda and I are in our 50s. This was my 8th NCL cruise (15th overall), Linda's 7th NCL cruise (13th overall). We booked the Gem primarily because she's a new ship and sails out of NYC, which is very convenient for us since we both live locally.
Embarkation We arrived at the pier around 11:15 am. The process was easy and efficient. I like how they have front-loaded all of the check-in process. First, we dropped off our bags at curbside. The porter was taking our bags before we even realized it ($5 tip for 3 bags). We proceeded through the security checkpoint, which is pretty much identical to those at airports - we walked through a metal detector and carry-ons went through an x-ray machine. Minutes later, we were at a counter, establishing our onboard accounts with credit cards, having our photos taken for the ship's security database (used at ports when you disembark and reboard the ship), getting our key cards (used for shipboard purchases and as room keys), and getting issued a slip of paper with an embarkation number. Be sure to submit your Advanced Registration form (either online or through the mail) but print out a copy and take it with you at check-in just in case your data isn't entered into their system properly. Next came the embarkation photo, after which we were seated in the waiting area. There was hot chocolate and orange juice available in addition to a couple types of sheet cake. After waiting about 30 minutes, embarkation began. We were onboard a little after noon.