We sailed the Norwegian Spirit April 13 - April 19, 2008. NYC to Port Canaveral, FL to Nassau Bahamas to Grand Bahama Island to NYC.
Embarkation was good. We arrived at the Terminal early. Dropped off my Wife, Son and Mother and went to park. We had to park at a different pier then the one we sailed from. (We sailed from pier 88 and returned at pier 92). I just noted it so you are not confused if it happens to you. The place was crazy with people getting off the Spirit and us getting on. It was organized chaos so don't worry. The lines were long but it moved quickly. We boarded and had lunch at Windows. Nice lunch during which they announced the cabins where ready. We went up and got settled. We had a Balcony room aft, on Deck 10 with connecting doors to the cabin next door (my parents). This was great for us. We shut the doors for privacy but opened them mostly during the day. Makes both of the cabins seem bigger. As for the cabin, it is not huge but it worked for us. We had 3 people in ours so when the pull out bed is out it is tight. Hard to get to the balcony but we managed. Unlike some reviewers we spent some time in our cabin on sea days. (Oh how I already miss our afternoon naps) and it was a beautiful place to spend some time. I really recommend a balcony room if your budget affords. Never had one before but will in the future if possible.
Moving on, we left NYC in overcast and cool the trip down the Hudson went quick and we where on the Ocean heading south. I will note here that the sailing was not always smooth, I didn't mind it much but my wife and son did. No one in our group got sick but it was rough a few times. A little on the way south and a bit more on the way north. Remember it can happen on any cruise you just have to work around it.