I have to say having sailed the Norwegian Pearl last February I was super excited to get on the getaway. We booked a balcony room over a year in advance because we were so happy with the pearl. I think the getaway cruise was a slight let down for my husband and I no did not live up to out expectations.
1.). Embarkation: I personally did not see the benefit in arriving early. Other than getting there when traffic isn't as bad coming in you still have to wait in a large crowded room for hours until boarding time which for our cruise was noon. They now give you the card with the beverage package on it already so you don't have to go get the sticker as in the past,
2.). The ship itself is beautiful. We got a mid ship balcony room on level 10 and I do agree with others that balcony is small. It only would fit two people at a time and you have to move chair to get in and out and for reference I am 5'1" 120 lbs and husband in 5'9" 185lbs. The one thing I didn't like is that they now put the lifeboats right below in sight line of balcony so compared to the Pearl you cannot see the gangway and dock which I enjoy on a port day. I could not smell smoke from restaurants below. There is some noise that you hear from other cabins and above floors but it is minimal.
King bed small seating area. Bathroom was nice and room was clean. Balcony is small as mentioned above.
Went smoothly