I am a very experienced cruiser having been on at least 15 cruises over the past decade. My family and I went on the Epic last year and had a great experience and going on the Gem was the second cruise with NCL.
We left from Manhattan and found getting to the terminal and parking was really very easy. The signs are great and tip I have for all of you is to print out the coupons online to save you 20% off parking for the week. When you park onsite, all you have to do is take the elevators and not cross any street with all your luggage.
I was surprised at the long lines for Latitudes members to check in. It seemed like the line was the same as the first timers. Check in was a little disorganized and took longer than what I am used to cruising out of Florida.
Port side and very close to the elevators. A little loud