Living in CT, I love sailing out of NYC. Hop on the train to Penn Station, get in a cab and before you know it, I'm at the Pier.
Arrived at the pier around 10:30 - just when the last of the cruisers are getting off (tip - go up to the second level to grab a cab when you get off the ship. No waiting! There is an elevator located to the right of the door that leads to the sidewalk where the buses are - the NCL folks will point you in the right direction).
Checking in went smoothly even though the place was pretty packed (so much for thinking I was alone in arriving early). The staff couldn't be friendlier.
Love cruising out of NYC. The views coming and going can't be beat and making it under the bridge is always thrilling. Seeing the sunrise over NYC on the way home is magical.