This cruise was a warm weather getaway for us and the first on a ship of this size. We went into it knowing that NCL charges extra for access to certain areas of the ship. We decided to not take part in those areas. Overall, we had a great cruise, we just learned to go with the flow and not have expectations that were too high. I don't believe it was because of a lack of trying, but more as if the ship was short-staffed.
We drove to the cruise port and arrived at the parking lot at 9:15. Being a Sunday morning, there wasn't any traffic and there were only two cars in front of us paying at the gate ($40/day pre-paid) with plenty of spaces open. Just a short walk to the elevator and to the porters who took our bags. We waited inside for security to begin scanning people around 10. We were checked in by 10:15 and sitting in the waiting area to get onboard at noon.
Once onboard we decided to skip the main buffet and instead we went to the Moderno restaurant in the aft of the ship. They offered a (free) small buffet in a quiet setting, we got seats in the back next to the aft windows.
This cabin configuration has the sofa nearest to the closet. I think if the bed were closest we would have had trouble accessing our belongings. The balcony was sufficient for the two chairs and the small table, but you can't stretch out your legs comfortably. You have the cover of a restaurant below that extends from your floor, but it doesn't distract from your view other than you can't look down directly into the water. The balcony door has a decent seal, but sometimes there is section of the gasket that could be tighter depending on how you close it. If you jam a tissue in there it is fine. I found the bed to be very comfortable! The air conditioning/heat blows directly on the bed, so it can feel a bit drafty during the night.
Sunday morning 9am arrival, no traffic and no waiting in line at the parking garage. Plenty of spaces.