We were first time cruisers and didn't know what to expect other than the multitude of information gleaned from Cruise Critic!
Firstly having just returned I have to say that I am now amazed at some of the little things that people whine about!
We had stayed in New York for three days before our cruise and also for one night after the cruise. This meant we had no timing issues. We left our Hotel, just off Times Square at just about 1 p.m.. I must admit my heart sank when I saw the hall full of people at the Terminal. However it has to be remembered that there are almost 2000 people to register and board the ship.