We booked this trip through our local travel agent in Phoenix. It was our 7th cruise and our second with RCCL. Normally, we book cruises ourselves, on-line, but this was to celebrate my wife's birthday and we planned to spend a few nights in New York prior to boarding and felt it would be simpler to let a travel agent tie everything together. While it all worked out fine, I have to say it is easier to "do it yourself" online. Plus, you feel like you are in control.
We took a hired car from the Dream Hotel at 55th and Broadway in Manhattan to the Cape Liberty Pier. It was a fixed rate, got us there in plenty of time, and cost about $65. We arrived at 11:15 AM. Our luggage was promptly taken from us by a very helpful gentleman - I tipped him ten bucks for 3 pieces of luggage.
We were directed into the terminal where there was absolutely no line to check in, get our Sea Passes, and wait until boarding began at 1 PM. We made our way onboard very easily and went directly to Deck 5, where I was anxious to see the Royal Promenade. It is by far my favorite part of the ship.