As a stranger to NCL (been there only once before) I have to say that I found the experience simplicity itself this week when I travelled on an easyJet day trip from Bristol.
On the return in the evening the easyJet check-in was effortless before I walked upstairs to the new (?) airside lounge, which I thought quite spacious with a decent set of refreshment areas.
When my flight was due I walked down some stairs and along a fairly long corridor that had individual gate lounges off it along its length. Mine was almost at the end.
When the flight was boarded we walked down some external stairs and out to the aircraft, parked nearby. It was raining but fortunately had eased a bit by then.
I can only speak as I find.