Hi L,
Thanks for the advice. Update: I was able to book via AAA to the specific BF cabin which I think is PrivaSea (enclosed) with a room assigned. There was a price difference in our favor, but mostly I was hoping to get a balcony that would shield the wind on this TA. As stated, I've never been on NCL, but from my experience so far, the customer service and wait time on the phone was MUCH better than Royal! The agent was helpful, cancelled the original booking without issue, and I've already got the refund on my original downpayment. Hope this good luck carries through to the actual cruise!
Again, thank you so much for the insider knowledge!
PS: Yep...it's the Rome to NY TA