So I finished the game, saved after the credits, loaded that save and got the message to play NG + to save and exit to main menu to start new game. I do so, check difficulty level and tutorials off. The game starts but there is no mention of NG + when I start the game (or before) ANd nothing carries over from the previous game. I've run repair, no luck

Same with me.

There is no notification in-game. The game starts in Kaer Morhen, just like the normal game, but you cannot see your inventory yet. To check if things have transferred, press 'K' to go to your character sheet. You should see any signs and mutagens that have crossed over. I just checked... it works.

Found the problem. Apparently you are supposed to download something called free DLC. WIsh this had been clearer. Even so I had issues. I "bought" it, looked like it did a quick one second install. Still no NG +. I tried again, this time I got quite a lengthy download and was able to start NG +. Would be helpful if the ingame message when you finish advised you that a download was needed