Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Summary: My cruise ended in Vancouver with early‑morning chaos, a spotless city I wish I’d explored, and a smooth airport experience that carried me toward the long journey home.
Vancouver, Canada
Today the NCL Spirit docked in Vancouver, marking the end of the cruise portion of my trip. The ship arrived at around 06:30, and after a shower and getting dressed, I headed to the buffet for breakfast. It was absolute chaos. Cruise ship buffets are never the highlight of any voyage, and on the NCL Spirit the crowds made it even less enjoyable. I grabbed a small breakfast, took some orange juice with me, and escaped to the front deck for my first proper look at Vancouver.
From the ship, the city looked modern, clean, and beautifully laid out. I immediately regretted not extending my holiday by a couple of days to explore it properly.
Leaving the NCL Spirit
Once disembarkation began, things moved quickly. I collected my suitcase, passed through immigration and customs without any issues, and was lucky enough to be helped by a staff member who directed me straight to a coach heading for the airport.
The drive through Vancouver only reinforced my first impression. The city looked immaculate, with a mix of modern buildings and scenic views. Before reaching the airport, the coach pulled into a large car park where we were supposed to be checked by security. The security officer spoke briefly to the driver and then waved us through without checking anyone.
Vancouver Airport
Inside the airport, I was impressed by how clean and well‑designed everything was. I had a few hours before check‑in opened, so I found a seating area near some bars and restaurants. I ordered something to eat and drink and was pleasantly surprised by the prices. Compared to the UK or Spain, everything felt almost cheap.
I spent the time reading my Kindle and watching people come and go. When the check‑in desk opened, I headed over with my luggage. As I approached the queue, a staff member pulled me aside and directed me to the first‑class desk, so I didn’t have to wait. The check‑in agent arranged for an electric cart to take me through security and all the way to my gate, which was a massive relief because my legs were still swollen and painful.
I had another wait before boarding, so I went to the bar next to the gate for a beer. When I returned, I was again taken through the first‑class entrance, so I didn’t have to stand in line. Once onboard the plane, I settled into my seat, opened my Kindle, and began reading.
After takeoff, I switched between films and reading. I’ve never been able to sleep on planes, so by the time we landed in Madrid, I had watched every film I wanted to see and drained most of my Kindle battery before finally plugging it in to charge.
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