So, yes that is the end of the line. I woke up early to finish packing. The ship was slightly delayed due to the medical emergency last night so I was able to see a little of Vancouver as we were docking, but it was still dark.
One last picture of the city from the ship.
There was a massive queue when they first announced self-assist could leave. I didn’t know how long the immigration formalities would take and I had changed my flight from 23:30 to 12:10, so I wanted to be away by 08:00 so I could reach the airport around 9:00 so I could relax at the airport lounge.
Luckily walking off the ship only a few minutes later was very easy.
Inside the cruise terminal the Canadian border patrol officers didn’t even want to see passports, just their silly form. Next time El Barto Simpson will be disembarking. With the Canadians only collecting their silly form it didn’t take much time at all, unlike the procedure for entering the US at the same terminal two weeks ago.
Since I explored the cruise terminal two weeks ago I knew I should take the escalator or elevator up one level so I wouldn’t need to drag my bags up hill as I remember going down hill to get to where I am now.
After leaving the terminal I took one last picture of the Jewel next to Canada Place.
I used my contactless credit card to get on the Canada Line to the airport. Of course the escalator across from the cruise terminal was broken, so I had to walk a block to get to another entrance.
It was a short 30-35 minute ride to the airport on the Canada Line. The metro was very efficient and stress-free.
I checked in for my flight at the little kiosks and it printed off my bag tag and tickets. I tried to get a better connection, but the best I could do was what I already had, arriving in Houston at 12:30 AM.
I had to wait like 30 minutes in the queue to drop my bag. All they actually did was activate the luggage tag, I had to drag it back to the scanners behind the agent.
I managed to get through security without completely emptying my bag (I did need to remove the laptops) and went to the lounge to relax.
Although I have boarding group #1 now due to forces outside my control (I hate United) I left a few minute early to make sure I didn’t have issues stowing my carry on bags.
I was lucky enough to get the exit row. When I boarded I was able to squeeze my camera bags under the seat – just barely. The aisle seats have less space to store bags.
The flight was uneventful. In fact I napped for part of it. Of course they ask if you want chocolate, pretzels or a fruit bar. Pretzels are actually a mix with rye bagel bites (good), the chocolate is quinoa covered chocolate (ick) and well who knows what the fruit bar is, but it is way to small to be called a bar.
Miraculously the flight landed on time, without the need to change tires OR brakes. I know, amazing.
I decided it wasn’t worth walking out of my way to the United club since the American Express Centurion Club was across from the Houston gate. Here you can see the selection of food offered… I think they did have some kind of chicken, but it didn’t appeal to me.
Let’s saw I was not a fan of the rolled up Prosciutto.
Finally time to board the final flight of the day. Again I was lucky to get an exit row seat.
I really wanted to, but was unable to sleep on the flight. The flight arrived on time and I didn’t have to wait forever for my bag.
I ordered an Uber and went home.
Today’s timeline:
