Strode Wallace

In 2013 the Cunard "hotel" wanted $680 a night with a shuttle to the ship. I found that the Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Ray was only $280. Tell them it is your birthday or anniversary and they will have a nice plate of chocolate covered strawberries in your room at no extra charge. The cab ride to San Pedro is about 40 minutes. Overall savings versus the Cunard "plan" was $280.

My wife and I have found we can fly first class on Icelandair for 60% less than what the US or British carriers want. Coach on Icelandair seems to be the best deal too.

We fly Southwest to a Icelandair departure city (usually Boston) and get to use the first class lounge and have a comfortable flight to Europe. Cruise line flights to Europe have been some of the worst I have ever been on.

Apparently costs is no object for a number of posters. I found a rather inexpensive and fun way to go transatlantic is via Icelandic Air. Okay there is that stop in Reykjavik, but the coach fare is cheap and the first class (sega class) is often what US carriers want for coach.