I went ahead and changed our flights to the next day, July 11, same flights through Washington leaving LHR at noon. Now we'll have time to partake of the Upper Class perks at the airport. The cruiseline said it would be safe to book a flight after 11:00 am, that we should make the airport as the ship actually docks at 5:00 am. But there is still the traffic issue that could cause a delay. And having to get up so darn early.

ecaarch: I have used biddingfortravel.com before to get a room. I was planning on it for this night in London, but it's too early. I will start researching as to what hotels tend to be used in the Paddington area. How long does the train from Paddington to LHR take? Is it an express? What terminal is VS in?