The cheap travel hack better than first class

If you've got the time, luxury cruises can be cheaper than flying business class.

What if we told you there was a way to get to a destination that’s even better than business or first class on a plane? It was when I was booking a flight from Melbourne to Sydney and contemplated upgrading with points that I realised there is a better option. Imagine that same experience; attentive service, white-tablecloth dining, Champagne and comfort spread out over three days instead of 90 minutes, with added extras. If you have the luxury of time and need to get to a destination, a one-way cruise is the way to travel. And, it’s cheaper than flying.

A three-night cruise from Melbourne to Sydney aboard Cunard’s MS Queen Elizabeth, departing January 12, 2024, for example, is priced from $599. That same route via business class on the same date comes in at $782 on Qantas. Sure, the flight would be comfortable, but on the Cunard cruise every whim is indulged and each crew member has been meticulously trained at the company’s school, White Star Academy. Cruisers will be served by white-gloved waiters during afternoon tea in the Queens Room daily. And there’s the opportunity to don your best for the gala evening when the ship transforms with a flurry of decorations, signature dining menus, specialty cocktails and entertainment. Add to this the chance to explore Eden’s beaches along the way, to wake up to a glorious view of the ocean and, on the final day, Sydney Harbour.

Those with a little more time up their sleeves could look into one-way cruises from farther afield. Right now, a flotilla of what’s known as repositioning cruises is headed our way. These one-way sailings, where the ship is relocating from another country, tend to be cheaper (and less crowded) than return cruises. Need to be in Perth for Christmas? Go via Singapore. This season, the Azamara Cruises Azamara Journey will sail for nine nights from December 12 from Singapore to Fremantle, taking in Bali and Geraldton along the way. It’s priced from just $1510. A Singapore Airlines one-way business class fare from Singapore to Perth on the same day begins at $3514. On-board the 690-passenger vessel, there are seven restaurants, cafes and lounges to choose from, the new Sanctum Spa and a range of nightly entertainment.

Another option for a one-way cruise from Singapore is Celebrity Cruises 14-night sailing to Sydney on the billion-dollar Celebrity Edge on November 25. Not only will you be the first in our region to sail on this cutting-edge ship as she debuts here, you’ll get to enjoy port stops in Bali, Darwin, Cairns and Airlie Beach before arriving in Sydney on December 9. The cost? From $2653. A business class flight from Singapore to Sydney on Singapore Airlines leaving on November 25 starts at $4512. (Flights priced on webjet.com.au and correct at the time of writing.)

Originally published as The cheap travel hack better than first class