Swedish aviation company, OceanSky Cruises has announced that it'll be starting cruises to the North Pole onboard luxury airships starting from 2024.
If the first thing that jumps to mind is the infamous Hindenberg disaster, worry not. Today, airships are powered by the safe non-flammable gas helium. Light by their nature, airships float similar to a boat in the water, requiring less energy compared to airplanes by as much as 80 percent - making for an extremely efficient and sustainable design.
Whilst you could fly over the North Pole in a plane at vastly greater speeds, wouldn't it be far more relaxing, awe inspiring and approprate to travel at a slower pace and enjoy the views? So, it's basically a matter of choice: fly faster and contribute to aviation emissions or fly at the speed of a train on board a greener option.
OceanSky's airship is similar to a luxury yacht, comprising 8 double cabins at 100 sq ft (10 m2) that are fully equipped with large panoramic windows, bedroom / seating, a private bathroom, and a wardrobe. With large windows at the bottom of the airship that flies at low altitudes, the passengers could enjoy the amazing sceneries during the whole trip from their room or the spectacular panoramic lounge (pictured below).
And it's a long trip! The cruise starts in Svarlbard, Norway, and takes 38 hours to reach the pole, reports Interesting Engineering.
Until we have commercial electric planes that (hopefully) could go on to revolutionize the aviation industry, we could do our part in helping reduce the carbon emissions that contribute to climate change by choosing environmentally friendly options such as airships at the small price of sacrificing some time.
Fancy a slow journey to the North Pole? Find out more on OceanSky Cruises website.
