OceanSky cruises: the future of luxurious, sustainable and innovative travel
The collaboration between OceanSky Cruises and Les Roches represents a significant milestone in the aviation and luxury travel industry. By combining their respective expertise in sustainable aviation and a global hospitality school, they are poised to redefine the standards of service and create a new category of experiential travel.
It is refreshing to see a leading hotel school plays such a central role in the development of premium luxury experiences. There has been so much discussion around what was perceived to be a growing gulf between operators and leading hospitality schools. Could this mark the start of a swing back in the pendulum?
At the heart of this partnership is the ambitious goal of flying and landing a large-scale airship with 16 passengers plus crew to the geographical North Pole. This groundbreaking expedition promises to provide passengers with an unparalleled level of luxury and adventure reminiscent of the golden age of airships in the 1930s. The airship’s passenger gondola will offer private cabins, en-suite bathrooms, panoramic terraces, and all the amenities expected in a luxury hotel. The inclusion of a bar, restaurant, panoramic lounge, yoga areas, and a small theatre-like lounge further adds to the extraordinary experience that awaits passengers. Passengers are told to expect a similar level of space, comfort, and service as you would receive on a luxury yacht. At the root of this innovative technology is LTA – Lighter-Than-Air technology. It uses lifting gas, such as helium, to displace weight meaning the object encompassing a lifting gas becomes more or less weightless, or even positively buoyant, depending on the design. Being neutrally buoyant means there is no requirement to produce lift to keep flying, making it very efficient.
The collaboration between Les Roches and OceanSky Cruises marks a commitment to sustainability and innovation. OceanSky Cruises' dedication to sustainable aviation is evident in their choice of airships as a mode of transportation. Airships are known for their significantly lower carbon emissions compared to traditional aircraft. By incorporating sustainable practices and technologies, OceanSky Cruises is pioneering a cleaner and more eco-friendly approach to air travel. This aligns with Les Roches' focus on promoting sustainability and responsible tourism, making the partnership a natural fit. Beyond the expedition to the North Pole, this collaboration has far-reaching implications for the aviation and luxury travel industries. By setting a new standard in service excellence, OceanSky Cruises and Les Roches aim to redefine luxury travel and inspire other industry players to follow suit. The integration of OceanSky Cruises into Les Roches' innovation sphere, SPARK, demonstrates a commitment to pushing boundaries, fostering creativity, and embracing cutting-edge technologies.
While this partnership is undoubtedly exciting, there are also challenges ahead. The logistics of flying a large-scale airship to the North Pole require meticulous planning, technological advancements, and regulatory approvals. Balancing sustainability, luxury, and safety will be crucial to the success of this venture. Additionally, the potential exclusivity of this experience may raise concerns about accessibility and affordability of this as a sustainable alternative, as it will limit its reach to a select group of affluent travellers. Nevertheless, the OceanSky Cruises and Les Roches partnership sets a new benchmark for luxury travel and service excellence in the industry. It exemplifies how collaborations between visionary companies can push boundaries, ignite innovation, and redefine what is possible in the realm of experiential luxury travel. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to witness the impact of this partnership on the future of aviation and the broader travel industry.