Travelling gives us the opportunity to discover the world in all its facets. In doing so, we encounter impressive superlatives, whether in the air or on the water. Here we look at some of the most remarkable extreme cases in the travel industry: the shortest and longest flights, the smallest and largest cruise ships, and the largest and smallest passenger aircraft.
The shortest and longest flight route
Shortest flight route:
The shortest commercial flight in the world is operated by Loganair and connects the Scottish islands of Westray and Papa Westray. The flight distance is just 2.7 kilometers and the flight time is approximately two minutes. In favorable wind conditions, the flight can even be completed in less than a minute. This flight is not only convenient, but also a popular experience for aviation enthusiasts.
Longest flight distance:
The longest non-stop flight route in the world was operated by Singapore Airlines until 2022 and connects Singapore with Newark in the USA. The route measures around 15,344 kilometers and the flight time is around 18 hours and 30 minutes. This flight offers passengers the opportunity to reach two far-flung metropolises without a stopover, which represents an immense time saving.
The smallest and largest cruise ship
Smallest cruise ship:
The smallest cruise ship in the world is the "Le Ponant", a three-masted sailing ship belonging to the French shipping company Ponant. With a length of 88 meters and a capacity of only 64 passengers, it offers an intimate and luxurious travel experience. On board, guests can enjoy a personal atmosphere and exclusive routes that larger ships often cannot travel.
Largest cruise ship:
The largest cruise ship in the world is currently Royal Caribbean's "Wonder of the Seas". With a length of 362 meters and a capacity of around 6,988 passengers, this ship is a floating resort. There are numerous entertainment options on board, from water slides and climbing walls to theaters and shopping centers. The "Wonder of the Seas" offers a travel experience that is hard to beat in terms of variety.
The largest and smallest passenger aircraft
Largest passenger aircraft:
The largest passenger aircraft in the world is the Airbus A380. This double-deck aircraft can carry up to 555 passengers in a typical three-class seating arrangement, and up to 853 in a maximum configuration. The A380 is known for its spacious interior, which offers passengers more comfort and amenities. Despite its impressive size, the A380 can fly quietly and efficiently thanks to its modern technology.
Smallest passenger aircraft:
One of the smallest commercial passenger aircraft is the Cessna 208 Caravan. This single-engine aircraft can accommodate up to 14 passengers and is often used on short regional and charter routes. The Cessna 208 is known for its reliability and versatility and can also take off and land on short and unpaved runways.
Other notable examples
The highest flight:
The highest commercial flight is held by the Concorde, which flew at an altitude of about 18,300 meters during the 1970s to 2000s. The Concorde was famous for its supersonic speed and its ability to complete the Atlantic route in under four hours.
The deepest underwater hotel:
The deepest underwater hotel is Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida. Located approximately 6.4 meters below the ocean surface, it offers guests the unique opportunity to stay in a real underwater laboratory. Originally designed as a research station, it has been converted into a hotel and offers an unparalleled experience for adventurers.
Travel is full of fascinating extremes and impressive technologies that allow us to discover the world in ever new ways. Whether in the air, on the water or even underwater - the possibilities are almost endless.