Wanna float around the world? Board the flying hotel

London, Feb 2 (UNI) It may remind you of 'Thunderbirds', a series of television show with the huge airships aiming to rescue people out of danger.

It is surprising to know that the show not only inspired several reel shows, but is now falling close in line with the real developments as well.

Massaud, the French company behind the 'real' venture, is heading towards creating 'Manned Cloud', a floating airship hotel which could circle the globe in about ten days.

If you are thinking of checking in for the special vacation then you would have to wait until its expected launch, which is somwhere around 2020.

Designer Jean-Marie Massaud's team has been working in association with the French National Office of Airship Research on the project since 2005.

The concept which underlines the whole 'Manned Cloud' project is that passengers can see overwhelming sites of Thailand and the Caribbean without having to stay in the same monotonous hotels as usual, said a spokesman for Massaud.

According to the designers of the Manned Cloud, the airship would offer eco-friendly holidays, however, the cost of a night on the airship, which is not yet finalised, could cost dear.

Its designers say it will gently lift 40 passengers into the sky for a peaceful voyage of the world.

700ft long, 270ft wide and 170ft deep, the airship hotel, as per its makers would produce a top speed of 105 mph and a cruising speed of 80mph, giving you an adventurous trip altogether .

The 20 bedrooms will provide the ultimate room with a view as the airship cruises at a height of 18,000 ft.

Get ready to pack your bags cause the airship hotel with a restaurant, a library, a lounge and a gym on the first deck. And 20 passenger rooms, terraces with panoramic windows, a spa and a bar room would leave no stone unturned to make your whole trip mesmerising.

Also, if you have planned a week-long stay for some ongoing event or want to be part of some ongoing festivities, it could land as well, quipped Mr Massaud.

''It will be able to travel for 3,100 miles --or across the US, but no worries, we don't need to be carrying gallons and gallons of fuel in the form of petrol or diesel, as we are looking into fuelling the airship with some form of helium gas,'' added a delighted Mr Massaud.

UNI XC AE DS1227