SkyRide is an elevated human-powered monorail system invented by Scott Olson. Users sit in a capsule suspended from a rail and pedal or row, depending on which model being used. Scott created it for fitness, recreation and transportation. It’s accessible to people of all ages and all physical abilities—there is an Electric Assist when needed. Also, it can be used in any weather, day or night, and the flexible track can be configured for any landscape. Scott envisions SkyClubs with a pay-as-you-go format and direct-to-consumer sales, as well as SkyRides at ski resorts, adventure parks, facilities with large campuses and in cities as inexpensive transportation. At that time, he had only the prototype that was in his backyard.
The sharks were not overly interested until Scott shocked them that he invented roller blades. Much as they tried, Scott would not tell them how much he had made off of the roller blades. (But notice he has a backyard big enough for a SkyRide!)
Regardless of his successful history, the sharks passed on investing. After Shark Tank, Scott made a deal with Carnival Cruises, and SkyRide, an 800-foot track 150 feet above the sea, is a major attraction on some of their lines. Passengers can safely exercise while experiencing thrilling ocean views.
Carnival is convinced that there are guests who book a particular line primarily for the SkyRide and that the SkyRide had a lot to do with the Panorama line being voted as “Best New Cruise Ship” by Cruise Hive, an e-magazine dedicated to cruise news. Cruise Hive also selected SkyRide as “Best Feature on a Cruise Ship” in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.
