French oceanliner operator Ponant has announced the launch of the Blue Eye, an underwater lounge debuting this and next summer aboard four different Ponant Explorer vessels. Designed by French architect Jacques Rougerie, the multisensory lounge will be housed below the water line.
Clad with two glass portholes shaped like whale eyes, the venue will afford intimate glimpses into the marine life just beyond the glass. Walls will be outfitted with digital screens showcasing footage from three of the ship’s live underwater cameras, while natural underwater sounds will set the mood. Innovative “body listening sofas” will gently vibrate in unison with the acoustic effects.
Ponant is also expected to double its portfolio of ships by summer 2018 with the launch of two new explorers—Le Lapérouse and Le Champlain. Two additional 92-cabin ships, Le Bougainville and Le Durmont-d’Urville, will join the fleet in 2019.
