Ponant’s new ‘Blue Eye’

PONANT’S new Le Laperouse will be the world’s first cruise ship to boast a “multi-sensory underwater area”.

Titled the Blue Eye - and perhaps reminiscent of a Bond villain’s sub-sea lair - it provides an incredible vantage point for passengers to experience the surrounding marine life.

The Blue Eye lounge space has been designed to evoke the shapes of shells and jellyfish, focusing the attention of passengers on the two portholes ( pictured) which showcase the ocean around the ship.

Underwater cameras also display the sea life on large screens, while the Blue Eye features scientifically designed acoustics and a sound system enabling guests to tune into the life of the sea such as frolicking dolphins, whale song and the myriad noises of a coral reef within a 5km radius.

The experience is made even deeper through special “Body Listening sofas” which “discreetly vibrate in unison while offering unique sensory listening through corporal resonance”.

Up to 40 pax can enjoy the ambience of the Blue Eye at once, with the lounge featuring on all four of Ponant’s new ‘Explorer’ ships which are being built.

The vessels were showcased earlier this week at an event in Sydney, where Ponant Asia-Pacific chairman Sarina Bratton described the new vessels.

Two of the new ships will launch in 2018 and the others in 2019, each with 92 cabins and fully equipped for adventurous explorations across the globe.

Bratton said the strength of the Asia-Pacific market had been a key factor in convincing the cruise line’s owners to make the major investment in the ships.

Ponant kicks off its inaugural Australian season early next month, with L’Austral conducting a series of cruises in the stunning Kimberley region.

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