Ponant has unveiled a game-changing feature aboard its new class of four explorer vessels. The Blue Eye lounge will be located 2.5 meters beneath the water line and allow passengers to experience an underwater experience.

“It’s an underwater lounge, below the water line and will allow – in the spirit of taking guests further where others do not go – people to be placed in the environment through a multi-sensory experience,” said Navin Sawhney, CEO of Ponant Americas.

Jacques Rougerie, a French architect and oceanographer, is behind the design, which incorporates huge windows, underwater cameras and acoustics (microphones will pipe in sound).

“Most importantly we worked with sound engineers to bring in the sounds of the ocean to our guests when they sit in this lounge,” added Sawhney.

Ponant gets Le Lapérouse in June of 2018 followed later in the summer by Le Champlain.

In 2019, two more ships follow. All are 180-passenger Explorer-class vessels for the brand, and will expand Ponant’s fleet dramatically.