The Blue Eye: Lessons Between Stillness and Spectacle Beneath the Waves.
- Chloe Hambidge
- May 4
- 3 min read
Written & Experienced by Chloe Hambidge
Hidden down in the murky depths of the North Sea- a foreign and unforgiving ecosystem of brash waves and gloomy waters, lies a little glowing treasure. A beacon of beauty spilling into the sea, opening itself up like a prized show pearl.
Welcomed by neon cursive, an unwavering sign labelled The Blue Eye was the only signal I needed to know I had found what I was searching for. Travelling to the sublevels of Le Champlain, I was on the hunt for a nightcap like no other, and a glimpse of a distant underworld utopia. And deliver, this space most certainly did.
Innovation is at the heart of this idea, yet despite its newness, I felt instantly at ease. Designed as a multi-sensory meditative moment, the interiors bathed in varying shades of blue; I felt swallowed by the sea’s lull.
Adorned with pristine sofas facing the open slit of a window, I was introduced to a whole new meaning of the phrase watching the world go by. Before fusing my eyes to whatever wonders were waiting beyond the observation window, I was first drawn into the beauty of the space itself. A soirée of the senses, the sofas emit light vibrations to guide you through your journey, while surround sound speakers drift you into a state of serenity. The walls are adorned with animations of languid jellyfish and slow-moving fish, illuminated by flickering candles and a fully stocked bar.
I first dipped my toe into the vessel’s waterline through a 20-minute mindfulness session, created through gentle music and a specialist talking me into an invigorating state of relaxation, teaching the valuable lesson of bookmarking the present. Hyperaware of my place of quietude under the waves, I saw the cruise line’s vision clearly: The Blue Eye stares openly at wellness and seeking solace at sea, but it also winks flirtatiously at evening antics…
With sunset comes a calmer current (depending on your sailing, of course), a drag that by night The Blue Eye has no time for. Taking an upbeat turn, the line hosts a variety of musical festivities, making the most of those surround sound speakers. Icons from ABBA to Queen featured in the line-up during my stint onboard, and my attendance at these evening events were one of my favourite pastimes. Cocooned by this spot’s glow, it becomes a sensuous space to enjoy a drink or two with fellow sailors. It can make for an evening of dancing, drinking, and deliriously searching for underwater life.
I was transfixed by this lounge concept. Dynamic as it is brilliant, I experienced its diversity in balance. A space reserved for moments of silence as well as alcohol may seem like juxtaposing ideals, yet it ticks along like clockwork.
Bars may be traversed by many as a means of escape; The Blue Eye is no different. This space feels a world away, cheersing to the joys of exploration while leaving room for a quiet nook in which to appreciate it all.
Exploration opportunities on these Explorer-class ships are immeasurable, especially with Ponant’s dedication to sustainability. Just for an example: the renowned glow found in The Blue Eye is emitted through non-intrusive lights, making this a cove of pleasant observation from humans into local ecosystems, with no long-lasting harm to the environment.
Offering uncapped itineraries across the globe, simply choose your ocean, your tipple of choice, and gain a whole new perspective on cruising (and life) with The Blue Eye, exclusive to Ponant.
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