77m explorer yacht Legend converted to luxury cruise ship by Aqua Expeditions

The 77.4-metre IHC Verschure explorer yacht Legend is being converted into a luxury cruise ship by Aqua Expeditions, part of the Ponant Explorations Group. The sixth vessel in the company's ocean-cruising portfolio, Legend – now known as Aqua Lares – will be the first "ultra-luxe expedition yacht" available to book by the cabin in the Seychelles. She is also still available for private charter.

Spanning six decks, Aqua Lares will offer up to 30 guests a "superyacht experience", including personalised service, a 1:1 crew to guest ratio, cuisine by "world-renowned chefs" and expert-led excursions in small groups. With a volume of 2,400GT, cabins range from 13 to 66 square metres, including three generous owner's suites.

The interior refit is being led by Aqua Expeditions' design director Birgit Galli Zugaro in collaboration with Milan-based studio Hot Lab. Originally a Soviet icebreaker, Legend is already primed for exploration, with a 2016 rebuild by Dutch yard Icon Yachts transforming her into a luxury explorer yacht. Her refreshed social spaces include a panoramic sundeck with a bar and lounge, a cinema, boutique, gym, saloon, indoor dining room and a shaded outdoor dining area. 

Wellness is also a major focus for Aqua Expeditions, with two Jacuzzis, a sauna massage room and spa found on board.

For the adventurous types, Aqua Lares will carry five private tenders – three 6.5-metre Zodiacs and two 8.5-metre Rafnar Tenders – offering flexibility for off-ship exploration. She will also be outfitted with paddle boards, kayaks, mountain bikes and snorkelling and diving gear.

The itinerary will encompass five-, nine-, 10- and 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, Tanzania, the Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar. The five-night itinerary will explore the Seychelles’ inner islands, including Praslin and La Digue, while 11 nights will involve a greater diversity of experiences, from swimming in Astove – home to the four-mile-long Astove Wall, often described as an "underwater Grand Canyon" – to exploring ancient trade routes and Swahili-Arabian heritage on islands like Pemba.

"The launch of Aqua Lares marks an exciting new chapter for Aqua Expeditions, uniting our commitment to luxury exploration with the thrill of discovering uncharted frontiers," said Aqua Expeditions founder and CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. "East Africa has held a special place in my heart since my first safari at age seven, and it’s surreal to now return with our own expedition yacht. This region offers a rare kind of adventure, and one that perfectly complements our voyages in the Galapagos and Indonesia."

The official launch of Aqua Lares is scheduled for 2026. Rates start at $9,000 per person for a five-night itinerary, based on double occupancy. Private charters start at $385,000 for five nights.