First look on board 77m explorer yacht following conversion by Aqua Expeditions

Milan-based studio and Viken Group brand Hot Lab has unveiled a first look at the interiors of the 77.4-metre IHC Verschure explorer yacht Aqua Lares (ex Legend) following her conversion into a luxury cruise ship by Aqua Expeditions.

The sixth vessel in the company's ocean-cruising portfolio, Aqua Lares now stands as the first "ultra-luxe expedition yacht", available to book by the cabin or for private charter across East Africa and the Norwegian Arctic.

Spanning six decks, Aqua Lares offers up to 30 guests a "superyacht experience", including personalised service, a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, "world-class" cuisine 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.

Originally a Soviet icebreaker, Aqua Lares was already primed for exploration pre-conversion, with extensive refits at Damen Ship Repair and a 2016 rebuild by Dutch yard Icon Yachts transforming her into a luxury explorer yacht. Her original exterior design was by M.E Consulting, with her interiors first penned by John Misiag, Genesis and Shelley McNaughton.

Aqua Expeditions' design director, Birgit Galli Zugaro, worked in collaboration with Hot Lab for the latest interior refit, the latter of whom cited inspiration for the new design as being from the yacht's "iconic history, which spans over 50 years."

"Aqua Lares has an extraordinary history and a very distinctive character, with elegant proportions and a timeless atmosphere that had developed over decades," co-founder and design director at Hot Lab, Enrico Lumini, explained. "The brief was not to reinvent her, but rather to restore a sense of coherence to several areas that had been modified over time and no longer reflected the yacht’s original identity."

According to Lumini, the refit revolved around reconnecting the refurbished spaces with the vessel's overall aesthetic, creating a continuous flow throughout to invite guests to "slow down". The studio opted for a contemporary scheme, using pared-back, balanced tones complemented by natural materials, rich textures and heritage touches. "Layered" lighting was also added to create a sense of warmth and sophistication.

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 spa, a sauna and a massage room found on board.

For the adventurous types, Aqua Lares carries five private tenders – three 6.5-metre Zodiacs and two 8.5-metre Rafnar Tenders – offering flexibility for off-ship exploration. She also features paddleboards, kayaks, mountain bikes and snorkelling and diving gear.

The itinerary on board Aqua Lares encompasses five-, nine-, 10- and 11-night voyages through the Seychelles, Tanzania, the Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar. During the trips, guests can experience biodiversity hotspots, as well as explore remote islands, including the African Banks. Meanwhile, in the Arctic, "expert-planned itineraries" explore Svalbard, with travellers able to witness environments with polar bears, walruses and dramatic glaciers.

As Chiara Pastore, Hot Lab's senior FF&E designer, explained, the interior has been designed for a range of climates: "The selection of materials, finishes and textiles was carefully considered to create a sense of warmth and protection in colder destinations, while maintaining a light and elegant atmosphere suitable for warmer regions."

The yacht undertook her inaugural sailing in February, after which she completed a successful first season in East Africa before heading north to Svalbard for her first Arctic season. 

Antonio Romano, commercial and marketing director of Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab, concluded: "The refit was never about making a dramatic statement; it was about carefully enhancing the yacht’s existing strengths and ensuring that her interiors are aligned with the exceptional experiences she offers her guests. We believe the result is a more cohesive, comfortable and timeless environment that will continue to serve Aqua Lares and her guests for many years to come."