Aqua Lares Gets a New Interior Chapter

Originally built in 1974 by Verschure, Aqua Lares began life as a Soviet icebreaker before undergoing an extensive rebuild by Icon Yachts in 2016 that transformed her into a luxury explorer. Courtesy Aqua Expeditions

A yacht with a history as an icebreaker and global explorer has a distinctive story to tell. For Aqua Lares, the 254-foot former Legend, the latest chapter is about refining the onboard experience without losing sight of the vessel’s rugged past.

Milan-based design studio Hot Lab, part of the Viken Group, led the interior design for the yacht’s recent refit, working closely with Aqua Expeditions Design Director Birgit Galli Zugaro. Rather than reinventing the interiors, the team focused on bringing greater cohesion to spaces modified over the years, reconnecting them with the yacht’s established character while introducing updated materials, detailing and comfort.

Originally built in 1974 by Verschure, Aqua Lares began life as a Soviet icebreaker before undergoing an extensive rebuild by Icon Yachts in 2016 that transformed her into a luxury explorer. Her Class 1 icebreaker hull supported expeditions to remote destinations including Antarctica and Svalbard, establishing a reputation that now underpins her work with Aqua Expeditions.

The Hot Lab-designed interiors are intended to feel comfortable in colder Arctic destinations without losing their light, relaxed character in warmer waters. Courtesy Aqua Expeditions

For Hot Lab, that history informed the design approach. Natural materials, rich textures and a balanced color palette give the interiors a residential character, while layered lighting and tactile finishes help create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Furniture arrangements accommodate both social gatherings and quieter moments, and the selection of fabrics and finishes reflects the yacht’s varied operating environments. The interiors are intended to feel comfortable in colder Arctic destinations without losing their light, relaxed character in warmer waters. Durability and ease of maintenance were also key considerations.

The result is an interior scheme designed to complement the yacht’s expedition capabilities rather than compete with them. Across six decks, guests have access to a panoramic sundeck with a bar and lounge, indoor and shaded outdoor dining areas, a saloon, cinema, boutique and gym. The wellness facilities include two Jacuzzis, a spa, sauna and massage room.

Across six decks, guests have access to a panoramic sundeck with a bar and lounge, indoor and shaded outdoor dining areas, a saloon, cinema, boutique and gym. Courtesy Aqua Expeditions

Accommodations range from 140 to 710 square feet, including three owner’s suites. Aqua Lares also brings a high level of personalized service to her itineraries, with a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, onboard cuisine and expert-led small-group excursions.

The yacht operates in two very different regions. In East Africa, itineraries take in the Seychelles, Tanzania, the Aldabra Atoll and Zanzibar, with opportunities to explore remote islands and biodiversity-rich waters, including areas that can be difficult for larger vessels to reach. In the Norwegian Arctic, expeditions around Svalbard offer access to icy wilderness, glaciers and wildlife such as polar bears and walruses.

In the Norwegian Arctic, expeditions around Svalbard offer access to icy wilderness, glaciers and wildlife such as polar bears and walruses. Courtesy Aqua Expeditions

Five private tenders support those excursions: three 21-foot Zodiacs and two 28-foot Rafnar tenders. Paddleboards, mountain bikes, kayaks, snorkeling equipment and dive gear provide additional ways for guests to explore beyond the mothership.

Aqua Lares is also distinctive in how guests can book her. As the sixth addition to the Aqua Expeditions fleet, she offers both individual cabin bookings and private charters, bringing an expedition-yacht experience to travelers who may not be seeking an entire vessel. She completed her inaugural sailing in February 2026, followed by an East African season before heading north for her first Arctic season in May.

Five private tenders support those excursions: three 21-foot Zodiacs and two 28-foot Rafnar tenders. Paddleboards, mountain bikes, kayaks, snorkeling equipment and dive gear provide additional ways for guests to explore beyond the mothership. Courtesy Aqua Expeditions

With the refit, Hot Lab has taken a measured approach to a yacht whose identity was established long before her latest transformation. The updated interiors bring greater consistency and a contemporary sense of comfort to a vessel designed to travel far beyond the usual cruising grounds. For Aqua Lares, the aim is not to soften the explorer spirit, but to make the experience of reaching remote corners of the world feel all the more inviting.

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