Hot Lab: Soviet icebreaker becomes expedition superyacht

The Aqua Lares It was converted from a Soviet icebreaker built by the Dutch shipyard Verschure in 1974. Icon Yachts transformed the vessel into a luxury expedition yacht named Legend in 2016. Aqua Expeditions has now had the vessel refitted once again and is the first superyacht in the world to offer both single-cabin bookings and full charters. With its Class 1 icebreaker hull, the yacht sails to remote regions such as the Seychelles, Tanzania, Aldabra Atoll, Zanzibar and Spitsbergen.

Careful redesign of the interiors

Hot Lab from Milan was responsible for the interior design, working in close collaboration with Birgit Galli Zugaro, the design director at Aqua Expeditions. The original exterior design was by M.E Consulting, whilst the previous interiors were by John Misiag Design and Shelley McNaughton Interior Designs. Enrico Lumini, co-founder and Design Director at Hot Lab, explains the approach: the yacht has developed its own character over five decades. The aim was to bring the areas that had changed over the years back into harmony with the ship’s original identity, rather than reinventing everything from scratch. The designers wanted to respect the ship’s history whilst enhancing guest comfort through new materials and details.

Expedition routes across two climate zones

In East Africa, the Aqua Lares offers cruises lasting between five and eleven nights. The itineraries take guests to biodiversity hotspots and remote islands such as the African Banks, which are inaccessible to larger vessels. In the Arctic, guests explore the icy wilderness of Spitsbergen, home to polar bears, walruses and glaciers. Five tenders are available for shore excursions: three 6.5-metre-long Zodiacs and two 8.5-metre-long Rafnar tenders. There are also paddleboards, mountain bikes, kayaks, and snorkelling and diving equipment.

Choice of materials for extreme temperatures

Chiara Pastore, Senior Designer for Furniture and Interiors at Hot Lab, describes the challenge posed by different climate zones. The materials, finishes and textiles needed to convey warmth and protection in cold regions, whilst appearing light and elegant in warm areas. At the same time, they had to be hard-wearing and easy to maintain in order to retain their quality despite intensive use. The designers opted for natural materials, a variety of textures and a balanced colour palette. According to Pastore, multi-layered lighting, well-thought-out details and tactile surfaces create a homely rather than institutional atmosphere.

Also of interest:

• ​‘La Datcha’: a charter yacht between the Poles
• ​From offshore support vessel to superyacht

Facilities and services

The yacht spans six decks. The sun deck offers panoramic views and features a bar and lounge. Other facilities include a gym, an indoor dining room and an outdoor dining area, a saloon, a boutique and a cinema. The wellness facilities include two hot tubs, a spa, a sauna and a massage room. The cabins range in size from 13 to 66 square metres, including three large owner’s suites. The crew-to-guest ratio is one to one.

Interior design for social and private occasions

The furnishings cater for both group activities and moments of privacy. In the suites and cabins, the designers have opted for soft textures, high-quality fabrics and soothing colours. The public areas offer flexible seating arrangements for groups of varying sizes. Pastore emphasises that comfort was at the heart of every decision. The designers considered how guests would experience the spaces throughout the day. The aim was to create a space that is intimate, comfortable and functional.

First season successfully completed

The Aqua Lares set sail on its maiden voyage in February 2026. Following a successful season in East Africa, she sailed to Spitsbergen in the Arctic in May. Antonio Romano, Commercial and Marketing Director of the Viken Group and co-founder of Hot Lab, sees the project as a contribution to the further development of a ship with a remarkable history. The refit was not intended to make a dramatic statement, but rather to reinforce the vessel’s existing strengths and harmonise the interiors with the guests’ experiences.